OVERVIEW

DAY BY DAY

ROUTE

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrival to Lima

Upon arrival to Peru you will have a transfer to your hotel to rest for the night.

Overnight: Miraflores Park Hotel

DAY 2

Arrival to Cusco and the Sacred Valley

Early in the morning you will have a transfer to the Lima Airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival you will drive down to the Urubamba Valley where you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Peruvian Andes. You will get close to the South American Camelids and see the handicrafts made of yarn by the local people; its dyeing, spinning, and weaving process in the Pisac market. If time permits you can visit the ruins.

Overnight: Hotel Rio Sagrado

DAY 3

Pottery Workshop and Visit Ollantaytambo Ruins and Village

After breakfast you will depart to the Seminario’s Ceramics Workshop and will have the opportunity to observe and learn about their work. Then you will visit Ollantaytambo ruins, an Inca settlement of sacred value that was not destroyed by the Conquistadores.

Overnight: Hotel Rio Sagrado

DAY 4

Machu Picchu

Wander around in this ancient city. For some historians, Machu Picchu was a sacred place, isolated from most of the common people, where only the virgins of the sun could live. The Inca Emperor would go there occasionally for special celebrations or for a retreat. According to other historians and more recent theory, Machu Picchu was an Agricultural University for the Incas.

You will have an expert guide at disposition.

Overnight: Sanctuary Lodge

DAY 5

The Sacred Valley Back to Cusco

In the morning you will depart towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

The first stop will be the Salt Mines of Maras where this mineral is collected in terraces, very much like the agricultural terraces of the Incas.

Then you will continue to the Moray Archaeological Site for a short stop. This place offers a view of circular terraces arranged like an amphitheater, where the Incas had agricultural experiments. Each terrace has a different climate: you can observe the tropics on the lowest terrace and the tundra on the highest one.

The last stop will be the small Inca City of Chincheros, a village that is still occupied by the native people of the area. They keep their traditions and way of living with pride.

Overnight: Hotel Monasterio

DAY 6

Cusco City Tour

In the morning you will have a city tour of Cusco where you can appreciate the mixed Incan and Colonial, of Spanish Influence, architecture.

Then you will head to Coricancha, the main church of the city of Cusco. An imposing architectural edifice owned by the Dominican order, who built their monastery on and around the Incan temples of the moon and the sun.

Later this same day you will go to Sacsayhuaman, a huge ancient fortress which dominates the city and may have been Cusco’s main fortification. It sits on a hill with an excellent overview of the city of Cusco.

Overnight: Hotel Monasterio

DAY 7

Flight to Quito

Upon arrival to Quito you will have a private transfer to your hotel (close to the airport) for a night of rest for your trip to Galapagos in the morning.

Overnight: Wyndham Hotel

DAY 8

Galapagos Cruise on Board the Cormorant

Early in the morning you will have a transfer to the airport for your flight to Galapagos. Upon arrival to Baltra you will have the assistance from the Naturalist guide of the Cormorant.

In the afternoon you will visit Los Gemelos, twin craters created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. You will also visit a nearby ranch where you can walk along a path, observing the hills, ferns, volcanoes, and rich wildlife. This area is home for giant tortoises, forest, mockingbirds and Darwin finches.

Overnight: The Cormorant

DAY 9

Isabela Island - Tintoreras and the Wetlands

You will visit the Tintoreras Islet. This site is located a short distance from Puerto Villamil (Isabela’s capital) and is the home to a great variety of wildlife. Its turquoise, crystalline waters are inhabited by White-Tipped Reef Sharks, Galapagos penguins, marine turtles, and sea lions.

After lunch you will visit the Wetlands. This place is formed by lagoons, swamps, and mangroves; home to a variety of unique bird species such as flamingoes, common stilts, whimbrels, white-cheeked pintails, and gallinules.

Overnight: The Cormorant

DAY 10

Isabela Island - Punta Moreno and Elizabeth Bay

This day you will visit Moreno Point, located on the western side of Isabela Island. The lava has left craters in its wake, which have formed oasis of life. By looking into the pools, you can see into another world, as the marine life drifts by.

In the afternoon you will visit Elizabeth Bay, a secluded mangrove ecosystem lacking any landing sites. Sea turtles, rays, Galapagos penguins, and blue-footed boobies are commonly seen in the islets found in the mouth of the bay.

Overnight: The Cormorant

DAY 11

Fernandina Island - Mangle Point / Isabela Island - Urbina Bay

In the morning you will navigate across to Mangle Point. Here you will be able to snorkel to your heart’s delight and watch playful sea lions, curious penguins, and also catch a glimpse of where flightless cormorants nest.

In the afternoon, you will land at Urbina Bay, which presents some fascinating geological formations. In 1954 an uplift of a mass of 3.7 mi / 6 km of land formed the bay, which has been characterized by the presence of coral reefs above sea level.

Overnight: The Cormorant

DAY 12

Fernandina Island - Punta Espinoza / Isabela Island - Punta Vicente Roca

Crossing the Bolivar Channel that divides Isabela and Fernandina Islands, you will land at Espinosa Point. After walking past a colony of marine iguanas and a group of sea lions, you will reach the island’s highlight: the Flightless Cormorant nesting site.

In the afternoon you will visit Vicente Roca Point. Here you will have a dinghy ride and the opportunity to go snorkeling. Keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating Mola-mola sunfish.

Overnight: The Cormorant

DAY 13

Santiago Island - Puerto Egas, Espumilla Beach and Buccaneers Cove

After breakfast you will visit Puerto Egas. Here you can see fur sea lion resting under shelves and crevices. The tidal pools in the intertidal zone are fantastic for small marine life, heron and shore birds.

Espumilla Beach is a tranquil salty- water lagoon behind the beach. Among the surrounding mangroves and further inland in the Palo Santo forest, it is possible to find several species of Darwin finches, the Vermilion flycatcher, the Galapagos flycatcher and Galapagos hawks.

Buccaneer’s cove is an impressive place of eroded cinder and tuff cone formations. The walls are as high as the depths. The boat will be able to cruise near the cliffs and you will have the most impressive views.

Overnight: The Cormorant

DAY 14

Genovesa Island

In the morning you will visit El Barranco. The steep, rocky path will lead you up 25 m (82 ft) to a cliff-face. You will be dazzled by all the birds: Red-footed boobies, Short-eared owls, Swallow-tailed gulls, great frigate birds, to name a few.

The afternoon visit will take you to the beach at Darwin Bay. This white-sand coral beach has a trail that winds down through the mangroves where sea birds reproduce and land birds feed.

Overnight: The Cormorant

DAY 15

North Seymour and Departure Flight

The morning visit will lead you to North Seymour Island. Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate birds are abundant on this island.

After this final visit, you will be transferred to Baltra’s airport in time to catch your flight home or to your next destination!

OVERVIEW

DAY BY DAY

ROUTE

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrival to Lima

Upon arrival to Peru you will have a transfer to your hotel to rest for the night.

Overnight: Miraflores Park Hotel

DAY 2

Arrival to Cusco and the Sacred Valley

Early in the morning you will have a transfer to the Lima Airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival you will drive down to the Urubamba Valley where you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Peruvian Andes. You will get close to the South American Camelids and see the handicrafts made of yarn by the local people; its dyeing, spinning, and weaving process in the Pisac market. If time permits you can visit the ruins.

Overnight: Hotel Rio Sagrado

DAY 3

Pottery Workshop and Visit Ollantaytambo Ruins and Village

After breakfast you will depart to the Seminario’s Ceramics Workshop and will have the opportunity to observe and learn about their work. Then you will visit Ollantaytambo ruins, an Inca settlement of sacred value that was not destroyed by the Conquistadores.

Overnight: Hotel Rio Sagrado

DAY 4

Machu Picchu

Wander around in this ancient city. For some historians, Machu Picchu was a sacred place, isolated from most of the common people, where only the virgins of the sun could live. The Inca Emperor would go there occasionally for special celebrations or for a retreat. According to other historians and more recent theory, Machu Picchu was an Agricultural University for the Incas.

You will have an expert guide at disposition.

Overnight: Sanctuary Lodge

DAY 5

The Sacred Valley Back to Cusco

In the morning you will depart towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
The first stop will be the Salt Mines of Maras where this mineral is collected in terraces, very much like the agricultural terraces of the Incas.

Then you will continue to the Moray Archaeological Site for a short stop. This place offers a view of circular terraces arranged like an amphitheater, where the Incas had agricultural experiments. Each terrace has a different climate: you can observe the tropics on the lowest terrace and the tundra on the highest one.

The last stop will be the small Inca City of Chincheros, a village that is still occupied by the native people of the area. They keep their traditions and way of living with pride.

Overnight: Hotel Monasterio

DAY 6

Cusco City Tour

In the morning you will have a city tour of Cusco where you can appreciate the mixed Incan and Colonial, of Spanish Influence, architecture.

Then you will head to Coricancha, the main church of the city of Cusco. An imposing architectural edifice owned by the Dominican order, who built their monastery on and around the Incan temples of the moon and the sun.

Later this same day you will go to Sacsayhuaman, a huge ancient fortress which dominates the city and may have been Cusco’s main fortification. It sits on a hill with an excellent overview of the city of Cusco.

Overnight: Hotel Monasterio

DAY 7

Flight to Quito

Upon arrival to Quito you will have a private transfer to your hotel (close to the airport) for a night of rest for your trip to Galapagos in the morning.
Overnight: Wyndham Hotel

DAY 8

Galapagos Cruise on Board the Cormorant

Early in the morning you will have a transfer to the airport for your flight to Galapagos. Upon arrival to Baltra you will have the assistance from the Naturalist guide of the Cormorant.

In the afternoon you will visit Los Gemelos, twin craters created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. You will also visit a nearby ranch where you can walk along a path, observing the hills, ferns, volcanoes, and rich wildlife. This area is home for giant tortoises, forest, mockingbirds and Darwin finches.

Overnight: The Cormorant

DAY 9

Isabela Island - Tintoreras and the Wetlands

You will visit the Tintoreras Islet. This site is located a short distance from Puerto Villamil (Isabela’s capital) and is the home to a great variety of wildlife. Its turquoise, crystalline waters are inhabited by White-Tipped Reef Sharks, Galapagos penguins, marine turtles, and sea lions.

After lunch you will visit the Wetlands. This place is formed by lagoons, swamps, and mangroves; home to a variety of unique bird species such as flamingoes, common stilts, whimbrels, white-cheeked pintails, and gallinules.

Overnight: The Cormorant

DAY 10

Isabela Island - Punta Moreno and Elizabeth Bay

This day you will visit Moreno Point, located on the western side of Isabela Island. The lava has left craters in its wake, which have formed oasis of life. By looking into the pools, you can see into another world, as the marine life drifts by.

In the afternoon you will visit Elizabeth Bay, a secluded mangrove ecosystem lacking any landing sites. Sea turtles, rays, Galapagos penguins, and blue-footed boobies are commonly seen in the islets found in the mouth of the bay.

Overnight: The Cormorant

DAY 11

Fernandina Island - Mangle Point / Isabela Island - Urbina Bay

In the morning you will navigate across to Mangle Point. Here you will be able to snorkel to your heart’s delight and watch playful sea lions, curious penguins, and also catch a glimpse of where flightless cormorants nest.

In the afternoon, you will land at Urbina Bay, which presents some fascinating geological formations. In 1954 an uplift of a mass of 3.7 mi / 6 km of land formed the bay, which has been characterized by the presence of coral reefs above sea level.

Overnight: The Cormorant

DAY 12

Fernandina Island - Punta Espinoza / Isabela Island - Punta Vicente Roca

Crossing the Bolivar Channel that divides Isabela and Fernandina Islands, you will land at Espinosa Point. After walking past a colony of marine iguanas and a group of sea lions, you will reach the island’s highlight: the Flightless Cormorant nesting site.

In the afternoon you will visit Vicente Roca Point. Here you will have a dinghy ride and the opportunity to go snorkeling. Keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating Mola-mola sunfish.

Overnight: The Cormorant

DAY 13

Santiago Island - Puerto Egas, Espumilla Beach and Buccaneers Cove

After breakfast you will visit Puerto Egas. Here you can see fur sea lion resting under shelves and crevices. The tidal pools in the intertidal zone are fantastic for small marine life, heron and shore birds.

Espumilla Beach is a tranquil salty- water lagoon behind the beach. Among the surrounding mangroves and further inland in the Palo Santo forest, it is possible to find several species of Darwin finches, the Vermilion flycatcher, the Galapagos flycatcher and Galapagos hawks.

Buccaneer’s cove is an impressive place of eroded cinder and tuff cone formations. The walls are as high as the depths. The boat will be able to cruise near the cliffs and you will have the most impressive views.

Overnight: The Cormorant

DAY 14

Genovesa Island

In the morning you will visit El Barranco. The steep, rocky path will lead you up 25 m (82 ft) to a cliff-face. You will be dazzled by all the birds: Red-footed boobies, Short-eared owls, Swallow-tailed gulls, great frigate birds, to name a few.

The afternoon visit will take you to the beach at Darwin Bay. This white-sand coral beach has a trail that winds down through the mangroves where sea birds reproduce and land birds feed.

Overnight: The Cormorant

DAY 15

North Seymour and Departure Flight

The morning visit will lead you to North Seymour Island. Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate birds are abundant on this island.

After this final visit, you will be transferred to Baltra’s airport in time to catch your flight home or to your next destination!

SIMILAR TRIPS

These are some of the latest trips that our clients have made..

ECUADOR
WITH PERU

Biodiversity

and Culture

PERU WITH
ARGENTINA
& BRAZIL

The Inca Trail, Iguazu and Rio de Janeiro

BOLIVIA

WITH CHILE

Spectacular Nature and Culture

SIMILAR TRIPS

These are some of the latest trips that our clients have made..

ECUADOR
WITH PERU

Biodiversity

and Culture

PERU WITH
ARGENTINA
& BRAZIL

The Inca Trail, Iguazu and Rio de Janeiro

BOLIVIA
WITH CHILE

Spectacular Nature and Culture

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YOUR TRIP

Tell us what you have in mind
and we can plan it together.

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