Islands and Incas : Galapagos & Machu Picchu

Day 1 Arrive Lima

Overnight.

Day 2 Fly Cusco

Andean history comes alive in Cusco. Quechua speaking descendents of the Incas fill the streets and markets, colonial churches sit atop bases of smooth stonework laid centuries before the Conquistadors, and campesinos (Peru's rural farmers) in colorful dress move busily back and forth across the plazas. In the afternoon, you'll tour Cusco's largest open market and the adjacent witches' market. After tasting a few unique local foods, you will visit the Center for Traditional Textiles in Cusco, a local organization committed to preserving the region's weaving traditions. (If visiting the Sacred Valley on Sunday, you will visit their center in Chinchero instead). Watch weavers demonstrate their craft and learn about the history and processes of Peru's most well-known art form.

Day 3 Sacred Valley (L)

This morning journey into one of the most beautiful areas of Peru. You'll test your bargaining skills with the locals while visiting one of the great textile markets in the area. You may hike to the inspiring ruins of Pisac, or take a short walk through the countryside to the seldom-visited town of Moras and the pre-columbian salt mines of Moray. Eventually, you will make your way to the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo where you can relax for the night.

Day 4 Train to Machu Picchu

Follow the Urubamba River as it tumbles its way towards the Amazon and the sacred city of Machu Picchu. Ancient canals still bring water from the high mountains to the baths used by Inca priests. As visitors, you're welcomed to respectfully dip your hands in the cool water. After your tour of the Machu Picchu, you'll return to Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly called Aguas Calientes) to soak in the hot springs and dine on local trout fillets.

Day 5 Explore Machu Picchu

Today is your chance to watch the sunrise at Machu Picchu and to listen to the spirits of the city's past inhabitants before the hikers from the Inca Trail arrive. Later you can climb the sacred peak of Huayna Picchu or take a walk through the lush cloudforest to the Temple of the Moon. In the late afternoon you'll return to Cusco.

Day 6 Free day to shop and explore Cusco

Today is free to relax and explore with your guide or on your own. Travelers can go on a city tour of the churches and surrounding ruins, such as the enormous Sacsayhuamán ruins that overlook Cusco (these ruins showcase building blocks the size of SUVs). You can also wander through the bustling Plaza de Armas in the heart of Cusco, shop for love potions in the local markets, or people watch from the cafes and restaurants that line these lovely streets. For those bursting with energy, horseback riding, mountain biking, or even whitewater rafting (Class III-IV) can be arranged. The evening is yours to take in some of Cusco's varied and exciting nightlife.

Day 7 Fly Lima. Fly Quito.

Fly from Cusco to Quito.  Transfer to your hotel and overnight in Quito.

Day 8 Galapagos (D)

An early morning flight from Quito brings you to the Galapagos Archipelago. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to our yacht -- your home for the next seven nights. This afternoon we head to our first island and the beginning of a week filled with mysteries of the natural world.

Days 9-14 Galapagos (6B,6L,6D)

We visit 8-10 islands during our unforgettable voyage. Each day we leave the comfort of our yacht and go ashore in our panga (the local word for dinghies, Zodiacs etc.) to remote areas of the islands for natural history walks through the Galapagos's unique ecology. This is everyone's chance to photograph strange marine iguanas, snorkel with playful sea lions, and just wonder at the strange landscape of ancient volcanic turmoil. Except for a few settlements, the entire archipelago is national park, and the beaches and meandering footpaths invite relaxation and fanciful dreams.

Day 15 Galapagos to Quito (B)

This morning we say good-bye to Darwin's inspiration. Afterwards, transfer back to the airport for your late morning or early afternoon flight back to Quito. Overnight in Quito.

Day 16 Return Home