Description
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
DAY ONE
WHAT YOU VISIT
Santa Cruz Island
Drive to Guayaquil, and then fly from Guayaquil for a one-hour flight to Santa Cruz where you'll witness the famous Galapagos land tortoises in their natural habitat and learn about the island's ancient lava tunnels.
DAY TWO
Experience paradise during a full-day boat tour to one of the nearby islands: Bartolome, North Seymour, South Plaza and Punta Carrion, or Santa Fe.
DAY THREE
Charles Darwin Research Station
Enjoy an in-depth look into the huge efforts being made by scientists, guides, rangers and park managers to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, you'll stop to see the impressive lava domes known as the Twin Craters en route to the airport and your flight to Lima.
DAY FOUR
Cusco
Once the capital of the Inca Empire, many of the city's architectural jewels reflect its Inca and Spanish heritage. A tour of the city takes you to the Santo Domingo Church, whose foundation was built atop Koricancha, an ancient Peruvians' Sun Temple; and Cusco Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that combines Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architectural styles.
Sacsayhuamán Fortress
This archaeological complex was constructed without mortar yet the massive stones (some weighing up to 300 tons) fit perfectly together. It's believed that more than 20,000 men extracted the stones from the nearby quarries and moved them 12 miles to the hill overlooking Cusco.
DAY FIVE
Machu Picchu
Constructed as a royal retreat for the emperor Pachacuti in the 1400s, Machu Picchu was abandoned less than 100 years later. Architectural highlights include the Temple of the Sun along with several other temples, hundreds of terraces and a mysterious carved stone towering above the plaza. The stone may have been used for astronomical observations, but because the Inca had no written language, the stone and other mysteries of Machu Picchu remain unsolved.
DAY SIX
After an early breakfast, you'll transfer to the Cusco Airport for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival you'll be escorted and transferred to Pisco to embark your waiting ship.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Everywhere you point your camera during this jaw-dropping adventure boasts one memorable photo after another.
MEALS
Meal plans vary each day.
The tour is non-refundable unless cancelled 90 days prior to the cruise. Wait-listed requests also become non-refundable if confirmed either onboard or within the 90-day period prior to the cruise. Any cancelled requests inside of 90 days prior to the voyage (i.e. bookings cancelled on the Cruise Personalizer) will be assessed cancellation fees on your shipboard account. Waitlisted requests will be cleared in the order received and are subject to the same cancellation policy; waitlisted requests must be cancelled 90 days prior to the cruise to avoid cancellation costs in the case we are able to accommodate you on the tour.
Final hotel/flight manifests must be provided well in advance of the tour, therefore we recommend passengers book overland options no later than 60 days prior to your voyage.
Special Notes for Galapagos:
Boat tours may be shared with independent guests and tour may not include a ship escort but is guided on the Galapagos Island. A minimum number of participants are required to operate this tour.
This itinerary may change without prior notice due to National Park dispositions or due to force majeure. The islands to be visited are determined at the sole discretion of the Galapagos National Park. Your Galapagos Itinerary may vary due to weather conditions or changes in park regulations at Galapagos National Park. The descriptions here are examples of sites that may be visited during your itineraries will vary by conditions on the day.
Special Notes:
Special Notes for Machu Picchu:Tour itinerary may be changed based on flight schedules or hotel availability. All sightseeing is subject to flight arrival times, and arrival to Cuzco City.
Plastic containers are prohibited at Machu Picchu.
TOURING AT HIGH ELEVATIONS
Your excursion to Cuzco and Machu Picchu will require traveling to an elevation of 13,300 feet. Altitude sickness can affect anyone. When planning an overland excursion, receive a full medical check-up prior to embarkation. Ask your physician or a doctor specializing in travel medicine about preventive measures to prevent or alleviate altitude sickness. While at high elevations, eat light and avoid consuming alcoholic beverages. Should you feel the effects of altitude sickness, our buses will be equipped with oxygen which is available for an additional charge.
Maximum elevation during train journey - 9,200 feet
Cuzco - 11,200 feet
Machu Picchu - 8,000 feet
TRAVEL
Flights to and from Cuzco generally depart in the morning. All tours include domestic flights within Peru. Air travel can be subject to delays. We request your patience and understanding in the event of delays caused by weather, mechanical problems or schedule changes. A photo ID will be required to board flights and the train to Machu Picchu.
LUGGAGE
Please limit your luggage to one carry-on bag per person (23kg), or one suitcase for two people.
WHAT TO PACK
A waterproof jacket and sturdy, comfortable walking shoes are essential. Include long pants and clothing to layer, such as undershirts, an over shirt, and sweatshirt during the day. Evenings at the hotels are casual; there is no need for formal clothes. Always pack an extra pair of socks. Include any medicines you require. Bring a backpack or zippered tote to carry other essentials such as sunglasses, hat, collapsible umbrella, binoculars, camera and film, sunscreen and insect repellent. Lockers are available at Machu Picchu to store items you don't wish to carry; the cost is about one U.S. dollar. Hotel rooms are equipped with hair dryers. Outlets operate on a dual 110/220 current. Bring an adapter for recharging camera equipment or other items.
PURCHASES
Many vendors in Cuzco and Machu Picchu accept U.S. currency; we recommend carrying small amounts of local currency for small purchases. You can exchange currency at your Cuzco hotel. Exchanging travelers' checks requires a passport and will involve a significant fee. Hotels accept payment in U.S. dollars, credit cards and travelers' checks for incidental expenses.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
The tour price does not include refreshments, bottled water, telephone calls, laundry, gratuities, room service, fees for doctor's visits and prescriptions/medications.
Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.