Itinerary
Itinerary for 40th Anniversary Trip to South America
Day 1
CHICAGO / GUAYAQUIL
Wednesday, May 3
Flight: AA1317 ORD/MIA 11:55a / 4:01p
Flight: AA927 MIA/GYE 6:05p / 9:37p
Welcome to Ecuador! Upon arrival, your host will greet you and transfer you to your hotel for a good night’s rest.
Meals: None Included
Overnight: Hotel Wyndham: Premium Matrimonial Room
Day 2
GUAYAQUIL
Thursday, May 4
Today, wake up at your leisure and enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your tour.
Guayaquil Scenic Excursion
This cosmopolitan city is the largest port in Ecuador and offers what any major city on the world can. Rich historical background, wonderful museums, a handsome modern district with great shopping and good restaurants; a prosperous city leading the economy of the country, which displays great pride. There are also a number of historical places either by car like the Centenario or Las Peñas neighbourhood and on foot like the riverfront or Malecon. Another great place to discover!
Take a drive to the most important places in the downtown area of this prosperous port city to end on a fancy local restaurant for a full served dinner (fixed menu basis). This will be a perfect occasion for a welcome meal and to taste some of the Ecuadorian cuisine from the coastal region
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included
Overnight: Hotel Wyndham: Premium Matrimonial Room
Day 3
GUAYAQUIL / GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Friday, May 5
At scheduled time, a host will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport to board your flight to the Galapagos!
Flight: LAN1553 GYE/GAL 9:40a / 10:40a
Upon arrival you will be met and taken to the Itabaca Channel to take a ferry across to Santa Cruz Island. A 30-minute bus ride takes you to a restaurant in the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island to enjoy lunch, and then continue to Puerto Ayora.
After driving down from the highlands, your group will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest, home to many land birds. The campus houses the islands’ headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. In the late afternoon, stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora before embarking on Yacht Isabela II. You will review the expedition plan for the next day and enjoy the Captain's welcome cocktail and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Included
Overnight: Yacht Isabella II – Standard Cabin
Day 4
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Saturday, May 6
Enjoy a full day of cruising and discovery of the Galapagos!
Santa Fe Island/South Plaza Island
A stunning anchorage provides our jumping-off point for our visit to this sandy white beach with many sea lion harems. Galapagos hawks are often easily observed, perched atop salt bushes. The endemic land iguana, unique to this island, may be spotted during the walk. Snorkeling and swimming from the beach, kayaking or a ride in our glass-bottom boat rounds off the rewarding experience.
South Plaza
The turquoise waters of the channel here contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline, while a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents (sea purslane) serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus beyond, populated by yellow-grey land iguanas. Along the coastline one finds sea lion colonies, while sea birds play with the thermals that form along the cliffs of this small but amazing island.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Included
Overnight: Yacht Isabella II – Standard Cabin
Day 5
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Sunday, May 7
Enjoy a full day of cruising and discovery of the Galapagos!
North Seymour Island/Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island)
The morning starts with an enjoyable walk along the coast and the interior of this island, a favorite of many visitors, observing numerous bird colonies as well as sea lions and marine iguanas. There are opportunities for snorkeling or coastal exploration. We can also ride in the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.
Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island)
After WWII, US military barges were beached and abandoned here. Locals referred to the beach as the barges beach, a name that morphed to "bachas". Today it is an important nesting area for the east Pacific green sea turtle. Located on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, it is a glorious white beach, with several brackish lagoons only a few steps away from the sea. These lagoons are the feeding grounds of various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos. We can swim and/or snorkel from the beach. Thursday's expedition plan review and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Included
Overnight: Yacht Isabella II – Standard Cabin
Day 6
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Monday, May 8
Enjoy a full day of cruising and discovery of the Galapagos!
Bartolome Island/Sullivan Bay (James Island)
This morning, a Galapagos icon awaits us: Bartolome Island. A great way to start the day, with a steep climb up a wooden staircase. The view from the top is worth the effort! Following the walk, we take the pangas for a ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, followed by time to enjoy the beach and some snorkeling. We can also ride in the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.
Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island)
After lunch, we get on board the pangas to land at Sullivan Bay on the east coast of Santiago, a white coral sand beach great for swimming, with a trail over a lava field that flowed here less than 100 years ago. This is the perfect place to see and feel the volcanic origin of Galapagos while observing its wildlife.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Included
Overnight: Yacht Isabella II – Standard Cabin
Day 7
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS / LIMA
Tuesday, May 9
After breakfast, you will disembark the ship and be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Lima!
Flight: AV1631 SCY / GYE 1:20p / 4:10p
Flight: AV7390 GYE / LIM 6:27p / 8:22p
Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival in Lima, your host will greet you and transfer you to your hotel for a good night’s rest.
Meals: Breakfast Included
Overnight: Casa Andina Select Miraflores: Superior Room
Day 8
LIMA
Wednesday, May 10
Full Day Gastronomic & City Tour & Larco Museum (Private)
This tour starts at a local roastery, where they hand-pick the coffee beans daily, for an organic Peruvian coffee. You will tour the colonial streets of the bohemian district of Barranco, home to artists, musicians and the city’s top art galleries! You can also try an exotic fruit smoothie made from lucuma at the garden cafe, La Bodega Verde. From here you will visit a traditional market in the San Isidro district to try exotic fruits and local products and learn the ancient myths and legends associated with them.
The third stop is one of the city’s top seafood restaurants in the Miraflores district. There you will discover the secrets to the perfect Cebiche and Pisco Sour as you prepare the dish and cocktail yourself with the head chef and bartender. The last stop is for lunch at Huaca Pucllana, a restaurant within a pre-Incan archeological complex – undoubtedly a highlight of tourism in Lima Peru. You will enjoy a variety of gourmet Peruvian dishes as well as four different desserts and another pisco-based cocktail!
After lunch, we will continue our tour to the colonial part of the city of Lima, “The City of Kings”. You will go to the Historic Center, where you will visit the Main Square (Plaza Mayor), which comprises the Government Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, The Municipality and the Cathedral. We will stop at the Pisco Museum and the Choco Museum to do a brief tasting. Later on, we will visit the Convent of Santo Domingo, declared Intagible Cultural Heritage and home to the remains of our saints, San Martin de Porres and Santa Rosa de Lima. Finally, we will visit the Larco Museum, which houses the incomparable private collection of Treasures from the ancient Peru and inspires its visitors making them discover, understand and enjoy the more than five thousand years of history of ancient Peru through more than 45,000 pieces.
Afterward, return back to the hotel to rest for your trip to the Amazon tomorrow!
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Overnight: Casa Andina Select Miraflores: Superior Room
Day 9
LIMA / PUERTO MALDONADO
Thursday, May 11
At scheduled time, your host will greet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport to board your flight to Puerto Maldonado. Get ready for your trip to the Amazon!
Flight: AV809 LIM / PEM 08:40 / 11:38 (subj to change)
Upon arriving to Puerto Maldonado (Maldonado Port), you will be transferred to the Rainforest Expeditions office to receive some guidance on your stay. You will then head to the port in Tambopata to board the boat that will take you to Posada Amazonas, located in the middle of a Private Reserve belonging to the Community of Infierno.
Upon arrival, you will tour the 30-meter-high Canopy Tower from among the treetops. Gazing out you will get a spectacular view of the Tambopata River and you'll also see many different bird species which live at this height. At the end of the day you will be able to attend a presentation on the ecotourism project between Rainforest Expeditions and the Native Community of Infierno.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Included
Overnight: Rainforest Posada Amazonas – Superior Room
Day 10
PUERTO MALDONADO
Friday, May 12
Tres Chimbadas Lake – Parrot Clay Lick – Ethnobotanical Tour – Night Walk
You will visit Tres Chimbadas Lake very early in the morning. It is located 30 minutes away by boat and 40 min away if you walk from Posada Amazonas. You will loop around the lake to see the local wildlife and search for alligators, riparian birds, shanshos, and will hopefully be able to see the giant otter family that lives there. In the afternoon, you will set out to see the parrot clay lick, just 20 minutes from the lodge, where you will be able to see how dozens of parrots and parakeets descend to feed on a clay lick. Later, you will tour the Ñape Center, run by a communal organization that produces medicines from local plants growing in the ethnobotanical center. At the end of the day, you will take a guided tour in the middle of the night to marvel at the activity of the forest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Included
Overnight: Rainforest Posada Amazonas – Superior Room
Day 11
PUERTO MALDONADO / SACRED VALLEY
Saturday, May 13
Enjoy a full breakfast before departure. You will return to the office in Puerto Maldonado for a brief rest and then leave for the airport, on route to your next destination.
Flight: AV808 PEM / CUZ 12:55p / 1:45p
Upon arrival in Cusco, our staff will greet you at your hotel and transfer you to your Sacred Valley hotel to have the rest of the day at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast Included
Overnight: Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley: Superior Room
Day 12
SACRED VALLEY
Sunday, May 14
Today, spend a whole day with a small group tour discovering the best of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Starting on the Inca's Balcony, a beautiful place with an impressive view of Chinchero ruins and city, where twelves families still preserve their traditional mores, showing you the ancestral way in which they process the wool, and obtain those vivid colors for their textiles. Later, arrive to Moray, an impressing pre-Inca greenhouse, then, enjoy will have lunch in a local restaurant.
Afterwards, proceed with the group to Ollantaytambo, one of the most monumental architectural complexes of the ancient Inca Empire, one of the few places where the Spanish conquistadors lost a major battle. Very well known for its “andenes” (terraces dug into the slopes of mountains for agricultural purposes), Ollantaytambo was a highly effective fortress, that also served as a temple. Then, follow to the town of Ollantaytambo, with narrow cobblestone streets that have been continuously inhabited since the 13th century.
Afterward, be returned back to your hotel where you may enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, & Lunch Included
Overnight: Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley: Superior Room
Day 13
SACRED VALLEY / MACHU PICCHU
Monday, May 15
At a scheduled time, your host will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the train station to board your train to Aguas Calientes.
Awaiting you today is by far and away one of the high points in world tourism: Machu Picchu. Your adventure starts on the Vista Dome Train ride to the city of Aguas Calientes, where you will disembark and then board a bus that drives you to the actual Machu Picchu archaeological site. Your private guide will introduce you to this New 7 Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site; afterwards, there is some free time for you to explore the site on your own, to relax or to meditate.
Then enjoy lunch served at the Sanctuary Lodge restaurant, the only restaurant which offers a great view of Machu Picchu. At the agreed upon hour, you will descend to Aguas Calientes and have the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Included
Overnight: Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel: Superior Deluxe Room
Day 14
MACHU PICCHU / CUZCO
Tuesday, May 16
Today you will have the chance to relax at your hotel and enjoy one of the activities it offers or make a second self-guided visit to Machu Picchu. Take your time to explore the citadel on your own pace and get to know more about this amazing site. NOTE: Permits to Machu Picchu are included this day, guidance is not included.
During the afternoon, you will have a lunch served at your hotel. Later on, board your train back to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco a host will greet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Overnight: Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco: Superior Room
Day 15
CUZCO
Wednesday, May 17
Today, you will enjoy a half day private tour getting to know the city of Cusco, an UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and possessor of a style all its own.
The tour begins at the Koricancha Temple, an old Incan palace and main center for the worship of the sun god, Inti. Once the Spanish conquered Peru, the Dominican order built a lovely church over this temple’s foundations: the church of Santo Domingo, that is still there today. Your next destination is the Main Square, and then the adventure continues at the Sacsayhuaman Fortress built of enormous stone blocks expertly shaped by the Incas. It is strategically located at the top of a hill overlooking the city of Cuzco. What a view of the city!
The tour continues with visits to three archaeological sites: Qenko, Puca-Pucara, and Tambomachay, important religious and administrative centers for the Incas. Finally you will visit the art workshop named Inkas Expresion, that presents artists working on silver pieces and painting in wood. It is an ideal place for the ones that like andean art.
You will have the rest of the afternoon free to do some shopping or explore the city nearby your hotel. Then in the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the most renowned restaurants in Cuzco.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included
Overnight: Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco: Superior Room
Day 16/17
CUZCO / LIMA / CHICAGO
Thursday, May 18
This morning, you will have time to do some last minute shopping or exploring on your own in Cuzco. At a scheduled time, your host will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport to board your flight back to Lima and then connect international flight back home.
Flight: AV830 CUZ / LIM 5:08p / 6:35p
Flight: AA918 LIM / MIA 10:10p / 5:09a (+1)
Flight: AA334 MIA / ORD 8:35a / 10:59a (arrival on Friday, May 19)
Meals: Breakfast Included
Day 1
CHICAGO / GUAYAQUIL
Wednesday, May 3
Flight: AA1317 ORD/MIA 11:55a / 4:01p
Flight: AA927 MIA/GYE 6:05p / 9:37p
Welcome to Ecuador! Upon arrival, your host will greet you and transfer you to your hotel for a good night’s rest.
Meals: None Included
Overnight: Hotel Wyndham: Premium Matrimonial Room
Day 2
GUAYAQUIL
Thursday, May 4
Today, wake up at your leisure and enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your tour.
Guayaquil Scenic Excursion
This cosmopolitan city is the largest port in Ecuador and offers what any major city on the world can. Rich historical background, wonderful museums, a handsome modern district with great shopping and good restaurants; a prosperous city leading the economy of the country, which displays great pride. There are also a number of historical places either by car like the Centenario or Las Peñas neighbourhood and on foot like the riverfront or Malecon. Another great place to discover!
Take a drive to the most important places in the downtown area of this prosperous port city to end on a fancy local restaurant for a full served dinner (fixed menu basis). This will be a perfect occasion for a welcome meal and to taste some of the Ecuadorian cuisine from the coastal region
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included
Overnight: Hotel Wyndham: Premium Matrimonial Room
Day 3
GUAYAQUIL / GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Friday, May 5
At scheduled time, a host will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport to board your flight to the Galapagos!
Flight: LAN1553 GYE/GAL 9:40a / 10:40a
Upon arrival you will be met and taken to the Itabaca Channel to take a ferry across to Santa Cruz Island. A 30-minute bus ride takes you to a restaurant in the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island to enjoy lunch, and then continue to Puerto Ayora.
After driving down from the highlands, your group will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest, home to many land birds. The campus houses the islands’ headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. In the late afternoon, stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora before embarking on Yacht Isabela II. You will review the expedition plan for the next day and enjoy the Captain's welcome cocktail and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Included
Overnight: Yacht Isabella II – Standard Cabin
Day 4
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Saturday, May 6
Enjoy a full day of cruising and discovery of the Galapagos!
Santa Fe Island/South Plaza Island
A stunning anchorage provides our jumping-off point for our visit to this sandy white beach with many sea lion harems. Galapagos hawks are often easily observed, perched atop salt bushes. The endemic land iguana, unique to this island, may be spotted during the walk. Snorkeling and swimming from the beach, kayaking or a ride in our glass-bottom boat rounds off the rewarding experience.
South Plaza
The turquoise waters of the channel here contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline, while a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents (sea purslane) serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus beyond, populated by yellow-grey land iguanas. Along the coastline one finds sea lion colonies, while sea birds play with the thermals that form along the cliffs of this small but amazing island.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Included
Overnight: Yacht Isabella II – Standard Cabin
Day 5
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Sunday, May 7
Enjoy a full day of cruising and discovery of the Galapagos!
North Seymour Island/Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island)
The morning starts with an enjoyable walk along the coast and the interior of this island, a favorite of many visitors, observing numerous bird colonies as well as sea lions and marine iguanas. There are opportunities for snorkeling or coastal exploration. We can also ride in the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.
Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island)
After WWII, US military barges were beached and abandoned here. Locals referred to the beach as the barges beach, a name that morphed to "bachas". Today it is an important nesting area for the east Pacific green sea turtle. Located on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, it is a glorious white beach, with several brackish lagoons only a few steps away from the sea. These lagoons are the feeding grounds of various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos. We can swim and/or snorkel from the beach. Thursday's expedition plan review and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Included
Overnight: Yacht Isabella II – Standard Cabin
Day 6
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Monday, May 8
Enjoy a full day of cruising and discovery of the Galapagos!
Bartolome Island/Sullivan Bay (James Island)
This morning, a Galapagos icon awaits us: Bartolome Island. A great way to start the day, with a steep climb up a wooden staircase. The view from the top is worth the effort! Following the walk, we take the pangas for a ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, followed by time to enjoy the beach and some snorkeling. We can also ride in the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.
Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island)
After lunch, we get on board the pangas to land at Sullivan Bay on the east coast of Santiago, a white coral sand beach great for swimming, with a trail over a lava field that flowed here less than 100 years ago. This is the perfect place to see and feel the volcanic origin of Galapagos while observing its wildlife.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Included
Overnight: Yacht Isabella II – Standard Cabin
Day 7
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS / LIMA
Tuesday, May 9
After breakfast, you will disembark the ship and be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Lima!
Flight: AV1631 SCY / GYE 1:20p / 4:10p
Flight: AV7390 GYE / LIM 6:27p / 8:22p
Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival in Lima, your host will greet you and transfer you to your hotel for a good night’s rest.
Meals: Breakfast Included
Overnight: Casa Andina Select Miraflores: Superior Room
Day 8
LIMA
Wednesday, May 10
Full Day Gastronomic & City Tour & Larco Museum (Private)
This tour starts at a local roastery, where they hand-pick the coffee beans daily, for an organic Peruvian coffee. You will tour the colonial streets of the bohemian district of Barranco, home to artists, musicians and the city’s top art galleries! You can also try an exotic fruit smoothie made from lucuma at the garden cafe, La Bodega Verde. From here you will visit a traditional market in the San Isidro district to try exotic fruits and local products and learn the ancient myths and legends associated with them.
The third stop is one of the city’s top seafood restaurants in the Miraflores district. There you will discover the secrets to the perfect Cebiche and Pisco Sour as you prepare the dish and cocktail yourself with the head chef and bartender. The last stop is for lunch at Huaca Pucllana, a restaurant within a pre-Incan archeological complex – undoubtedly a highlight of tourism in Lima Peru. You will enjoy a variety of gourmet Peruvian dishes as well as four different desserts and another pisco-based cocktail!
After lunch, we will continue our tour to the colonial part of the city of Lima, “The City of Kings”. You will go to the Historic Center, where you will visit the Main Square (Plaza Mayor), which comprises the Government Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, The Municipality and the Cathedral. We will stop at the Pisco Museum and the Choco Museum to do a brief tasting. Later on, we will visit the Convent of Santo Domingo, declared Intagible Cultural Heritage and home to the remains of our saints, San Martin de Porres and Santa Rosa de Lima. Finally, we will visit the Larco Museum, which houses the incomparable private collection of Treasures from the ancient Peru and inspires its visitors making them discover, understand and enjoy the more than five thousand years of history of ancient Peru through more than 45,000 pieces.
Afterward, return back to the hotel to rest for your trip to the Amazon tomorrow!
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Overnight: Casa Andina Select Miraflores: Superior Room
Day 9
LIMA / PUERTO MALDONADO
Thursday, May 11
At scheduled time, your host will greet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport to board your flight to Puerto Maldonado. Get ready for your trip to the Amazon!
Flight: AV809 LIM / PEM 08:40 / 11:38 (subj to change)
Upon arriving to Puerto Maldonado (Maldonado Port), you will be transferred to the Rainforest Expeditions office to receive some guidance on your stay. You will then head to the port in Tambopata to board the boat that will take you to Posada Amazonas, located in the middle of a Private Reserve belonging to the Community of Infierno.
Upon arrival, you will tour the 30-meter-high Canopy Tower from among the treetops. Gazing out you will get a spectacular view of the Tambopata River and you'll also see many different bird species which live at this height. At the end of the day you will be able to attend a presentation on the ecotourism project between Rainforest Expeditions and the Native Community of Infierno.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Included
Overnight: Rainforest Posada Amazonas – Superior Room
Day 10
PUERTO MALDONADO
Friday, May 12
Tres Chimbadas Lake – Parrot Clay Lick – Ethnobotanical Tour – Night Walk
You will visit Tres Chimbadas Lake very early in the morning. It is located 30 minutes away by boat and 40 min away if you walk from Posada Amazonas. You will loop around the lake to see the local wildlife and search for alligators, riparian birds, shanshos, and will hopefully be able to see the giant otter family that lives there. In the afternoon, you will set out to see the parrot clay lick, just 20 minutes from the lodge, where you will be able to see how dozens of parrots and parakeets descend to feed on a clay lick. Later, you will tour the Ñape Center, run by a communal organization that produces medicines from local plants growing in the ethnobotanical center. At the end of the day, you will take a guided tour in the middle of the night to marvel at the activity of the forest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Included
Overnight: Rainforest Posada Amazonas – Superior Room
Day 11
PUERTO MALDONADO / SACRED VALLEY
Saturday, May 13
Enjoy a full breakfast before departure. You will return to the office in Puerto Maldonado for a brief rest and then leave for the airport, on route to your next destination.
Flight: AV808 PEM / CUZ 12:55p / 1:45p
Upon arrival in Cusco, our staff will greet you at your hotel and transfer you to your Sacred Valley hotel to have the rest of the day at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast Included
Overnight: Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley: Superior Room
Day 12
SACRED VALLEY
Sunday, May 14
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!
Afterwards, proceed with the group to Ollantaytambo, one of the most monumental architectural complexes of the ancient Inca Empire, one of the few places where the Spanish conquistadors lost a major battle. Very well known for its “andenes” (terraces dug into the slopes of mountains for agricultural purposes), Ollantaytambo was a highly effective fortress, that also served as a temple. Then, follow to the town of Ollantaytambo, with narrow cobblestone streets that have been continuously inhabited since the 13th century.
Afterward, be returned back to your hotel where you may enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, & Lunch Included
Overnight: Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley: Superior Room
Day 13
SACRED VALLEY / MACHU PICCHU
Monday, May 15
At a scheduled time, your host will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the train station to board your train to Aguas Calientes.
Awaiting you today is by far and away one of the high points in world tourism: Machu Picchu. Your adventure starts on the Vista Dome Train ride to the city of Aguas Calientes, where you will disembark and then board a bus that drives you to the actual Machu Picchu archaeological site. Your private guide will introduce you to this New 7 Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site; afterwards, there is some free time for you to explore the site on your own, to relax or to meditate.
Then enjoy lunch served at the Sanctuary Lodge restaurant, the only restaurant which offers a great view of Machu Picchu. At the agreed upon hour, you will descend to Aguas Calientes and have the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Included
Overnight: Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel: Superior Deluxe Room
Day 14
MACHU PICCHU / CUZCO
Tuesday, May 16
Today you will have the chance to relax at your hotel and enjoy one of the activities it offers or make a second self-guided visit to Machu Picchu. Take your time to explore the citadel on your own pace and get to know more about this amazing site. NOTE: Permits to Machu Picchu are included this day, guidance is not included.
During the afternoon, you will have a lunch served at your hotel. Later on, board your train back to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco a host will greet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Overnight: Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco: Superior Room
Day 15
CUZCO
Wednesday, May 17
Today, you will enjoy a half day private tour getting to know the city of Cusco, an UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and possessor of a style all its own.
The tour begins at the Koricancha Temple, an old Incan palace and main center for the worship of the sun god, Inti. Once the Spanish conquered Peru, the Dominican order built a lovely church over this temple’s foundations: the church of Santo Domingo, that is still there today. Your next destination is the Main Square, and then the adventure continues at the Sacsayhuaman Fortress built of enormous stone blocks expertly shaped by the Incas. It is strategically located at the top of a hill overlooking the city of Cuzco. What a view of the city!
The tour continues with visits to three archaeological sites: Qenko, Puca-Pucara, and Tambomachay, important religious and administrative centers for the Incas. Finally you will visit the art workshop named Inkas Expresion, that presents artists working on silver pieces and painting in wood. It is an ideal place for the ones that like andean art.
You will have the rest of the afternoon free to do some shopping or explore the city nearby your hotel. Then in the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the most renowned restaurants in Cuzco.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included
Overnight: Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco: Superior Room
Day 16/17
CUZCO / LIMA / CHICAGO
Thursday, May 18
This morning, you will have time to do some last minute shopping or exploring on your own in Cuzco. At a scheduled time, your host will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport to board your flight back to Lima and then connect international flight back home.
Flight: AV830 CUZ / LIM 5:08p / 6:35p
Flight: AA918 LIM / MIA 10:10p / 5:09a (+1)
Flight: AA334 MIA / ORD 8:35a / 10:59a (arrival on Friday, May 19)
Meals: Breakfast Included
Comments
Post a Comment