WONDERS OF PERU & THE GALAPAGOS ITINERARY:
DAY 1: USA or Canada/Lima, Peru
Arrive in Lima, the "City of Kings," one of colonial
splendor and unexpected pleasures.
Miraflores Park Hotel / JW Marriott Hotel
DAY 2: Lima
Explore Lima this afternoon, beginning at the historic Plaza
Mayor. Continue to the 16th-century cathedral and the
Presidential Palace, an ideal place to stop for a photo of the
soldiers who guard it. Gather with fellow travellers this
evening for a private visit and dinner at Casa Aliaga, Lima's
oldest colonial mansion. Built in 1535 by the illustrious
Spanish conquistador Jerónimo de Aliaga, co-founder of Lima and
of the oldest university in the Americas, this incredible relic
of colonial splendor has been home to 17 generations of his
descendants ever since. Miraflores Park Hotel / JW
Marriott Hotel B D
DAY 3: Lima/Cusco
Fly to Cusco and tour colonial and Incan archaeological sites
this afternoon: the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and the
Santo Domingo Temple - a Dominican church and convent built on
the foundations of the Koricancha or "place of gold." Regional
expert Kike Pinto entertains you with an Andean music
presentation during dinner this evening. Hotel Monasterio
B L D
DAY 4: Cusco/Sacred Valley/Cusco
Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas with a stop at the
Chincheros market town, where its Sunday fair draws country folk
from all corners of the valley to exchange their products. Meet
local Andean weaver Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez before a
traditional pachamanca (an Andean feast) lunch and a Peruvian
Paso horse demonstration. Later this afternoon observe a local
ritual that pays homage to Pachamama, the "Earth Mother."
Hotel Monasterio B L D
DAY 5: Cusco/Machu Picchu
Board the deluxe Orient-Express Hiram Bingham train to Machu
Picchu, where a late morning arrival gives you time to begin
exploring this breathtaking Incan citadel. Your guide is Machu
Picchu's resident archaeologist, an expert who has participated
in more than 20 excavations and research projects to date. Join
him in exploring the city's ruins and feel the pulse of the
civilization that once thrived here. Skeletons, artifacts and
woolen clothing have been found here, but no written records,
leaving the fate of the Incan inhabitants a mystery. Machu
Picchu Sanctuary Lodge B L D
DAY 6: Machu Picchu/Cusco
Walk through Machu Picchu in the misty morning to explore
the ruins before the crowds arrive. Then join your guide for a
hike to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate), the entry to Machu Picchu
from the Inca Trail, or go up Huayna Picchu, a mountain that is
part of the citadel. Hotel Monasterio B L D
DAY 7: Cusco
DESIGN YOUR DAY-CUSCO: Design Your Day options fill your
morning: Explore Sacsayhuaman, a testimonial to the Inca's
architectural skills; or discover the Labyrinth, an Incan shrine
dedicated to the "Earth Mother"; or visit the fortress of Puka
Pukara. Alternatively, visit the artist colony of San Blas.
Dine tonight at Quinta Colcampata, built on ancient Inca
grounds.Hotel Monasterio B D
DAYS 8-9: Cusco/Lima/Quito, Ecuador
Fly to Quito via Lima. Visit the Equatorial Monument and
enjoy a tour of Quito, where you view the city's ornate churches
and architecture. Tonight gather for dinner at one of the finest
restaurants in town. Swissôtel B (L D Day 9 only)
DAYS 10-14: Quito/The Galápagos
Fly to the Galápagos archipelago and board 'Eclipse,' your
home for your Galápagos adventure. Explore rocky beaches and
eerie volcanic landscapes on visits to the main islands and
their landmarks, including Pinnacle Rock on Bartolomé Island,
Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island, Gardner Bay and Punta
Suarez on Española, the volcanoes of Isabela Island and the
Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island. Embark
from 'Eclipse' in pangas (rubber boats) to see sunbathing sea
lion playing tag between surf and sand; watch Sally Lightfoot
crab scuttle across the beach; meet one of the island's ancient
tortoises; and savor an incredible diversity of birdlife,
including penguin, finch, pelican, frigate bird, tern and booby.
MV 'Eclipse' B L D
DAY 15: The Galápagos/Quito
Travel to Baltra for your flight back to Quito. Tonight,
gather for a farewell dinner.
Swissôtel B D
DAY 16: Quito/USA or Canada
Board your homebound flight. B
This program contains some active elements, and a minimum level
of fitness is required. Please contact A&K for details or if you
have questions regarding your MV 'Eclipse' cruise.
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