Wonders of Ecuador – Peru & Bolivia

• Tuesday: Arrive Guayaquil

  Arrive into Guayaquil today.

  Upon arrival to Guayaquil, you will be welcomed outside of Customs by an English-speaking assistant holding a sign with your name on it. This representative will direct you to your awaiting vehicle and driver, and accompany you to your hotel to assist with check-in.

  Balance of the day at leisure.

  ACCOMMODATION:

  Tourist: Unipark or Similar

  First Class: Wyndham or Similar

• Guayaquil - Galapagos Islands (Santa Cruz Island)

  After breakfast, transfer to the airport to take flight to Galapagos.

  Suggested flight (subject to change) from Guayaquil:

  XL1413 GYE/GPS 1115-1212 – not included

  Arrival in the Galapagos. English speaking assistance.

  Today we arrive on Baltra Island, the gateway to the Galapagos. This tiny island was a military base during the Second World War and hosts the Islands’ principal airport. The airport was built using the most advanced environmental techniques to reduce emissions and energy use, some of which you’ll notice as you transit through the facility. It was the first ecological airport in the world. Ferry to Santa Cruz Island.

  Afterwards drive to our exclusive giant tortoise reserve where our tented camp is located. Perched high on a hillside overlooking the ocean, Magic Galapagos Tented Camp will be our home for the night. The sounds of nature will be our lullaby in the evenings, and the Milky Way will be our night-light. We’ll be able to feast our eyes on the mountains and forest surrounding the lodge, and enjoy the peace of having the entire hillside to ourselves, with the exception of seasonal resident giant tortoises.

  Watching the colorful sunset from Magic’s western perch is the perfect segue into evening.

  Dinners are scrumptious three course affairs, prepared by expert chefs in an open-air kitchen in the main lodge.

  A favorite post-dinner activity is a short walk to the natural lava tubes on the reserve for a nightcap in the one-of-a-kind ‘Lava Lounge!’ It’s the perfect spot to relax around the fire and share stories from the day’s adventures.

  *Check in at Galapagos Magic Tented Camp is at 3pm. If guests are arriving earlier, the transfer included in the program will drive them to Puerto Ayora (not to the hotel). Lunch is not included this day, so you can take advantage of your time at Puerto Ayora to explore on your own, and enjoy of a meal in a local restaurant. Luggage will be stored until the moment of the check in, so guests have time to explore on their own Puerto Ayora and have lunch at town (not included). Later, a taxi will pick them up to be transferred to Galapagos Magic.

  **Magic Galapagos doesn’t have an open restaurant. Breakfasts and dinners are included with the stay. Lunch is only available upon request, with previous notification.

  Overnight at Galapagos Magic (double tree house) and optional upgrade to (double tent).

  **Note: Some departures have limited availability at Galapagos Magic. Whenever unavailable, this night will be changed to your selected hotel in Puerto Ayora and an extra visit to El Chato turtle ranch will be included to round off the experience. In this case, dinner will be on your account.

  Please, confirm availability at the time of booking.

  Included: transport, English speaking guide and lodging

  Meals included: Breakfast and dinner (*only when lodged at Galapagos Magic).

  ACCOMMODATION:

  Tourist: Galapagos Magic - Tree house

  First Class: Galapagos Magic - Standard tent

• Galapagos Islands: Bay Exploration

  This morning we will join a Puerto Ayora’s bay exploration, at the main dock we will have a quick 10-minute navigation to la Loberia Island named after a sea lion colony that inhabits there. This small island is a great place to snorkel in amongst sea turtles and a great variety of colorful fish, and for playing with the ever-friendly and inquisitive sea lions.

  Our next stop will be a hike to the Túnel del Amor (lover’s tunnel) with a great viewpoint from where if lucky you can watch resting white-tip sharks. On the way back we will visit Punta Estrada’s dock, where we’ll go on a walk to watch marine iguanas.

  Meals included: Breakfast

  ACCOMMODATION:

  Tourist: Hotel Fiesta or Similar

  First Class: Hotel Ikala or Similar

• Galapagos islands: Full Day Navigation

  Daily Tour on board a motor yacht (shared basis excursion)

  Embark our motor yacht and enjoy of a daily excursion with a welcoming crew members and knowledgeable naturalist guide, and experience the remote islands in comfort and style.

  Our daily excursions will take you to experience the Galapagos Islands in a safe and comfortable manner. Check the boat´s weekly itinerary. We may visit North Seymour and Bachas, South Plazas, Santa Fe Island or Bartolome and Sullivan Bay, according to boats’ schedules allowed by the National Park.

  Later, drive to Puerto Ayora to spend the night.

  Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch on board

  ACCOMMODATION:

  Tourist: Hotel Fiesta or Similar

  First Class: Hotel Ikala or Similar

• Galapagos Islands - Lima

  After breakfast, transfer to Baltra´s airport to take flight to Lima, via Guayaquil.

  Suggested flights (subject to change) via Guayaquil XL1412 GPS/GYE 1255-1547 + LA2415 GYE/LIMA 2040-2245 – not included

  Lima, capital of Peru, which was founded by the great conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535 and soon became the capital of the extensive and tremendously wealthy Peruvian Vice Regency of Spain. By the end of the 16th Century it had grown into a city of fine palaces and churches and was the cultural centre of the southern hemisphere. Today, Lima still retains the essence of the Spanish colonialism.

  Upon arrival to Lima, you will be welcomed outside of Customs by an English-speaking assistant holding a sign with your name on it. This representative will direct you to your awaiting vehicle and driver, and accompany you to your hotel to assist with check-in.

  Balance of the day at leisure.

  ACCOMMODATION:

  Tourist: El Tambo II or Similar

  First Class: Atton San Isidro or Similar

• Lima

  Today we will visit the modern and colonial parts of the city of Lima the "City of Kings", beginning in the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro. Pass by a Huaca or sacred pre-Inca site. There will then be a stop at Parque del Amor (Lovers Park) in Miraflores for its magnificent view over the Pacific Ocean. The tour also includes the Historic Centre based on the Main Square, where the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop ́s Palace, the Municipality of Lima and the Cathedral are located, as well as a visit to one of the largest colonial-era convents.

  Once the sightseeing tour of Lima is completed we will transfer you back to your hotel.

  Balance of day at leisure.

  Meals included: Breakfast

  ACCOMMODATION:

  Tourist: El Tambo II or Similar

  First Class: Atton San Isidro or Similar

• Lima - Sacred Valley of the Incas

  This morning after breakfast, we will transfer you from your hotel, to Lima Airport for your direct Flight to the city o Cuzco.

  On arrival to Cusco you will be met at the airport by a local representative who will transport you to the Sacred Valley of the Incas (8,500 feet elevation), a long, fertile river valley surrounded by snowcapped peaks that lies between Cusco (11,150 feet elevation) and Machu Picchu (7,850 feet elevation). Starting here helps you adjust to the high altitude of the Andes and is a great way to see how the local people continue to live in the traditional Andean manner.

  Rest of afternoon at leisure.

  Meals included: Breakfast

  Note: To reduce your risk of altitude sickness, the best thing you can do upon arrival to Cusco Airport is to head straight to the lower altitude of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Believe it or not, Cusco is at an altitude of 11,150 feet elevation and Machu Picchu way lower at 7,850 feet elevation!

  Proper acclimation can make a huge difference.

  After a few days (as per our suggested itinerary) you can then make your way back up to Cusco and will feel a lot better.

  Due to the altitude, we recommend that you avoid any strenuous activity for the remainder of the day. We suggest that you rest for one to two hours after checking in to your hotel, prior to commencement of any physical activity. To further reduce the effects of altitude sickness, we recommend you also drink plenty of fluids: water, fruit juices, herbal tea or the local 'mate de coca'. It is highly recommended to avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol.

  Altitude affects each person differently so symptoms may vary greatly, so please be alert to any possible symptoms and if in any doubt seek medical advice.

  Suggested flight LA2027 LIM/CUZ Departure 0944 / Arrival 1111 - not included

  ACCOMMODATION:

  Tourist: Hotel Hacienda del Valle or Similar

  First Class: Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba or Similar

• Sacred Valley of the Incas - Aguas Calientes

  Today a full day tour of Sacred Valley of the Incas.

  You will head to Chinchero to visit the PARWA Center, where you can appreciate beautiful textiles and even buy some to take home. After, visit the Chinchero church, which was built by the Spanish in 1607 and remains standing until today. Continue with a visit to the ruins of Chinchero, where you will find an important Inca center in which terraces and aqueducts were built.

  Then, you will stop at the Racchi Viewpoint, from where you will have a panoramic view of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

  Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

  Afterwards, you will head towards the town of Ollantaytambo, where you will find the imposing Inca fortress that bears the same name. This place is of great historical importance, because it is where Manco Inca defeated the Spanish forces in 1538. Then, you will descend to the town of Ollantaytambo which stands out for still maintaining the Inca urban planning as part of his original urban layout, with some buildings and narrow stone alleys. You can tour the town and visit the local market.

  At proper time you will board the train to Aguas Calientes, gateway to the nearby Inca ruins of Machu Picchu.

  Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes we will head to your hotel.

  Evening at leisure.

  Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

  ACCOMMODATION:

  Tourist: El Mapi by Inkaterra or Similar

  First Class: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel or Similar

• Machu Picchu - Cusco

  Today you are going to visit one of the most important energy centers of the world: Machu Picchu.

  You will be driven from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of the archeological site.

  A 2 hours 30 minutes guided tour of the ruins will have you wondering about the lives of the priests, craftsmen, and servants who inhabited this citadel and what drove them to build it on a mountain-top. Excavations have revealed skeletons, artefacts and woollen clothing, but no gold. The same precise stonework as in other Incan sites in evident. Overlooking the raging Urubamba River and discovered in hidden tangle of vines and trees atop the mountain, the city of Machu Picchu will forever hold the secret of its destruction as the Incas left no written record.

  You will visit following points in Machu Picchu:
  01 Entrance
  02 Ceremonial Baths
  03 Inka House
  04 Temple of the Sun
  05 Botanical Garden
  06 Square of the Temples
  07 Intiwatana
  08 Llamacancha
  09 Sacred rock
  10 Temple of the Condor
  11 Agricultural Zone
  12 Exit

  The guided tour will end a few meters from the Machu Picchu exit. It is not allowed to return on the way that has already been visited.

  Once the guided tour is over you will descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch and board the train later that afternoon for the return trip.

  Once you have arrived at Poroy Station, you will be driven to your hotel located in the city of Cusco.

  Cusco is another of the highlights of a trip to Peru, a fascinating city built on the foundations of the former Incan capital. You can observe massive Incan walls along many of the streets of the city. The city has a vibrant atmosphere and many excellent restaurants.

  Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

  ACCOMMODATION:

  Tourist: Xima Cusco Hotel or Similar

  First Class: Palacio del Inka or Similar

• Cusco

  Enjoy the charm of this beautiful colonial city that was built upon the remains of amazing Inca buildings. Not to miss: Temple of the Sun (Koricancha), San Blas artisan neighborhood, the Cathedral and the Inca Fortress of Sacsayhuaman.

  Meals included: Breakfast

  You can enhance your experience by adding this optional tour (additional cost of USD $75 per person).

  CITY TOUR AND RUINS AND SAN PEDRO MARKET:
  This afternoon you will visit the city of Cusco, known as the Imperial City and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Here you will start your tour at the iconic San Pedro market, a local market where you can explore the colors, flavors and traditions of modern Cusco. The visit continues with the Koricancha Temple, an ancient Inca palace and cult center of the Sun God, above which the order of the Dominicans built a church, which remains standing to this day. You will continue ascending to the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, an impressive example of Inca military architecture. Afterwards, you will explore Q’enqo archeological site, where important Inca ceremonies took place. Finally, you will arrive to the Plaza de Armas (main square), where you will visit the Cathedral, the most important temple in the city.

  ACCOMMODATION:

  Tourist: Xima Cusco Hotel or Similar

  First Class: Palacio del Inka or Similar

• Cusco - Puno (Lake Titicaca)

  At the scheduled time, you will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to the bus station to take the departure from Cusco to Puno.

  Leave the station at the start of a bus journey to Puno; en route enjoy the magnificent scenery of the southern valley of Cusco. First stop is Andahuaylillas, which has a beautiful 17th Century church containing an impressive organ decorated with angels and cherubs. After that, the ruins at Racchi -also known as the "Temple of Wiracocha”- the different zones of which were used for different purposes. After this visit, you will enjoy a typical and delicious buffet lunch at a local restaurant. Then you will visit the archaeological site of Puca-Pucara, basically a military camp that also functioned as an administrative center. Finally, you will arrive at the bus station in Puno.

  Upon your arrival to Puno. Transfer in from bus station to hotel.

  Meals included: Breakfast

• Puno – Copacabana - Sun Island

  This morning a trip by private transport from Puno with a wonderful view of Lake Titikaka along the route (3 hours) until Copacabana (3 ½ hours), a pleasant town in the shores of Lake. Visit to its church and the famous "Virgen Morena".

  Trip by boat crossing the Lake to the Island of the Sun (1 hour) until Huacani to have an Aptapi (typical lunch in the highlands), this trip continues by boat up till to the ruins of Pilkokaina Inca temple.

  Finally hike to Ecolodge La Estancia with a wonderful view of Lake Titicaca (1 hour approximately).

  Overnight in Sun Island

  About Ecolodge La Estancia: An amazing spot located in the southern part of the Island of the Sun in Lake Titicaca. It was built preserving the Andean architecture and combining with the modern comfort, always respecting the harmony of the surrounding nature and habitat. The cabins were constructed with adobe brick and thatch roofs, and were set between pre-Inca terraces. We do also use solar energy and recycle waste at all levels.

  Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  ACCOMMODATION:

  Tourist: Ecolodge La Estancia or Similar

  First Class: Ecolodge La Estancia or Similar

• Lake Titicaca – La Paz

  Don't miss early sunrise!!

  Hike down through Yumani visiting the Inca stairs and the Water of the Eternal Youth, then have a trip north by boat to visit Chincana ruins and the Sacred Rock (1 hour); continue by boat to the Island of the Moon (1 hour) and the Inca ruins of Iñak Uyu temple to finally reach Copacabana (1 ½ hours).

  Private transportation to La Paz (3 ½ hours) with very nice views of the Andes Royal Range.

  Upon arrival to La Paz balance of the day at leisure.

  Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

  ACCOMMODATION:

  Tourist: Rey Palace or Similar

  First Class: La Casona or Similar

• La Paz

  This morning a 4 hours city tour through La Paz, elected as one of the 7 wonder cities in the world. It is in a valley at the foothills of the Andes Range, situated at 3,632m / 11942 ft. above sea level.

  The tour goes through the street markets rich in handicrafts, weavings and witchcraft items, followed by a visit to the colonial section of the city, San Francisco Church, Gold Museum, Murillo Square also visit to the viewpoint "Mirador de Killi Killi", and the outdoor replica of Tiwanaku temple.

  Then descending to the more modern, southern part of La Paz to reach and visit the Valley of the Moon, where a clay mountain has been impressively shaped by erosion.

  Ride by cable car “Teleférico”, it’s an excellent choice to discover an excellent and beautiful view of La Paz. This is a must for every one! Note: cable car ride can change day according to the itinerary.

  Meals included: Breakfast

  ACCOMMODATION:

  Tourist: Rey Palace or Similar

  First Class: La Casona or Similar

• La Paz – Uyuni (Uyuni salt flats)

  Transfer to El Alto airport.

  Morning flight from La Paz to Uyuni.

  Early flight LPB/UYU (first flight available) – not included

  *We recommend having our office in Bolivia arrange your domestic flights. Ask your travel agent for a quote.

  Meeting at Uyuni airport and transfer to Uyuni village.

  At 10:00 am enter this unique natural wonder with over 10.582 km2 at 3.692 m.a.s.l. of salt; it is really special!

  Visit the village of Colchani in the shores to see the locals producing salt.

  Afterwards enter this perfect natural highway to cross it to “Isla Incahuasi” (2 hours), a special habitat of volcanic rocks and giant cactus.

  Continue north to visit the pre- Columbian Aique Pucara fort and the nearby chullpares on the foothills of Thunupa volcano, then trip back to Colchani (2 hours), enjoy a beautiful sunset.

  Once all activities are completed we will transfer you to Hotel Palacio de Sal

  About Hotel Palacio de Sal: This is an amazing hotel with walls, ceilings, chairs and tables made in salt. The purpose of this special construction is to be in balance with nature and the surrounding landscape also to enjoy a pleasant and unforgettable rest

  Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  ACCOMMODATION:

  Tourist: Hotel Palacio de Sal or Similar

  First Class: Hotel Palacio de Sal or Similar

• Uyuni – La Paz

  After breakfast we will transfer to the nearby airport for a flight to La Paz.

  Early flight UYU/LPB (first flight available) – not included

  *We recommend having our office in Bolivia arrange your domestic flights. Ask your travel agent for a quote.

  El Alto airport is currently the highest International airport in the world at 4,080m/13.115 ft. above sea level. Transfer from airport to hotel, via a short highway from which there is a nice view over the city of La Paz and nearby snow-capped mountains.

  On arrival to your hotel balance of the day at leisure.

  You can enhance your experience by adding this optional half day tour (additional cost of USD $99 per person):

  Tiwanaku is a 1½ hours drive from La Paz (72 km/45 miles), throughout which the highlands are passed and the Aymaran way of life can be seen. Tiwanaku dating back to 1580BC - 1200AC, was one of the most important pre- Inca civilizations and considered to be among the most developed at the time. The main constructions visited during this tour are: Kalasasaya temple and the Gate of the Sun constructed out of stone, Ponce and Fraile monoliths; the Akapana pyramid and the semi-underground temple. Two local museums to view pottery, stone work and learn about the culture are also included on this trip.

  Meals included: Breakfast

  ACCOMMODATION:

  Tourist: Rey Palace or Similar

  First Class: La Casona or Similar

• Depart La Paz

  At the scheduled time, you will be transferred you to El Alto Airport (La Paz International Airport) for your onward flight to your next destination.

  End of the Small Group Tour.

  Meals included: Breakfast

• Package cost based on Hotel category Tourist from USD $3680 per person / Single supplement USD $875
• Package cost based on Hotel category First Class from USD $4170 per person / Single Supplement USD $1220
• Hotel accommodation quoted in Standard rooms
• Occasionally due to circumstances out of our control, hotels quoted may not be available at the time of booking. In these circumstances when hotels are unavailable, will provide the best possible alternative.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Accommodation as listed in the itinerary
• Shared transfers and excursions as mentioned in the itinerary unless specified otherwise
• Entrance fees (except Galapagos Islands)
• Local English speaking guides in each locality
• Meals as per Itinerary
• Expedition train to Machu Picchu
• Package cost based on Hotel category Tourist from USD $3680 per person / Single supplement USD $875
• Package cost based on Hotel category First Class from USD $4170 per person / Single Supplement USD $1220

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• International and domestic flights and airport taxes
• Travel insurance
• Transfers on days before or after official start / end days
• Tours listed as optional
• Drinks and items of a personal nature
• Galapagos National Park entrance fee (USD $100 per person, subject to change) and Transit Control Card (USD $20 per person, subject to change)

GUARANTEED DEPARTURE DATES FROM JANUARY UNTIL DECEMBER 2020

NOTES

• Minimum 02 passengers need it to operate.
• Maximum group size is 20.
• This is not a fully escorted tour.
• Local English guides are used in each different location.
• Full passport information is needed at the time of booking to confirm the rail tickets to Machu Picchu.
• There is a baggage limit for the train to Machu Picchu of 1 bag or backpack with a maximum weight of 5kg / 11lbs.
• We can purchase all flights on your behalf.