DAY 1 | Oct. 10. U.S. / Guayaquil, Ecuador
Depart U.S. and arrive in Guayaquil by late evening. Overnight at Hotel Hilton Colón.
DAY 2 | Oct. 11. Guayaquil / Galápagos / Embark
This morning fly to Galápagos and embark ship. (B, L, D)
DAYS 3-8 | Oct. 12-17. Galápagos Islands
A new island to explore daily over the course of our expedition. And the promise of genuine discovery every day. Routing is subject to Galápagos National Park approval—but our in-depth knowledge of the geography guarantees days steeped in joy, wonder, and engaging activities. (B, L, D)
Here is a representative sampling of islands we may visit during your week on board.
- Bartolomé: This is an enchanting landscape where lava, mangroves, and golden sand converge. Great walks and views abound, with a chance to snorkel with Galápagos penguins.
- Santiago: Santiago offers close encounters with Galápagos fur seals along with an opportunity to study the inhabitants of this island’s countless tide pools.
- Santa Cruz: Learn about vital preservation work being done at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Then, head up into the highlands to roam the moss-draped landscape where wild giant tortoises forage.
- Isabela: Enjoy a challenging hike over a rugged area ofshoreline, then inland through a land iguana nestingsite. Walking, birding, kayaking, and snorkelingoptions are on offer.
- North Seymour: Have up-close encounters with colonies of blue-footed boobiesand magnificent frigate birds, and sea lion harems.
- Fernandina: This is the youngest island in the Galápagos. Discover the marine iguana haven of Punta Espinoza, and take in the dramatic backdrop of Isabela’s volcanoes off in the distance.
- Floreana: Snorkel among sea lions in the clear waters off Champion Islet. We may also find flamingos, pintail ducks, and various shorebirds. Hike to a pristine white-sand beach, a favorite nesting site for sea turtles.
- Española: The exclusive home to particularly colorful marine iguanas and the most inquisitive mockingbirds in the islands. Española is also a paradise for Darwin’s finches, sea lions galore, and the famous blue-footed boobies. Snorkel and stroll along the island’s lovely beaches.
- San Cristobal: Wet landing on a green, olivine beach for a hike and spectacular scenery—tuff stone cliffs created by sea and wind. Zodiac rides along the coastline reveal blue-footed and red-footed boobies.
DAY 9 | Oct. 18. Galápagos / Disembark / Guayaquil
Disembark and fly to Guayaquil. The late afternoon and evening are free to explore the bustling port city. Overnight at Hotel Hilton Colón. (B)
DAY 10 | Oct. 19. Guayaquil / Home
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home. (B)
Peru Extension: As magnificent as the Galápagos Islands are for wildlife, so is Peru from a historical and archaeological perspective. Take advantage of Peru’s proximity to Galápagos and journey from the islands to Lima. While here, expert guides will join you for an exploration of the Sacred Valley on the Inca, the majesty of Machu Picchu, and the winding colonial streets of Cusco.
DAY 9 | Oct. 18. Galápagos / Guayaquil / Lima, Peru
Depart Galápagos this morning and fly to Lima, Peru via Guayaquil, arriving in early evening. Overnight at the conveniently located Costa del Sol Ramada hotel. (B,L)
DAY 10 | Oct. 19. Lima / Cusco / Sacred Valley of the Inca
This morning fly from Lima to Cusco and drive to Awanacancha, a farm where South American llamas and alpacas are bred. Visit Pisac, gateway to the Sacred Valley, and walk through the local food market before visiting the ruins. Enjoy an afternoon lecture by historian Peter Frost. Check in to Sol y Luna Hotel. (B, L, D)
DAY 11 | Oct. 20. Sacred Valley of the Inca
Peter Frost will join us as we visit the massive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. Then attend a traditional weaving demonstration by National Geographic grantee Nilda Callañaupa. Enjoy an outdoor lunch with a Paso horse demonstration, then visit a local pottery studio, featuring ceramics made with ancient Peruvian techniques and designs. After dinner, watch a folkloric dance performance. (B, L, D)
DAY 12 | Oct. 21. Sacred Valley / Machu Picchu
Continue from the valley to Machu Picchu for a guided visit. Overnight at the luxurious 31-room Orient Express Sanctuary Lodge, with splendid gardens offering stunning views of Machu Picchu and a great variety of the region’s colorful flowers and birds. (B, L, D)
DAY 13 | Oct. 22. Machu Picchu / Cusco
Early morning, hike to the Sun Gate, the ancient final checkpoint to Machu Picchu, and watch daybreak over the quiet ruins. The morning is free to explore. After a train and bus ride, we arrive in Cusco in the late afternoon for two nights at the Orient Express Monasterio Hotel. (B, L, D)
DAY 14 | Oct. 23. Cusco
Explore the Inca Empire’s capital city of Cusco and visit the vast Sacsayhuaman Fortress. The afternoon is open to stroll around the city. Relax, shop, or visit one of the museums or convents, including the magnificent 17th-century cathedral and convent of Koricancha. Dinner is on your own. This evening, experience the music of the Andes at a presentation of indigenous instruments. (B, L)
DAY 15 | Oct. 24. Cusco / Lima
Return to Lima and check in to the Miraflores Park Hotel. Visit the Larco Herrera Museum and stroll the Plaza Mayor. Lunch is traditional Latin American style. Dinner is on your own. (B, L)
DAY 16 | Oct. 25. Lima / Home
After breakfast, we proceed to the airport in Lima for flights home. (B)
