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The adventure replica of our most popular trip: The Ultimate Journey. We ride horses and explore ancient ruins, interact with the descendants of the mighty Incas, pedal our way to ancient villages and imposing fortresses, trek through towering peaks to Machu Picchu, hike under the shadow of legendary volcanoes, and negotiate the rapids of a tropical river. No, we are not done yet. Then we embark on a cruise around the Galapagos archipelago, hiking among hundreds of birds and iguanas, swimming with playful sea lions and snorkeling with penguins. We overnight in cozy boutique hotels and manor houses where we can savor local specialties and learn about regional customs and traditions.
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DESCRIPTION |
| 1 |
Arrival in Cuzco
Early morning arrival in Lima. After clearing customs and immigration, proceed to the reception area, where our local representative will be holding a board with your name on it. You will be greeted with a “Bienvenidos a Lima” and immediately escorted to the domestic lounge, where our representative will be assisting you with check in procedures for your connecting flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival in Cuzco, a representative will transfers you to your hotel. You will be greeted with a welcome coca tea (excellent for acclimation) and showed to your room, where we suggest you rest for a few hours. In the afternoon we recommend you visit the Korikancha temple, the cathedral or walk around San Blas, also known as the artisans’ neighborhood.
 Monasterio del Cusco
Novotel Cusco
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| 2 |
A horseback ride back in time to Incan territory
From our vantage point, the city of Cuzco resembles one of those sleepy villages in Central Spain. Under the leadership or our guide we are leaving the city for a visit to Cuzco’s surrounding Inca ruins. We dismount first at Sacsayhuaman, an imposing fortress of grandiose dimensions. From Sacsayhuaman, trot to the mysterious ritual site of Kenko, the military complex of Puca Pucara and finally to the baths of Tambomachay, where you may freshen up in the crisp waters of a nearby spring. After this fascinating history lesson on horseback, return to the city savoring the superb vistas and the fresh, pure air of the Andean mountains. The rest of the day is free for you to continue exploring the town at your own pace, hunt for traditional souvenirs, or rub elbows with the locals around a pisco sour in one of the local picanterias. (B)
Monasterio del Cusco
Novotel Cusco
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| 3 |
The Sacred Valley: Indigenous Markets and Inca Fortresses
This morning depart for the Urubamba Valley, also known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, one of the most fertile on the planet. In the heart of the valley, you will stop at an ancient Inca town where locals have been gathering for centuries to barter their products in the central plaza: Pisac. Spend two hours visiting the market, bargaining for Peruvian handicrafts and jewelry and watching the locals barter beans and corn and other produce in their native Quechua language. Then take a short break to sip an Inca Cola with the natives in a bar and immediately depart for Ollantaytambo, a huge fortress strategically located at the entrance of the valley, where the Inca Ollanta was able to stop the Spanish conquistadores in a celebrated battle. As many other Inca remains, Ollanta is both magical and mysterious with its legends and converging energies floating in the air. After touring the ancient village and fortress, return to Yucay for overnight accommodations at a typical hacienda. (B,L,D)
Sol y Luna Hotel
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| 4 |
Pedaling around the spectacular Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley very well deserves some extra time to fully enjoy its beauty and ancient traditions. Jump on mountain bikes and set off to discover the secrets of this incredible valley of harvest terraces, majestic mountains and Inca villages steeped in ancient traditions. You will return in the afternoon, full of fresh stories and anecdotes compiled during your exploration. At night trade stories with other guests at the hotel’s cozy lounge, take a stroll around the village, or relax in the hotel gardens and marvel at the starry sky. (B,D)
Sol y Luna Hotel
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| 5 |
In search of the Lost City of the Incas
The train disappears in the distance as we get ready to start our memorable trek in the company of the legendary Andean backpackers. We have gotten off at km 104, two hours from Cuzco by train and a few hours by foot from Machu Picchu. After a brief visit to the Chachabamba archaeological complex, we take on a five mile ascending trail, which will take us to Wińaywayna, an impressive archaeological complex that rivals the Lost City in both beauty and location. We stop to visit the site and take in the magnificent views of the Urubamba River Valley, beautiful waterfalls and the Choquesuysuy ruins, located on the other side of the river. Back on the trail, we hike for an hour along flat stones on the edge of cliffs, in a highland jungle until we reach Intipunku, The Gate of the Sun. Machu Picchu lies down below, surrounded by green mountains, under a blue sky interspersed with traveling white clouds. We descend to the village of Aguas Calientes for a hearty meal and a well-deserved, restful night at the beautiful El Pueblo Hotel. (B,L,D)
Machu Picchu Pueblo
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| 6 |
Visit the citadel. Then return to Cuzco by train
Rising early you will visit the citadel before the hordes of tourists arrive. Then it is free time until the afternoon train departure. Our guide suggests climbing up Huaynu Picchu (the other mountain), visit the Temple of the Moon and the fabulous Inca Bridge or relaxing in the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes. Tonight you will overnight in Cuzco. (B)
Monasterio del Cusco
Novotel Cusco
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| 7 |
Moving on to Ecuador
Today leave the land of the Incas in search of new adventures in the neighboring Ecuador. You will be in Quito by the late afternoon, with plenty of time to rest and scout your surroundings. Our local representative will be waiting for you at the airport to transfer you to your hotel and inform you of your program while in Ecuador. This afternoon we suggest you visit the colonial district, the largest and best preserved in Latin America. (B)
Mercure Alameda
Swissotel Quito
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| 8 |
Hiking around Cotopaxi Volcano
We leave the city behind and head out for the highlands of Ecuador, a lovely blend of Indian markets, small villages, growling volcanoes and ancestral traditions. Following the steps of German explorer, Alexander Von Humboldt, we drive towards what he baptized as the Avenue of the Volcanoes, where the highest active volcano in the world--the Cotopaxi--rules with its 19,547 feet. We will spend the day exploring Cotopaxi National Park, an ecological sanctuary of 88,920 acres, especially attractive for nature lovers. The lovely hike through the Andean moorlands will render views of snowcapped peaks, glacier lakes and local and endemic animals such as wild horses, llamas and perhaps deer, rabbits, frogs and lizards. Bird life includes the Andean gull, ducks, several species of hummingbirds and with some luck, the condor. After lunch we will return to Quito. (B,L)
Mercure Alameda
Swissotel Quito
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| 9 |
Rafting the Blanco River
Today we take on the Blanco River (Spanish for "white"). The river gets its name from the continuous flow of white rapids that we will negotiate on a 20-mile journey. The river not only offers a full variety of class III and III+ rapids and waves but also breathtaking rainforest surroundings, abundant bird life and even some encounters with the southern river otter. A hearty lunch will be served on the river banks. In the afternoon we return to Quito, where we overnight in preparation for tomorrow’s morning departure towards the jewel of Ecuador: Galapagos. (B,L)
Mercure Alameda
Swissotel Quito
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| 10 |
The enchanting Galapagos: Bartholomew
Early this morning a representative transfers us to the airport in time for the two-hour flight to Galapagos. This incredible archipelago is made up of 13 large islands, six smaller ones, and over 40 islets. Its wonders span from the most varied and incredible geological formations, lava flows, blowholes, spatter cones and lava tunnels, to beaches of olive, black, or white sand and the most diverse species of plant life. However the most surprising sight for visitors is perhaps the varied species of animals which inspired Charles Darwin on his visit in 1835: Sea lions, penguins, tortoises, iguanas, several species of marine birds, many of them endemic, and a rich underwater fauna. This afternoon we set sail and begin our explorations with a dry landing at Bartholomew Island. Arriving at this island seems as if you were walking on the moon, the volcanic formations on this island including lava bombs, spatter cones and cinder cones. There is a steep hike to the summit aided by wooden steps, from where you will have an impressive view of the archipelago, including Pinnacle Rock, an eroded tuff cone. On your way to the top admire a large colony of marine iguanas and lava lizards. Later on you may go snorkeling with the possibility of spotting Galapagos penguins, marine tortoises (January through March) and white-tipped sharks. (B,L,D)
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| 11 |
Fernandina and Isabela
Today we arrive in Fernandina Island with its black volcanic rocks draped with hundreds of marine iguanas. We disembark at Punta Espinoza where we can observe sea lions dash in and out of the inlets and flightless cormorants walk tipsily along the beaches, joining pelicans and penguins. Later we continue our journey to Isabela, the largest island in Galapagos accounting for half of the total landmass of the archipelago. In Isabela we visit Tagus Cove, a protected natural harbor where centuries ago whalers safely spent the night. Isabela is famous for its large colonies of penguins, Galapagos hawks, frigate birds, flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, sea turtles, manta rays, hammerhead sharks, white tipped sharks, Galapagos sharks, eels, groupers and snappers. (B,L,D)
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| 12 |
Isabela
After cruising through the Bolivar Channel for a possible observation of whales and dolphins, we board a dinghy and disembark at Moreno Point (dry landing). Here we take a medium-length walk in search of giant tortoises, brightly colored land iguanas, flamingos and oystercatchers. Later we can swim and snorkel where you can spot hammerhead sharks, white tipped sharks, Galapagos sharks, eels, groupers and snappers. Return on board for lunch. In the afternoon visit Urbina Bay (wet landing), a nesting site for the Brown Pelican and the Flightless Cormorant. (B,L,D)
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| 13 |
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is the second largest island of the archipelago, colonized in the 1920's. We will spend a full day in the island. In the morning enjoy a hike in the lush scenery of the Santa Cruz highlands, where occasionally it is possible to see giant tortoises grazing in the pastures of local farms. Lunch at a typical restaurant. In the afternoon, we will pay a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station where we can see giant tortoises in captivity and learn about the importance of this station for the survival of the archipelago. Later we will have free time to enjoy the small town of Puerto Ayora and maybe do some shopping. (B,L,D)
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| 14 |
Back to the continent
This afternoon, after a morning excursion, our Galapagos odyssey concludes and we return to the airport for our flight back to the continent. Back in Quito, you have a last opportunity to wander those ancient cobblestone streets and dine on Andean fare. Overnight (B)
Mercure Alameda
Swissotel Quito
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| 15 |
Depart Ecuador
Farewell Eco Voyagers! Today our local representative will be transferring you to the airport in time for your departing flight. We wish you a pleasant trip back home and hope to enjoy your company in another exciting adventure very soon. (B)
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| Call for prices |
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| Departure: Tuesdays year round |
| Duration: 15 Days / 14 Nights |
Type of services: Private services throughout with bilingual guides except for the Inca Trail, the rafting trip and the excursions in Galapagos, which are conducted in small groups.
Highlights: Visiting Cuzco’s Inca ruins on horseback; the indigenous market in Pisac; mountain biking in the Sacred Valley; trekking to Machu Picchu; overnight in Machu Picchu; hiking to Cotopaxi Volcano; rafting the Blanco River; cruising the Galapagos archipelago.
Travel documents: American, Canadian and European Union citizens only need a valid passport for stays of up to 30 days.
Inclusions: All ground and air transportation at the destination; lodging, meals and tours per itinerary; hotel taxes; English-speaking assistance.
Not included: International airfares; airport departure taxes; Galapagos National Park Fee ($100 per person; tips of any kind; incidentals at hotels; any meals not included in the itinerary; alcoholic beverages; souvenirs.
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It is the travelers responsibility to have all proper travel documents which can include passports and foreign visas. Learn more here: Passport & Visa Information |
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Travel Insurance is highly recommended to protect your travel investment and for any emergencies that could occur while traveling. Learn more here: Travel Insurance |
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All rates are “From Prices”
and correspond to the lowest season in the year.
Expect moderate to high increases for high season
and holiday periods. Low season dates vary from
destination to destination. Please inquire for details.
All rates on this website are per person and based
on double occupancy, unless otherwise indicated.
If a hotel included in a program is not available
at the time of the reservation, we will substitute
it for a hotel of similar category.
Room and cabin upgrades are available at most hotels
and cruises. Please inquire at the time of reservation.
Most programs can be customized.
All itineraries are subject to change without notice.
Website is for research purposes only.
To receive an estimate, please contact Toll Free at 1-800-255-4266 us
or send
an email to us.
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