Galapagos + Machu Picchu 16 Days/13 Nights
Selling Price: US$7,999.00 (Twin room sharing)
US$10,199.00 (Single room occupancy)
US$10,199.00 (Single room occupancy)
Itinerary:
Day 1 – U.S. / Quito
Sep 13 Tuesday
Fly to Quito
Day 2 – Quito (Ecuador)
Sep 14 Wednesday
Upon flight arrival at Quito, capital of Ecuador, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
(Dinner)
Overnight: Swissotel Quito
http://www.swissotel.com/EN/Destinations/Ecuador/Swissotel+Quito/Hotel+Home/Hotel+Home
Day 3 – Quito
Sep 15 Thursday
Declared a "World Heritage Site"by UNESCO in 1978, Quito is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Americas.
Full day sightseeing of Quito; Visits of The Basílica del Voto Nacional, Basilica the highest church in Ecuador, walk the Street of the Seven Crosses Plaza Grande main square, La Compañía Church – considered the finest in Latin America, come to the heart of the Old Town, the Plaza de la Independencia. Here you’ll be able to take in the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Municipal Palace and the Cathedral.
You will also stop at the Equatorial Monument, which marks the middle of the world. Ecuador straddles the equator, from which it takes its name.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: Swissotel Quito
http://www.swissotel.com/EN/Destinations/Ecuador/Swissotel+Quito/Hotel+Home/Hotel+Home
Day 4 – Quito / Galapagos, San Cristobal Island
Sep 16 Friday
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal [Chatham] Island)
Arrival by plane to San Cristobal Island and transfer to the M/V SANTA CRUZ, which will be anchored at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital of the Galápagos Islands. Cabin assignment and lunch. After lunch, introductory welcome talk and boat drill.
Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal Island)
A dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers will bring us to Cerro Brujo's white coraline beach . Wet landing. The area will show us good views of seabirds like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds, and some shore birds . Also, look for Galapagos sea lions. The beach is a great open walking area, with rewarding birdwatching. Highlights ashore include the Chatham (San Cristobal) Mockingbird, Chatham Lava Lizard; both species are endemic to this island, and seen nowhere else in Galapagos. We may also spot Yellow Warblers, Galapagos flycatchers and with luck a Vermillion flycatcher (endemic subspecies to San Cristobal). These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835, as San Cristobal was the first island where he set foot in the Galapagos. Back on board for a briefing on the next day's activities, followed by a cocktail offered by the Captain and dinner.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: M/V Santa Cruz
http://www.metropolitan-touring.com/content.asp?id_page=522
Day 5 – Punta Suarez (Española (Hood) Island) / Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island)
Sep 17 Saturday
Punta Suarez (Española (Hood) Island)
Morning outing at Punta Suarez (dry landing) for an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April - December), Nazca (masked boobies), blue-footed boobies, swallow-tail gulls, and the famous blowhole. Among its landbirds, the Hood island mockingbird, and three species of Darwin’s finches are common highlights. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas, and of course a rookery of sea lions right at the landing site. Back on board for lunch.
Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island)
Disembark at Punta Cormorant (wet landing) at an olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk that includes a brackish water lagoon where bird species like Greater flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers, and others may be observed. This outing also includes a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night for nesting (from December to May). Possibility of snorkeling from the beach, or join our Glass Bottom Boat or advanced snorkeling panga if conditions permit. Briefing and dinner.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: M/V Santa Cruz
http://www.metropolitan-touring.com/content.asp?id_page=522
Day 6 - Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island) / Punta Vicente Roca (Isla Isabela)
Sep 18 Sunday
Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)
This morning brings us to the youngest island, Fernandina. Disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile walk. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with lots of wildlife. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their island habitat with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, and hawks. Lava terrain calls for good walking shoes. Back on board for lunch. As we sail along the Bolívar Channel, astonishing views of the Galápagos’ youngest volcanoes can be seen. The nutrient-rich waters of the west can also bring surprises like encountering sea birds feeding, dolphins, and possibly whales.
Punta Vicente Roca (Isla Isabela)
In the afternoon, depending on the conditions of the ocean, we will schedule a snorkeling outing along the cliffs of partly-sunken Ecuador Volcano, in the northern tip of Isabela Island. Since there is no landing site at this location, we will include a coastal exploration by dinghy, where our naturalist guides will commit to explaining the dramatic geology of the area with remains of lava flows and tuff stone layers. This is the nesting place for flightless cormorants, the only existing marine birds in the world other than penguins that have changed their condition of flying birds to diving birds. Wildlife here also includes Sea lions, Galápagos Fur seals, Galápagos Penguins, Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies and noddy terns. This area has a very rich marine life, and is seasonally visited by green sea turtles. Details about the next day’s activities before dinner.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: M/V Santa Cruz
http://www.metropolitan-touring.com/content.asp?id_page=522
Day 7 – Santa Cruz Island / Baltra Island / Quito or Guayaquil / Lima (Peru)
Sep 19 Monday
Santa Cruz Island and Baltra Island
Visiting the famous Charles Darwin Research Station will be certainly a rewarding adventure for this morning's program. It will just require a different approach, in order to accomplish all our travel plans. This outing is an optional program and an early one. We arrive at the Itabaca Channel, between the islands of Baltra and Santa Cruz and disembark at the public dock (dry landing) for a 30-minute bus ride along the highlands in route to Puerto Ayora where changes in vegetation can be witnessed. Upon arrival, we proceed to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the rearing in captivity program for the famous giant tortoises. Here we will get to understand the conservation efforts promoted by this institution, and stroll among an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest where endemic land birds can be seen. After an hour visit, return via the same route to cross the Itabaca Channel by ferry and take the bus to Baltra Island airport in time for the 12h15 flight back to the continent.
Return flight to Quito or Guayaquil. Connect International flight to Lima, Peru.
For Ecuador destination only quests, you will fly to Lima to connect homebound flight and arrive the U.S. the next day.
For the continuing journey of Peru destination guests, upon flight arrival in Lima, capital of Peru, transfer in for the hotel.
(Breakfast, lunch)
Overnight: Miraflores Park Hotel
http://www.miraflorespark.com/web/olim/miraflores.jsp
Day 8 – Lima / Paracas
Sep 20 Tuesday
This morning your sightseeing is in the fabled ‘City of Kings’, in the colonial heart of Lima, where you will visit the magnificent grandeur of the Plaza de Armas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the magnificently ornate church of San Francisco, a beautiful mix of baroque and Mudejar styling, which is renowned for its tile work and panelled ceilings.
Afternoon travel south of Lima by the Pan-American Highway to visit the famous complex of Pachacamac, ancient sacred place dedicated to Pachacamac god.
We drive through large valley as such as Mala, Cañete, Chincha, San Clemente and finally arrive to the city of Paracas. Paracas National Reserve, declared World Heritage Natural Side by UNESCO. The reason for this rich wildlife is the cold upwelling of the Humboldt Current.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: La Hacienda Bahia Resort
http://www.hoteleslahacienda.com/paracas/index_paracas.html
Day 9 – Paracas / Nazca Lines Flight / Lima
Sep 21 Wednesday
Transfer to the aerodrome of Pisco, from where we take light airplane for the famous Nazca Lines flight. The over flight run through south valley of Ica, Rio Grande and Palpa Valley, San Jose and finally arrive to plateau of Pampas San Jose. On the flightseeing trip you fly, to observe these mysterious, enigmatic and massive animal figures, visible only from the air, carved into the desert floor many centuries ago by the Nazca people. The flight takes one hour and 45 minutes to see the figures and lines of the Nazca civilization.
Then drive to Ica to visit a winery. Here, see how Pisco is distilled. There is a chance to sample it and perhaps buy a bottle or two to bring home with you. Finally, visit the Ica Archaeological Museum.
Afternoon return to Lima.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: Miraflores Park Hotel
http://www.miraflorespark.com/web/olim/miraflores.jsp
Day 10 – Lima / Cuzco / Sacred Valley
Sep 22 Thursday
Fly to Cuzco.
Upon arrival, bus drive for Pisac, a village in the Sacred Valley on the Urubamba River. Visit the impressive Inca complex, the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo fortress, with terraces built on its hills. Ollantaytambo was the royal estate of Emperor Pachacutec who conquered the region, built the town and a ceremonial center.
Overnight at the tranquil valley village by the river.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: Tambo del Inka
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3285
Day 11 – Sacred Valley / Machu Picchu
Sep 23 Friday
Machu Picchu, “The Lost City of the Incas” was built about 1450 and abandoned 100 years later. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Travel by Vistadome train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu, the famous ‘Lost City’ of the Incas. Enjoy a guided tour of what is surely one of the most spectacular archaeological sites anywhere on earth. Hidden amongst the breathtaking Andean mountains, until its ‘discovery’ in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, the city is a quite exceptional collection of tombs, temples, stairways and palaces that served as a major ceremonial and agricultural centre for the Inca Empire.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo
http://www.inkaterra.com/en/machu-picchu
Day 12 – Machu Picchu / Ollantaytambo / Cuzco
Sep 24 Saturday
This morning is yours to do as please ...... which might include returning to Machu Picchu to explore more of the site.
This afternoon you will take your Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo and transfer by bus to Cuzco City.
The city of Cuzco, located at 11,150 feet (3,400 meters) above sea-level and former capital of the Inca Empire, was declared Cultural Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO in 1983 and is with no doubt one of the most important in Peru. Through its cobblestone streets are discovered Incan buildings, next to colonial buildings of Baroque Andean style.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: Hotel Monasterio
http://www.monasteriohotel.com/web/ocus/hotel_monasterio.jsp
Day 13 – Cuzco
Sep 25 Sunday
This morning Cuzco tour takes in the impressive Plaza de Armas, with its cathedral, the Convent of Santo Domingo and the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, whose imposing zigzagged walls were built to defend the city. The once great capital of the ancient Incan empire, Cuzco is believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America and its streets present a rich treasure trove of archaeological remains, as well as a dazzling array of monuments to its colonial heritage. Hatumrumiyoc was the palace of Inca Roca, stone with 12 angles. The walls of this palace is famous, with big poligonic stones. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Cusco, contains artifacts that trace Peruvian history from pre-Inca civilizations and Inca culture to the impact of the Conquest and colonial times on these native cultures.
Visit Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, whose imposing zigzagged walls were built to defend the city. The once great capital of the ancient Incan empire, Cusco is believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America and its streets present a rich treasure trove of archaeological remains, as well as a dazzling array of monuments to its colonial heritage. Also visit others archeological sites like Puca-Puca, Kenko and Tambomachay.
Also visit its colorful market where an artisans’ fair takes place every Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, an exhibit and sale of fine woven crafts, colorful tapestries, handicrafts and textiles from Pisac and neighboring villages.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: Hotel Monasterio
http://www.monasteriohotel.com/web/ocus/hotel_monasterio.jsp
Day 14 – Cuzco / Juliaca / Puno (Lake Titicaca) / Lima
Sep 26 Monday
Morning fly to Juliaca. Upon arrival, transferred to Puno (Lake Titicaca).
Lake Titicaca sits 12,500 ft (3,812 m) above sea level, making it one of the highest commercially navigable lakes in the world. By volume of water, it is also the largest lake in South America.
Titicaca is notable for a population of people who live on the Uros, a group of 42 or so artificial islands made of floating reeds (totora, a reed that abounds in the shallows of the lake). These unique floating tortora reed islands have become a major tourist attraction for Peru, drawing excursions from the lakeside city of Puno. Their original purpose was defensive, and they could be moved if a threat arose. Many of the islands contain watchtowers largely constructed of reeds.
We take a boat ride across Lake Titicaca to visit the unique floating Tortora reed island of the Uros.
Late afternoon transferred to Juliaca for flight to Lima.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: Miraflores Park Hotel
http://www.miraflorespark.com/web/olim/miraflores.jsp
Day 15 – Lima / U.S.
Sep 27 Tuesday
This morning is free at leisure.
Afternoon visit Larco Museum, a unique vice-royal mansion of the 18th century built over a 7th century pre-Columbian pyramid, features the finest gold and silver collection from Ancient Peru and the famous erotic archaeological collection, Larco is one of the few museums in the world where visitors can also choose to enter the storage area with its 45.000 classified archaeological objects.
Then transfer to Archeological Museum of Lima, this museum has the largest collections of pre-hispanic art and relics in the world. Some of the highlights include exceptionally well-preserved mummies from the Nasca region and the Estela Raimondi, an enormous carved stone that once resided at Chavín de Huántar, a major pre-Columbian site.
Evening seeing a spectacular show of Peruvian Dances during this buffet dinner.
Late night flight bound for U.S.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 16 – U.S.
Sep 28 Wednesday
Flight arrives in U.S.
Inclusions:
Your Travel Value Includes:
1. Accommodations in twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower in hotels listed. Hotel taxes and service charges.
2. Cruise aboard M/V Santa Cruz included; accommodations in upper deck twin-bedded rooms with private shower.
3. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are included as specified in the itinerary.
4. Sightseeing, special features and scenic highlights as indicated in itinerary, including admission charges where applicable.
5. Galapagos National Park entrance fee and INGALA Transit Control Card
6. Intra Ecuador and Peru air fares and airport taxes are included: Quito-San Cristobal Island, Baltra Island-Quito or Guayaquil, Lima-Cuzco-Juliaca-Lima.
7. Nazca Line flight and airport tax are included.
8. Vistadome train between Ollantaytambo-Machu Picchu.
9. Services of Tour Escort throughout
10. Bottle water, soft drinks, coffee and tea included with meals; bottled water during sightseeing excursions.
Not included:
1. Airfares to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point, Quito or Guayaquil-Lima are not included.
2. Local guide and driver gratuities are not included.
3. Personal Expenses - phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, and other optional or incidental extras are not included.
California SOT: 2072696-40
Please call: (909) 480-5961
Or Email: info@joieexpress.com
Day 1 – U.S. / Quito
Sep 13 Tuesday
Fly to Quito
Day 2 – Quito (Ecuador)
Sep 14 Wednesday
Upon flight arrival at Quito, capital of Ecuador, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
(Dinner)
Overnight: Swissotel Quito
http://www.swissotel.com/EN/Destinations/Ecuador/Swissotel+Quito/Hotel+Home/Hotel+Home
Day 3 – Quito
Sep 15 Thursday
Declared a "World Heritage Site"by UNESCO in 1978, Quito is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Americas.
Full day sightseeing of Quito; Visits of The Basílica del Voto Nacional, Basilica the highest church in Ecuador, walk the Street of the Seven Crosses Plaza Grande main square, La Compañía Church – considered the finest in Latin America, come to the heart of the Old Town, the Plaza de la Independencia. Here you’ll be able to take in the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Municipal Palace and the Cathedral.
You will also stop at the Equatorial Monument, which marks the middle of the world. Ecuador straddles the equator, from which it takes its name.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: Swissotel Quito
http://www.swissotel.com/EN/Destinations/Ecuador/Swissotel+Quito/Hotel+Home/Hotel+Home
Day 4 – Quito / Galapagos, San Cristobal Island
Sep 16 Friday
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal [Chatham] Island)
Arrival by plane to San Cristobal Island and transfer to the M/V SANTA CRUZ, which will be anchored at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital of the Galápagos Islands. Cabin assignment and lunch. After lunch, introductory welcome talk and boat drill.
Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal Island)
A dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers will bring us to Cerro Brujo's white coraline beach . Wet landing. The area will show us good views of seabirds like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds, and some shore birds . Also, look for Galapagos sea lions. The beach is a great open walking area, with rewarding birdwatching. Highlights ashore include the Chatham (San Cristobal) Mockingbird, Chatham Lava Lizard; both species are endemic to this island, and seen nowhere else in Galapagos. We may also spot Yellow Warblers, Galapagos flycatchers and with luck a Vermillion flycatcher (endemic subspecies to San Cristobal). These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835, as San Cristobal was the first island where he set foot in the Galapagos. Back on board for a briefing on the next day's activities, followed by a cocktail offered by the Captain and dinner.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: M/V Santa Cruz
http://www.metropolitan-touring.com/content.asp?id_page=522
Day 5 – Punta Suarez (Española (Hood) Island) / Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island)
Sep 17 Saturday
Punta Suarez (Española (Hood) Island)
Morning outing at Punta Suarez (dry landing) for an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April - December), Nazca (masked boobies), blue-footed boobies, swallow-tail gulls, and the famous blowhole. Among its landbirds, the Hood island mockingbird, and three species of Darwin’s finches are common highlights. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas, and of course a rookery of sea lions right at the landing site. Back on board for lunch.
Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island)
Disembark at Punta Cormorant (wet landing) at an olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk that includes a brackish water lagoon where bird species like Greater flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers, and others may be observed. This outing also includes a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night for nesting (from December to May). Possibility of snorkeling from the beach, or join our Glass Bottom Boat or advanced snorkeling panga if conditions permit. Briefing and dinner.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: M/V Santa Cruz
http://www.metropolitan-touring.com/content.asp?id_page=522
Day 6 - Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island) / Punta Vicente Roca (Isla Isabela)
Sep 18 Sunday
Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)
This morning brings us to the youngest island, Fernandina. Disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile walk. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with lots of wildlife. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their island habitat with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, and hawks. Lava terrain calls for good walking shoes. Back on board for lunch. As we sail along the Bolívar Channel, astonishing views of the Galápagos’ youngest volcanoes can be seen. The nutrient-rich waters of the west can also bring surprises like encountering sea birds feeding, dolphins, and possibly whales.
Punta Vicente Roca (Isla Isabela)
In the afternoon, depending on the conditions of the ocean, we will schedule a snorkeling outing along the cliffs of partly-sunken Ecuador Volcano, in the northern tip of Isabela Island. Since there is no landing site at this location, we will include a coastal exploration by dinghy, where our naturalist guides will commit to explaining the dramatic geology of the area with remains of lava flows and tuff stone layers. This is the nesting place for flightless cormorants, the only existing marine birds in the world other than penguins that have changed their condition of flying birds to diving birds. Wildlife here also includes Sea lions, Galápagos Fur seals, Galápagos Penguins, Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies and noddy terns. This area has a very rich marine life, and is seasonally visited by green sea turtles. Details about the next day’s activities before dinner.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: M/V Santa Cruz
http://www.metropolitan-touring.com/content.asp?id_page=522
Day 7 – Santa Cruz Island / Baltra Island / Quito or Guayaquil / Lima (Peru)
Sep 19 Monday
Santa Cruz Island and Baltra Island
Visiting the famous Charles Darwin Research Station will be certainly a rewarding adventure for this morning's program. It will just require a different approach, in order to accomplish all our travel plans. This outing is an optional program and an early one. We arrive at the Itabaca Channel, between the islands of Baltra and Santa Cruz and disembark at the public dock (dry landing) for a 30-minute bus ride along the highlands in route to Puerto Ayora where changes in vegetation can be witnessed. Upon arrival, we proceed to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the rearing in captivity program for the famous giant tortoises. Here we will get to understand the conservation efforts promoted by this institution, and stroll among an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest where endemic land birds can be seen. After an hour visit, return via the same route to cross the Itabaca Channel by ferry and take the bus to Baltra Island airport in time for the 12h15 flight back to the continent.
Return flight to Quito or Guayaquil. Connect International flight to Lima, Peru.
For Ecuador destination only quests, you will fly to Lima to connect homebound flight and arrive the U.S. the next day.
For the continuing journey of Peru destination guests, upon flight arrival in Lima, capital of Peru, transfer in for the hotel.
(Breakfast, lunch)
Overnight: Miraflores Park Hotel
http://www.miraflorespark.com/web/olim/miraflores.jsp
Day 8 – Lima / Paracas
Sep 20 Tuesday
This morning your sightseeing is in the fabled ‘City of Kings’, in the colonial heart of Lima, where you will visit the magnificent grandeur of the Plaza de Armas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the magnificently ornate church of San Francisco, a beautiful mix of baroque and Mudejar styling, which is renowned for its tile work and panelled ceilings.
Afternoon travel south of Lima by the Pan-American Highway to visit the famous complex of Pachacamac, ancient sacred place dedicated to Pachacamac god.
We drive through large valley as such as Mala, Cañete, Chincha, San Clemente and finally arrive to the city of Paracas. Paracas National Reserve, declared World Heritage Natural Side by UNESCO. The reason for this rich wildlife is the cold upwelling of the Humboldt Current.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: La Hacienda Bahia Resort
http://www.hoteleslahacienda.com/paracas/index_paracas.html
Day 9 – Paracas / Nazca Lines Flight / Lima
Sep 21 Wednesday
Transfer to the aerodrome of Pisco, from where we take light airplane for the famous Nazca Lines flight. The over flight run through south valley of Ica, Rio Grande and Palpa Valley, San Jose and finally arrive to plateau of Pampas San Jose. On the flightseeing trip you fly, to observe these mysterious, enigmatic and massive animal figures, visible only from the air, carved into the desert floor many centuries ago by the Nazca people. The flight takes one hour and 45 minutes to see the figures and lines of the Nazca civilization.
Then drive to Ica to visit a winery. Here, see how Pisco is distilled. There is a chance to sample it and perhaps buy a bottle or two to bring home with you. Finally, visit the Ica Archaeological Museum.
Afternoon return to Lima.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: Miraflores Park Hotel
http://www.miraflorespark.com/web/olim/miraflores.jsp
Day 10 – Lima / Cuzco / Sacred Valley
Sep 22 Thursday
Fly to Cuzco.
Upon arrival, bus drive for Pisac, a village in the Sacred Valley on the Urubamba River. Visit the impressive Inca complex, the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo fortress, with terraces built on its hills. Ollantaytambo was the royal estate of Emperor Pachacutec who conquered the region, built the town and a ceremonial center.
Overnight at the tranquil valley village by the river.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: Tambo del Inka
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3285
Day 11 – Sacred Valley / Machu Picchu
Sep 23 Friday
Machu Picchu, “The Lost City of the Incas” was built about 1450 and abandoned 100 years later. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Travel by Vistadome train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu, the famous ‘Lost City’ of the Incas. Enjoy a guided tour of what is surely one of the most spectacular archaeological sites anywhere on earth. Hidden amongst the breathtaking Andean mountains, until its ‘discovery’ in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, the city is a quite exceptional collection of tombs, temples, stairways and palaces that served as a major ceremonial and agricultural centre for the Inca Empire.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo
http://www.inkaterra.com/en/machu-picchu
Day 12 – Machu Picchu / Ollantaytambo / Cuzco
Sep 24 Saturday
This morning is yours to do as please ...... which might include returning to Machu Picchu to explore more of the site.
This afternoon you will take your Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo and transfer by bus to Cuzco City.
The city of Cuzco, located at 11,150 feet (3,400 meters) above sea-level and former capital of the Inca Empire, was declared Cultural Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO in 1983 and is with no doubt one of the most important in Peru. Through its cobblestone streets are discovered Incan buildings, next to colonial buildings of Baroque Andean style.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: Hotel Monasterio
http://www.monasteriohotel.com/web/ocus/hotel_monasterio.jsp
Day 13 – Cuzco
Sep 25 Sunday
This morning Cuzco tour takes in the impressive Plaza de Armas, with its cathedral, the Convent of Santo Domingo and the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, whose imposing zigzagged walls were built to defend the city. The once great capital of the ancient Incan empire, Cuzco is believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America and its streets present a rich treasure trove of archaeological remains, as well as a dazzling array of monuments to its colonial heritage. Hatumrumiyoc was the palace of Inca Roca, stone with 12 angles. The walls of this palace is famous, with big poligonic stones. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Cusco, contains artifacts that trace Peruvian history from pre-Inca civilizations and Inca culture to the impact of the Conquest and colonial times on these native cultures.
Visit Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, whose imposing zigzagged walls were built to defend the city. The once great capital of the ancient Incan empire, Cusco is believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America and its streets present a rich treasure trove of archaeological remains, as well as a dazzling array of monuments to its colonial heritage. Also visit others archeological sites like Puca-Puca, Kenko and Tambomachay.
Also visit its colorful market where an artisans’ fair takes place every Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, an exhibit and sale of fine woven crafts, colorful tapestries, handicrafts and textiles from Pisac and neighboring villages.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: Hotel Monasterio
http://www.monasteriohotel.com/web/ocus/hotel_monasterio.jsp
Day 14 – Cuzco / Juliaca / Puno (Lake Titicaca) / Lima
Sep 26 Monday
Morning fly to Juliaca. Upon arrival, transferred to Puno (Lake Titicaca).
Lake Titicaca sits 12,500 ft (3,812 m) above sea level, making it one of the highest commercially navigable lakes in the world. By volume of water, it is also the largest lake in South America.
Titicaca is notable for a population of people who live on the Uros, a group of 42 or so artificial islands made of floating reeds (totora, a reed that abounds in the shallows of the lake). These unique floating tortora reed islands have become a major tourist attraction for Peru, drawing excursions from the lakeside city of Puno. Their original purpose was defensive, and they could be moved if a threat arose. Many of the islands contain watchtowers largely constructed of reeds.
We take a boat ride across Lake Titicaca to visit the unique floating Tortora reed island of the Uros.
Late afternoon transferred to Juliaca for flight to Lima.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Overnight: Miraflores Park Hotel
http://www.miraflorespark.com/web/olim/miraflores.jsp
Day 15 – Lima / U.S.
Sep 27 Tuesday
This morning is free at leisure.
Afternoon visit Larco Museum, a unique vice-royal mansion of the 18th century built over a 7th century pre-Columbian pyramid, features the finest gold and silver collection from Ancient Peru and the famous erotic archaeological collection, Larco is one of the few museums in the world where visitors can also choose to enter the storage area with its 45.000 classified archaeological objects.
Then transfer to Archeological Museum of Lima, this museum has the largest collections of pre-hispanic art and relics in the world. Some of the highlights include exceptionally well-preserved mummies from the Nasca region and the Estela Raimondi, an enormous carved stone that once resided at Chavín de Huántar, a major pre-Columbian site.
Evening seeing a spectacular show of Peruvian Dances during this buffet dinner.
Late night flight bound for U.S.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 16 – U.S.
Sep 28 Wednesday
Flight arrives in U.S.
Inclusions:
Your Travel Value Includes:
1. Accommodations in twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower in hotels listed. Hotel taxes and service charges.
2. Cruise aboard M/V Santa Cruz included; accommodations in upper deck twin-bedded rooms with private shower.
3. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are included as specified in the itinerary.
4. Sightseeing, special features and scenic highlights as indicated in itinerary, including admission charges where applicable.
5. Galapagos National Park entrance fee and INGALA Transit Control Card
6. Intra Ecuador and Peru air fares and airport taxes are included: Quito-San Cristobal Island, Baltra Island-Quito or Guayaquil, Lima-Cuzco-Juliaca-Lima.
7. Nazca Line flight and airport tax are included.
8. Vistadome train between Ollantaytambo-Machu Picchu.
9. Services of Tour Escort throughout
10. Bottle water, soft drinks, coffee and tea included with meals; bottled water during sightseeing excursions.
Not included:
1. Airfares to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point, Quito or Guayaquil-Lima are not included.
2. Local guide and driver gratuities are not included.
3. Personal Expenses - phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, and other optional or incidental extras are not included.
California SOT: 2072696-40
Please call: (909) 480-5961
Or Email: info@joieexpress.com