* Experience the mysteries and enchantment of magnificent Inca ruins and hauntingly beautiful islands*
Journey to Peru to mountain villages and archaeological sites, and experience the mysteries of Cuzco and the fabled Machu Picchu. The remarkable Incas emerged from a narrow valley in the Andes and in a period of less than one hundred years conquered a huge territory extending all the way from modern Ecuador to northern Chile. As master stone craftsmen, they left many fine monuments that are still preserved in the mountains.
Escape to the Galapagos Islands and immerse yourself in these enchanted isles. Discover an exotic array of wildlife including Sea Turtles, Red-billed Tropicbirds, Blue-footed Boobies, Magnificent Frigatebirds, Marine Iguanas and frolicking sea lions. Accompanied by naturalists trained and certified by the Darwin Research Station, you will explore in depth the extraordinary natural history of these fascinating islands.
DAY 1, U.S. to LIMA: Depart your hometown for Miami and a connecting flight to Lima, Peru, with arrival the same evening. Transfer to the Crillon Hotel.
DAY 2, LIMA: Morning tour of the historical sites of Lima, followed by a visit to the Mujica Gallo Gold Museum with its fabulous private collection of Inca gold objects and precious stones. B
DAY 3, LIMA TO CUZCO: Fly to Cuzco and transfer to the Royal Inka II Hotel. Afternoon free to adjust to the high altitude (11,700') or tour the historical sites and ruined fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Built of massive stone blocks cut and joined perfectly together in interlocking jigsaw patterns, this is perhaps the finest example of Inca stone-masonry. B
DAY 4, CHINCHEROS: Visit the mountain village of Chinchernos to experience a lively Sunday market. This weekly event draws hundreds of Indians from throughout the region to trade unique textiles and farm produce.
DAY 5, URUBAMBA VALLEY: Explore the Urubamba Valley's superb ruins at Pisac. View its terraces clinging to the mountainside, forming a giant stairway to the extraordinary stone fortress perched 1,000 feet above the valley floor.
Then travel to Ollantaytambo, where Inca warriors successfully defended the town against Pizarro's soldiers. Overnight at the San Augustin Turquesa, centrally located in the Urubamba Valley. B,L,D
DAY 6, MACHU PICCHU: Board an early morning train for a spectacular ride through mountains, valleys and gorges to awesome Machu Picchu. The extensive ruins include temples, palaces, terraces, the famous sundial and more. It requires two days to adequately explore the area, so you will stay overnight at the Turistas Hotel, located at the site. B,L,D
DAY 7, MACHU PICCHU & CUZCO: Free day to continue exploring Machu Picchu. Evening return by train to Cuzco. B,L
DAY 8, CUZCO TO LIMA: Mid-day flight to Lima. Visit the Larco Herrera Museum, featuring precious Inca and pre-Inca artifacts. B
DAY 9, LIMA TO QUITO: Fly to Quito, Ecuador. Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and transferred to the Colon Hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. B
DAY 10, QUITO: Morning sightseeing reveals the beauty of this colonial city, located high in the majestic Andes mountains at the foot of a volcano. The old section still retains its Spanish cobblestone streets and much outstanding architecture from the colonial era. The afternoon will be at leisure. B
DAY 11 TO 17, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS: In the morning you board your flight to Baltra or San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands. Transferring to your yacht, you immediately begin your cruise among these magical isles.
Islands you visit will vary, depending on the individual schedule of the yacht you choose to sail on. Typical islands visited are:
Espanola (Hood) Island, noted as the sole nesting site of the Waved Albatross; Santa Cruz, whose main settlement includes the Darwin Research Station and the lush Scalesia and grassy "pampa" zones of the highlands; North Seymour, where a large colony of Magnificent Frigatebirds is found year round; Tower, home of the Red-footed Booby; Santiago (James), where an eerie landscape of lava flows less that 100 years old is found; Bartolome Island, with its prominent volcanic pinnacle and excellent view of Santiago's cones and lava flows; South Plaza, where a diverse population of Land Iguanas, Marine Iguanas, Red-billed Tropicbirds, sea lions and pelicans inhabit a landscape of Opuntia Cactus and succulents; and Santa Fe, which has impressive Opuntia Cactus and Palo Santo forests, home to the largest of the Iguanas.
DAY 18, GALAPAGOS TO QUITO: Today you depart the islands by air, arriving at Quito in the afternoon. B
DAY 19, QUITO TO MIAMI: Transfer to the airport for your flight homeward.