DAY 1 | June 16. Depart for Lima, Peru
DAY 2 | June 17. Lima
This morning we tour the Larco Herrera Museum, whose ceramics collection includes a renowned set of erotic pre-Columbian figures. This afternoon we take a city tour of the Peruvian capital followed by a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
DAY 3 | June 18. Lima/Cuzco/Sacred Valley
Today we fly to Cuzco, where we travel to the beautiful Sacred Valley, a region of Inca sites and indigenous villages. After visiting the Indian market at Pisac, we reach our hotel mid-afternoon. Before dinner we attend a native Offering to the Earth ceremony. (B, L, D)
DAY 4 | June 19. Sacred Valley
Today we visit the Incan farming town of Chinchero, where residents live much as their ancestors did. Then we explore Ollantaytambo, a living town and site of massive Incan ruins that continue to inspire wonder. We return to our hotel late this afternoon and dine there tonight.(B, L, D)
DAY 5 | June 20. Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu
Early this morning we travel by train for the 1½-hour journey to Aguas Calientes, where we board a bus for Machu Picchu. Our first guided visit of the stunning “Lost City of the Incas” begins late this morning. Thanks to its small size, our group will move nimbly through the ruins and have the leisure to absorb the beauty and mystery of this site, whose original purpose has been lost to time. Following our tour, we check in at the 31-room Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, just steps from the entrance to the ruins. While most visitors see Machu Picchu on a day trip, we have the rare privilege of spending the night and seeing the ruins after all the tourists have left. (B, L, D)
DAY 6 | June 21. Machu Picchu/Cuzco
Today before the day trippers arrive we take our second guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Then we return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and free time before our mid-afternoon train to Cuzco. (B, L)
DAY 7 | June 22. Cuzco
This morning we tour Cuzco, the archaeological hub of the Americas, the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. We stop at the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, an Incan masterpiece, then enjoy lunch in the home of a gracious Cuzco family. (B, L)
DAY 8 | June 23. Cuzco/Quito
Early today we fly via Lima to Quito, arriving late afternoon. This evening we have a briefing and dinner at our hotel. (B, D)
DAY 9-12 | June 24-27. Galapagos Cruising
Our Galapagos adventure begins with an early departure on Day 9 for the flight to Baltra or San Cristóbal, where we board the privately chartered M/Y Coral II, our home for the next four nights. While exact cruise itineraries are subject to the dictates of Galapagos National Park authorities, each cruise features expert Galapagos naturalist guides and the opportunity to see giant Galapagos tortoises, Blue-footed Boobies, sea lions, iguanas and abundant bird life. On all cruises we also will enjoy opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, panga boat rides and nature walks. (B, L, D)
DAY 13 | June 28. Galapagos/Quito
Today we fly from Baltra or San Cristóbal to Quito (via Guayaquil), Ecuador’s capital. Quito was the first city to be named a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Americas. (B)
DAY 14 | June 29. Quito
Nestled in a valley surrounded by staggering Andes peaks, Quito boasts a large historic center which we discover on today’s tour. We also visit Middle of the World Monument, where we can straddle two hemispheres. We celebrate our adventure at tonight’s farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)
DAY 15 | June 30. Depart for U.S.
We transfer to the airport this morning for our return flights to the U.S. (B)
