zMachu Picchu and the Galapagos - MV Galapagos Explorer

Check in to the inviting Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel.

After a free morning to rest, enjoy a guided exploration of the city’s Colonial architecture and the Bohemian district of Barranco. Tour the extensive pre-Columbian collection of the Larco Herrera Museum. Meals B

Fly to Cuzco and check in to the Aranwa Hotel. A walking tour with Sergio includes the historic Cathedral and other Colonial-era landmarks. Meals B

Ride the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu and explore the ancient ruins as your Trip Leader illuminates the extraordinary history and accomplishments of the Inca. Overnight at the charming Inkaterra El Pueblo Hotel. Meals B,L,D

Upgrade to the Hiram Bingham Train… Travel roundtrip between Cuzco and Machu Picchu aboard the luxurious Hiram Bingham Train. Enjoy brunch en route to the legendary Lost City of the Inca as your travel in style through the beautiful Sacred Valley on this Orient Express Train. After departing Machu Picchu on the afternoon of Day 5, cocktails and a sumptuous dinner will be served onboard the train as you journey back toward Cuzco. For $630 per person.

Enjoy a return visit to Machu Picchu this morning. The paths can be slippery with dew, requiring caution. Return to your hotel in Cuzco. Meals B,L

Your city tour with Sergio includes Cuzco’s Colonial highlights – the Temple of the Sun and the Incan fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Gain fascinating insight into Andean traditions at the Almudena Cemetery and San Pedro Market. Meals B

Fly to Quito and transfer to the 5-star JW Marriott Hotel. Tour the historic Colonial district and dine atop Itchimbia with stunning city views. Meals B,D

Travel into the picturesque highlands of Ecuador to the charming mountain town of Otavalo, nestled in a peaceful valley under the watchful gaze of two mighty volcanoes. In the main square, you'll have time to explore Otavalo's world-famous market, where residents and nearby villagers (many dressed in traditional clothing) come to sell their finely made handicrafts… woven rugs, jewelry, clothing, stone carvings, paintings, musical instruments, pottery and more. Return to Quito where the evening is at leisure. Meals L

Transfer to the airport for your included flight to Baltra Island where your deluxe ship awaits. Later this afternoon, step ashore on Santa Cruz Island to explore Dragon Hill. A guided hike across both beach and lava field is rewarded with your first wildlife sightings, including flamingoes, migratory birds, Darwin finches, blue footed boobies and lava lizards. At trail's end, you'll have fine views of the island's rugged interior and Rabida Island to the west. Tonight's dinner onbard is accompanied by complimentary wine and beverages. Then join our engaging naturalists for the first of your informative shipboard briefings - a nightly introduction to the myriad wonders that await you the following day. Meals B,L,D

With little rainfall, Genovesa Island’s vegetation is unique and characteristic of an arid environment. Except for Marine iguanas, reptiles are few – but the island is a paradise for sea birds including large colonies of red-footed boobies, masked boobies, Galapagos storm petrals and great frigate birds. With hardly any “introduced” species, Genovesa Island is one of the most pristine in all of the Galapagos. On your morning excursion on Genovesa you’ll explore Darwin Bay on the southern side of the island. This bay offers excellent swimming and snorkelers have a good chance of seeing Hammerhead sharks. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the El Barranco landing site.  Meals B,L,D

After breakfast, make a dry landing on North Seymour Island, home to sea lions and large colonies of resting marine iguanas. A pleasant hike to the interior of this flat island brings you to a small forest with Prickly Pear cactus and numerous nesting sites of Blue-footed boobies. In the afternoon, you’ll have an excursion into the interior highlands of Santa Cruz. A one-hour hike through the lush and dense vegetation brings you to a remote area where you will be able to observe a variety of giant Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat. Meals B,L,D

This morning’s excursion explores Punta Pitt on the eastern side of San Cristobal Island. Here, a scenic guided hike takes you across diverse terrain encompassing both beach and volcanic tuff. This is the only place in the Galapagos where you can see all three species of boobies and the Frigate bird nesting in the same area. In addition to blue-footed, red-footed and masked boobies, sea lions add their raucous presence to this pristine environment. After lunch onboard, your captain will navigate to the Junco Volcano. This unique fresh water lagoon is located inside a volcanic crater and its water level is entirely dependent upon rainfall. A scenic motorcoach ride followed by an invigorating hike to the lagoon is rewarded with breathtaking views and an opportunity to espy numerous bird species including Bahamas ducks, Frigate birds and Galapagos finches. Meals B,L,D

Go ashore on San Cristóbal Island this morning to visit the Galapagos Interpretation Center before your included flight back to the mainland. Upon arrival in the vibrant Pacific port of Guayaquil, you’ll be met and escorted to the deluxe Hilton Colon Hotel where the balance of your time is free. Meals B

Your tour with us finishes this morning. Meals B