Itinerary

Day 1 Quito

QuitoisEcuador’s capital and has a setting of great natural beauty, overshadowed by the volcano Pichincha with its twin peaks of Ruco and Guagua.Quitois located at 2850m (9348 ft) above sea level, so some visitors may suffer from altitude sickness during the first hours after arrival. The city has preserved much of its Spanish colonial character, the cathedral in the Plaza de la Independencia (the oldest church inSouth America) and the many old churches and monasteries being among the most notable instances. Also in the plaza are theMunicipalPalace, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Palacio Presidencial. Many of the city’s famous churches and monasteries contain priceless examples of Spanish art and sculpture, particularly the Monasterio deSan Franciscoand the JesuitchurchofLa Compañía. Most ofQuito’s colonial churches are located in theOldTown, parts of which have been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locating your vehicle.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver.

The Hotel Patio Andaluz Quito, located in the heart of historic “Quito Antiguo” and surrounded by churches, museums and national monuments, was declared Cultural Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO in 1978. The Hotel is an official National Treasure and holds centuries of history within its walls. It was part of the original Solaris (original building sites) that constituted the City of San Francisco of Quito at the time of its foundation. The hotel has a maximum capacity of a 63 guests with only 32 suites, and has fully equipped amenities throughout the hotel without sacrificing  its traditional colonial style.

Overnight at Patio Andaluz.

Day 2 Galapagos

Baltra is a small flat island located near the center of the Galapagos. The island is very arid and vegetation consists of salt bushes, prickly pear cactus and palo santo trees. The Baltra airport was originally constructed by theU.S.military during World War II as a base to protect thePanama Canalfrom enemy attack. It is linked by bridge to Santa Cruz Island. It is the main airport for arrivals and departures from the Galapagos.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver.

Take your flight from Quito to Galapagos via Guayaquil today. The flight duration is approximately 4 hour.

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands. After this, a guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbor and then on board your cruise ship.

The $100 entrance fee to theGalapagos IslandsParkand the $10 Tourist card are included in your booking. Please note that the itinerary is a guide only -  the route and program vary according to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety precautions and wildlife encounters.

A fuel surcharge is applicable to all vessels cruising in the Galapagos. This surcharge is included in your booking.

Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. Learn about vital preservation work being done at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Then, head up into the highlands to roam the moss-draped landscape where wild giant tortoises forage.

Crossing through threads of hundreds of stunning volcanic islands, theGalapagos Islandspromise some of the world's most incredible views and sights from the comfort of First Class Yachts, the Coral I and Coral II. The Coral I offers 18 cabins, while the Coral II offers 11, both providing a very intimate and private atmosphere. Rooms come with air conditioning and private bathrooms. Meals are served in the yacht restaurant or on deck, with a broad range of international, barbecue and South American cuisine. Spend time in the Jacuzzi or at the library. Watch from the deck for whales and dolphins, sea lions, tortoises, iguanas, birds, cacti and unique vegetation.

3N/4D Departs Sundays

4N/5D Departs Wednesdays

7N/8D Departs Sunday/Wednesday

Overnight at Coral I & II.

Day 3 Galapagos

After a dry landing at Suarez Point, you will learn about the lava terrain while crossing the inactive lava fields. In addition to the Sea Lion colonies, this is also one of the most important sites for bird watching. You will see such species as the hooded mocking bird, red billed tropic bird, Galapagos dove and swallow-tailed gull. There are also lava lizards, colorful sally lightfoot crabs and colonies of marine iguanas and masked and blue-footed boobies. Nesting grounds sometimes overlap the trail. This island also has the world’s largest colony of waved albatross (approx. 15,000). If you are lucky, you will be able to observe their mating ritual. Before leaving the island, you will visit the famous blowhole, which shoots water into the air at almost 75 feet.

Wet landing atGardnerBayon a white coral beach, amidst a large colony of sea lions. In this open area you can spot many species of birds, such as Galapagos hawks, oyster catchers, Galapagos doves, hood mockingbirds and yellow warblers, as well as marine iguanas and lava lizards. The bay is a great area for snorkeling and swimming.

Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship.

Overnight at Coral I & II.

Day 4 Galapagos

Wet landing on a green sand beach at Cormorant Point, followed by a hike on well-marked trail to a large, brackish lagoon. Here you will see one of the biggest populations of flamingos in the islands. Novice snorkelers can practice back on the main beach where the sea lions are playful, while experienced snorkelers can roam the waters around Devils Crown.

Wet landing at the historical Post Office Bay to learn about the human side of the islands, its early inhabitants and the adventures of pirates and whalers. There is an old barrel adorned with a variety of signs pointing the direction and giving the distance to places all over the world. It is here that early settlers or visitors would leave their mail in hopes that someone going in the right direction might take their mail and deliver it or pass it on. A short walk from the famous barrel takes you to a tunnel formed by lava flows. Down a tricky path you can observeDarwin’s finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, yellow warblers and lava lizards.

Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship.

Overnight at Coral I & II.

Day 5 Lima

Limais situated halfway alongPeru’s desert coastline, literally stuck between the desert and the deep blue sea. The valley was once dominated by hundreds of pre-Inca temples and palaces. Pizarro chose the palace of local chief Taurí Chusko as the site of the city’s inauguration on January 6, 1535, and thus beganLima’s colonial history, reflected in the opulent mansions with Moorish latticed wooden balconies that graceLima’s plazas. The main square, Plaza de Armas, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with paths, gardens and an elegant bronze fountain. Surrounding the main plaza are the Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, the Town Hall and the impressive Palacio de Gobierno (GovernmentPalace). Cultural attractions aside, areas such as Barranco, Miraflores andSan Isidrohave much to offer the visitor in the way of shopping, restaurants and nightlife.

Visit toNorth Seymourislands: After a dry landing, you will see swallow-tailed gulls and sea lions. This site is known as a major nesting colony for blue-footed boobies, and it has the largest colony of the magnificent frigate bird (a different species from the great frigate bird). Here you will also be able to see both endemic species of iguanas, the marine iguanas and the land iguanas.

Transfer by bus acrossSanta Cruz Islandand a short ferry ride to Baltra. Transfer to the airport to take the flight back to Continental Ecuador.

Fly from Galapagos to Quito via Guayaquil on Aerogal. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours.

Departure tax is not included in the tour price ($44.30 per person).

Fly directly from Quito, Ecuador to Lima, Peru on LAN Airlines. Flights are subject to availability. Total flight time is approximately 2 hours 15min.

Includes airport transfer with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative.

Conveniently located right beside theJorgeChavezAirportinLima, the Ramada Costa del Sol is a great choice for travelers. The 130 guest rooms include mini bars and climate control, so that one may feel practically at home. Breakfast offers a lovely range of options, with all the necessities required to start the day off. Also try the hotel restaurants, which feature items from across the world. For those who want to do some sightseeing, the Limas Cathedral and Larcomar shopping center and entertainment complex are not far from the hotel. Otherwise, spend some time using the sauna and massage services, which will guarantee a relaxing trip.

Overnight at Ramada Costa Del Sol.

Day 6 Cusco

Cuscowas the former capital of the Inca Empire (founded AD 1100). The city today is a fascinating mix of Inca and colonial Spanish architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983. Almost every central street has remnants of Inca walls, arches and doorways that serve as the foundation for the colonial and modern buildings. Narrow alleys of whitewashed houses with sky-blue and bottle-green shutters open out onto elegant squares with stone-hewn fountains and elegant restaurants and posadas (inns). Colorful murals depicting historical scenes can be seen on countless walls, and indigenous women with braids and embroidered shawls set up makeshift stalls selling woven blankets and handmade crafts and jewelry. The elegant Plaza de Armas, or main square, is lined with arcades and houses with ornately carved wooden balconies and terracotta tiled roofs.

Includes airport transfer with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative.

Fly from Lima to Cusco. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Flight times are subject to change based on availability and seasonality.

Our local representative will meet you for an airport transfer, with private vehicle and professional driver .

Take the afternoon to rest at your hotel so as to allow your body to acclimatize. Try to minimize physical activity to avoid the effects of altitude sickness.

The Casa Andina Private Collection in Cusco is a beautifully renovated 18th-century manor house, just 3 blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, replete with authentic colonial character. It offers the intimacy of a boutique hotel but the comforts and services of a much larger property.

Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection.

Day 7 Cusco

Enjoy a full day private excursion to theSacredValleywith your own private vehicle, driver and English speaking guide. Traveling north ofCusco, enjoy a visit to Ollantaytambo, a fortress built during the Inca Empire that is an excellent example of military architecture. Enjoy a buffet lunch (included) at a restaurant. Afterwards, visit thevillageofPisacand attend the local agricultural open-market where artisans from all over the area congregate to sell their crafts.

Includes tourist ticket and entrance fees.

Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection.

Day 8 Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes is the colloquial name forMachu Picchupueblo, a town on theUrubambaRiverinPeru. It is best known as the closest town to the tourist attractionMachu Picchu, which is 6 km away, about a 1.5 hour walk. It has many hotels and restaurants for tourists, as well as natural hot baths, which give the town its name ("hot waters" in Spanish). The hydro electric plant about 8 km past Aguas Calientes is the end of the train line fromCusco. A few trains leave Cusco each morning to transport tourists from Cusco to Aguas Calientes to visitMachu Picchu; they are also used by local residents.

Includes transfer to/from the train station with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative.

Once you get to the train station together with your guide, you will board the Vistadome train for a 6:05am* departure to the ancient ruins at Machu Picchu (train ride is 4 hrs). The journey begins with a series of switchbacks, known appropriately as the 'zigzag', up the hill out of Cusco, before a brief stop at the village of Poroy. The train then descends from the highest point of the journey into the Sacred Valley and the foothills of the Andes. Before reaching Machu Picchu, the train travels along the Urubamba River, with awe-inspiring views of the dramatic canyon.

*Note: train times and schedules may vary based on availability.
When you board the train to visit Machu Picchu with overnight, bring only a small bag with you. Due to limited storage space on the train, passengers are asked to bring only one small piece of luggage. The rest of your luggage will be stored safely at your hotel and returned to you either in Cuzco or Sacred Valley.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will board the bus (shared service) up to Machu Picchu. The bus ride takes 30 minutes and once you get there you will enjoy a private guided tour of Machu Picchu. The Inca Citadel lies between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu (“Young Peak” and “Old Peak”). The Inca Pachacutec built the Citadel using sharp stone blocks, fitted together perfectly. Houses, temples, a public square are all connected by narrow roads and steps cut into the mountainside. There are many theories as to the purpose of Machu Picchu; a temple to the sun? A fortress against jungle inhabitants? A sanctuary for the Incas? The mysterious lost city awaits you!

After the tour, enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge. Afterwards, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes.

The new luxury accommodations at Sumaq Hotel inMachu Picchuare remarkable, with unparalleled natural surroundings and solitude. The 60 rooms offer stunning views of the river flowing below, as well as private balconies. Enjoy high-quality toiletries and bath products. The hotel's considerate staffs are willing to go to all lengths to ensure guests are pleased with their stay. Chefs whip up mouth-watering cuisine, with ingredients and methods taken from across the world. Local specialties are also available. Test out the hotel spa, or take a short walk to the train station, where more restaurants and markets are available.

Overnight at Sumaq Hotel.

Day 9 Cusco

For your convenience the bus ticket between Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is provided.

The entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is provided for your convenience.

For your convenience, the entrance fee for the hike to Wayna Picchu is included. There are two start times to do this: 7am and 10am. When booking your trip please specify which time you prefer.

The eternal guardian of the Sanctuary, Wayna Picchu (meaning “YoungMountain’ in Quechua) towers over the Incan city, and an amazing view can be appreciated from the top. The route to the top of the mountain is treacherous, with very narrow pathways, and to conquer the summit is truly a rewarding experience! Along the route and at the top of the mountain are sacred structures and eye-catching terraces, built right against the slope’s edge. Depending on each person's hiking pace, this activity may take up to 3 hours. This activity is on your own; please speak to your sales agent about organizing a guide to accompany you.

Return toCuscoon the Vistadome train. Departs from Aguas Calientes at 3:25pm* and takes 4 hours to return toCusco. Snacks are served on board.*Note train times and schedules may vary based on availability.

Includes transfer to/from the train station with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative.

The Casa Andina Private Collection in Cusco is a beautifully renovated 18th-century manor house, just 3 blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, replete with authentic colonial character. It offers the intimacy of a boutique hotel but the comforts and services of a much larger property.

Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection.

Day 10 Lima

Our local representative will meet you for an airport transfer, with private vehicle and professional driver .

Direct flight from Cusco to Lima. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes.

Your English speaking guide will pick you up at the airport or hotel, with a private vehicle for a half-day tour. The tour of Colonial and Modern Lima will pass by monuments including the GovernmentPalace, City Hall and the Cathedral at Plaza Mayor (closed on Sundays). Visit a 17th-century San Francisco Convent. Take a brief tour of the modern districts ofSan Isidro and Miraflores with magnificent views of thePacific Ocean. Drop off at the airport or your hotel.

Includes assistance at the airport with a local representative in between flight connections or to a hotel located right at the airport.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).

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