DAY 1: Arrive in Lima

You will either fly from your home to Lima (flight not included), you can arrive any time this day. You overnight in the Wyndham Lima Airport Hotel. It’s not very exciting, but it’s within walking distance of the airport and you’ll get the most possible sleep this night.

Overnight in Lima: Costa del Sol Wyndham Airport Hotel
Meals Included: None

DAY 2: Arrive Cusco. Travel to the Sacred Valley: Maras Salt Pans & Traditional Quechua Music

In the morning, you walk to the departure terminal (a couple of minutes away) and check in for your flight to Cusco (Flight not included in trip pricing). In order to have time for both activities today, you will need to arrive into Cusco by 10am.

You will be met at the Cusco airport. From Cusco we travel to the Sacred Valley. The Sacred Valley lies close to 2000ft lower in elevation and is a gentler way to start acclimatizing to the heights of the Andes.

The Sacred Valley’s alluvial floor follows the winding course of the Urubamba River and is flanked by astonishingly steep hillsides. Here, the Incas grew a diversity of crops and built settlements that remain to this day.

Our first guided stop will be the Maras salt pans. Close to 3000 small pools have been terraced into the hillside, dappling the terrain in ivory & terra-cotta colored patches.

People fill up (or irrigate) the pools during the dry season every three days with salty water emanating from a natural spring located above the complex.

When the water evaporates the salt contained in the water slowly solidifies until enough has accumulated to harvest. The salt pans are not only a spectacular site to see, but offer a present day glimpse into pre-Incan harvesting techniques.

We continue traveling to Urubamba where you will visit Maestro Almonacid’s house. Almonacid is a preserver of pre-Hispanic music culture. His private collection houses over 4,000 ancient instruments.

Amazingly, he can play every single one of them! Upon arrival he will take us to view his private museum where he will guide us through some of his collection.

Sitting together in circle, Maestro Almonacid will play and explain the significance of several different instruments so you can have a lived experience of the importance each sound holds in the Andean Cosmo-vision.

At the end of our visit we head to the music workshop where the Maestro will demonstrate the process of making one of the instruments by hand. Afterwards we take you to your hotel. Free evening.

Overnight in Yucay:
Boutique Hotels: Sonesta Posada del Inka Yucay (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Aranwa Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 3: Sacred Valley: Sacred Valley: The Art of Andean Agriculture – Huayllafara Village & Pisac Market

Breakfast at the hotel. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel. Today we visit the Amaru community located close to Pisac in the village of Huayllafara. The Amaru are experts in Andean agriculture.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations the Amaru community is designated a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System.

“Andean agriculture is one of the best examples of adaptation and knowledge of farmers to their environment for more than 5000 years.”

Decoding the cycles and the desires of the Pachamama (Mother Earth) is not just ancient knowledge, but also a viable way of ensuring the communities sustenance.

In the community of Huayllafarra you will take a journey into the art of Andean agriculture and their generational relationship to their environment.

The Yachaqs (Quechua word for “wise”) will teach you the importance of vertical control, time cycles, seasons, and their agricultural rituals.

If you want, you will have the opportunity to practice using traditional tools used to plant and harvest food and even manage a team of oxen.

Enjoy an amazing lunch consisting of local cuisine prepared fresh with local ingredients harvested from the fields of Huayllafara.

Around 3:00pm we will leave the Amaru community behind and make our way to Ollantaytambo, stopping en route in Pisac for an opportunity to explore Peru’s most famous market.

Here artisans from all over the Sacred Valley gather to sell their wares. There are several small artisan shops to browse, shop for handcrafts and generally take in the small town’s quaint atmosphere.

Afterwards we take you to your hotel. Free evening.

Overnight in Ollantaytambo:
Boutique Hotels: Pakaritampu Hotel (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Pakartitampu, Superior Room (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4: Free Morning in Ollantaytambo. Train to Aguas Calientes

You have the morning free to relax, explore Ollantaytambo village, or visit the Ollantaytambo fortress on your own. In the afternoon, you will board a train at the Ollantaytambo train station and ride up to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

This scenic train ride is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will be met by a guide who will walk you to your hotel.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes:
Boutique Hotels: El Mapi (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Inkaterra Machu Picchu (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 5: Machu Picchu Ruins Tour. Train to Cusco

Today, you have a full-day to explore Machu Picchu and, for the intrepid traveler, hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu within the Machu Picchu complex.

With an early start (around 4:30 a.m.), you head up the hill by bus to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, which is about a 20-minutes ride from Aguas Calientes.

The early start is recommended to ensure you get to witness Machu Picchu at dawn, before the crowds arrive. You will then have a 2- to 3-hour fully guided tour of the mysterious ruins.

After the tour you can hike to the Inca Bridge, Huayna Picchu, Watchman’s hut, Inti Puncu sun gate, or just wander through the ruins soaking up the atmosphere. (Huayna Picchu now requires an extra, limited-availability permit. Please inquire at booking whether you would like to take this 1.5-hour hike.)

We then return to Aguas Calientes for a late lunch and to catch the train back to Cusco. Upon arrival at the Cusco train station, your driver who will take you to your hotel in the heart of the city.

Overnight in Cusco:
Boutique Hotels: Casa San Blas Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Libertador Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 6: Cusco City Tour & Cooking Class

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Your guide will meet you in the lobby at a designated time. Come prepared with walking shoes today! You’ll head out for a 3-4 hour walking tour on the ancient streets of one of South America’s oldest cities.

We start with a visit to the Main Square and the cathedral. The cathedral was built on top of what once was the Inca palace of Suntur Wasi. Building over prominent indigenous structures was a common strategy during the colonization of South America.

After a visit to the Church of Santo Domingo, you will have time to explore the artistic neighborhood of San Blas. We end our city tour at the San Pedro market.

You will meet the Chef here at the market. He will give a briefing of local ingredients. You’ll have the time to peruse the market to purchase the necessary ingredients from the local producers and suppliers.

Next you are invited to the Chef’s house for a private culinary lesson, starting with the preparation of the famous Pisco Sour and moving into entrees and the main course.

Overnight in Cusco:
Boutique Hotels: Casa San Blas Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Libertador Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7: Depart Cusco / Fly to Guayaquil

You will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Lima and then onto Guayaquil, Ecuador (flights not included). Upon your arrival in Guayaquil, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Guayaquil: Hotel Oro Verde or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 8: Fly to Galapagos / San Cristobal Island: Kicker Rock

In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the airport in time for your flight to the Galapagos (flight is not included in the trip price, but will be booked by the cruise operator and added to your pricing summary). Reception at airport. Transfer In. Welcome on board EcoGalaxy Cruise. Welcome drink and lunch.

LOBOS ISLAND: Panga ride, swimming and snorkeling. Here, we can walk, swim and snorkel among the seals, frigate birds, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and the small endemic Galapagos snake.

Overnight: On yacht.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9: Santa Fe Island & South Plazas Island

SANTA FE: Wet landing, activities for this day: hiking, swimming and snorkeling. Description of this place: With 24 Km2 and 60 meters of height above sea level, it is an almost central island that has a unique place of visit: an incredible bay with turquoise water protected by a natural barrier of rocks and from you can appreciate colonies of seals and hawks flying over.

It is home of one of the two species of land iguanas that have the islands, their main food are the leaves and fruits of the large and thick cactus. Crabs, nocturnal herons, marine iguanas, cucuves and land doves are seen frequently.

The Bay is excellent place to swim and to do snorkeling. Marine Tortoises, rays, sea lions and tropical fishes are an amazing attraction! Snacks and refreshing beverages expect for you on board. Lunch.

SOUTH PLAZAS are two small islands, created by land uplift where land iguanas are known to be smaller; they nest during warm time.

The hike goes along an extraordinary cliff where sea birds nest. Approximately, in this Island there are 1000 sea lions (Zalophus wollebaeki)and they are located in south side of Plazas.

Overnight: On yacht.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10: North Seymour Island & Mosquera Islet

NORTH SEYMOUR: This Island was formed by the lifting of volcanic marine lava. Marine fossil where found in this island; the fossil dates from Pleistocene.

In 1932 Captain Alan Hancock and his crew took 72 land iguanas from Baltra Island and the iguanas were introduced in North Seymour Island; the reason of this change was that the iguanas could live in better conditions than in Baltra.

The crew of Capitan Hancock found malnourished iguanas in Baltra; in 1934 colonizing people verified that the iguanas were in good conditions. The vegetation of North Seymour is bushy and host nest of Real Frigates of Galapagos. Return to EcoGalaxy. Lunch

MOSQUERA ISLET: This islet is located between Baltra Island and North Seymour. Here, we find the biggest sea lions colony; also it is possible to observe several species of birds.

Overnight: On yacht.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11: Genovese Island: Darwin Bay & Barranco

DARWIN BAY: wet landing, coral beach, activities for this day: short walks, photography, swimming, snorkeling. The Genovesa is a small island situated to the north of Galapagos our unloading in Darwin bay will be wet.

Near to the beach we will find a small forest of mangrove swamp where we will discover a colony of Frigates, marine iguanas, red-foot boobies and mask boobies, the great terrestrial finch, seagull, herons, finch of cactus.

After this visit in land, we have the option that our passengers enjoy swimming in the bay. Lunch.

BARRANCO: dry landing, activities: hiking. Also known as Prince Felipe’s stairs. Here, we will have a walk for the Barranco path. In our journey we will observe tropical birds, petrels, common frigate, red-foot boobies, mask boobies, dove, and finches.

Overnight: On yacht.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12: Santa Cruz Island: Highlands / Depart Galapagos

HIGHLANDS: Here we go trekking and will find giant tortoises in their natural habitat; this is a natural spectacle. For this visit we recommend the use of athletic shoes, long pants, raincoat, hat and sun block. After the visit, transfer to airport.

Fly from Baltra Airport to mainland Ecuador (either Quito or Guayaquil).

Meals Included: Breakfast

** This itinerary is subject to change without notice, due to seasonal changes, weather conditions, or Galapagos National Park regulations. **

DAY 1: Arrive in Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador

You will either fly from your home to either Quito or Guayaquil (flight not included), the two largest cities in Ecuador. You can arrive any time this day. You will be met at the airport by a hotel shuttle. You overnight at an airport near either of the hotels.

Overnight in Quito: Wyndham Airport Hotel or similar
Overnight in Guayaquil: Hotel Oro Verde or similar
Meals Included: None

DAY 2: Fly to Galapagos / San Cristobal Island: Kicker Rock

In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the airport in time for your flight to the Galapagos (flight is not included in the trip price, but will be booked by the cruise operator and added to your pricing summary).

Reception at airport. Transfer In. Welcome on board EcoGalaxy Cruise. Welcome drink and lunch.

LOBOS ISLAND: Panga ride, swimming and snorkeling. Here, we can walk, swim and snorkel among the seals, frigate birds, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and the small endemic Galapagos snake.

Overnight: On yacht.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Santa Fe Island & South Plazas Island

SANTA FE: Wet landing, activities for this day: hiking, swimming and snorkeling.

Description of this place: With 24 Km2 and 60 meters of height above sea level, it is an almost central island that has a unique place of visit: an incredible bay with turquoise water protected by a natural barrier of rocks and from you can appreciate colonies of seals and hawks flying over.

It is home of one of the two species of land iguanas that have the islands, their main food are the leaves and fruits of the large and thick cactus. Crabs, nocturnal herons, marine iguanas, cucuves and land doves are seen frequently.

The Bay is excellent place to swim and to do snorkeling. Marine Tortoises, rays, sea lions and tropical fishes are an amazing attraction! Snacks and refreshing beverages expect for you on board. Lunch.

SOUTH PLAZAS are two small islands, created by land uplift where land iguanas are known to be smaller; they nest during warm time. The hike goes along an extraordinary cliff where sea birds nest.

Approximately, in this Island there are 1000 sea lions (Zalophus wollebaeki) and they are located in south side of Plazas.

Overnight: On yacht.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: North Seymour Island & Mosquera Islet

NORTH SEYMOUR: This Island was formed by the lifting of volcanic marine lava. Marine fossil where found in this island; the fossil dates from Pleistocene.

In 1932 Captain Alan Hancock and his crew took 72 land iguanas from Baltra Island and the iguanas were introduced in North Seymour Island; the reason of this change was that the iguanas could live in better conditions than in Baltra.

The crew of Capitan Hancock found malnourished iguanas in Baltra; in 1934 colonizing people verified that the iguanas were in good conditions. The vegetation of North Seymour is bushy and host nest of Real Frigates of Galapagos. Return to EcoGalaxy. Lunch

MOSQUERA ISLET: This islet is located between Baltra Island and North Seymour. Here, we find the biggest sea lions colony; also it is possible to observe several species of birds.

Overnight: On yacht.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: Genovesa Island: Darwin Bay & Barranco

DARWIN BAY: wet landing, coral beach, activities for this day: short walks, photography, swimming, snorkeling. The Genovesa is a small island situated to the north of Galapagos our unloading in Darwin bay will be wet.

Near to the beach we will find a small forest of mangrove swamp where we will discover a colony of Frigates, marine iguanas, red-foot boobies and mask boobies, the great terrestrial finch, seagull, herons, finch of cactus.

After this visit in land, we have the option that our passengers enjoy swimming in the bay. Lunch

BARRANCO: dry landing, activities: hiking. Also known as Prince Felipe’s stairs. Here, we will have a walk for the Barranco path. In our journey we will observe tropical birds, petrels, common frigate, red-foot boobies, mask boobies, dove, and finches.

Overnight: On yacht.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: Santa Cruz Island: Highlands / Depart Galapagos. Fly to Lima

HIGHLANDS: Here we go trekking and will find giant tortoises in their natural habitat; this is a natural spectacle. For this visit we recommend the use of athletic shoes, long pants, raincoat, hat and sun block.

After the visit, transfer to airport (flight is not included, but will be booked by the cruise operator and added to your pricing summary).

We recommend flying Galapagos – Guayaquil – Lima, as Guayaquil is closest to both the Galapagos and Lima. It’s also possible to have a layover in Quito, but it’s more flying time. (Flights are not included).

You overnight in the Wyndham Lima Airport Hotel. It’s not very exciting, but it’s within walking distance of the airport and you’ll get the most possible sleep this night.

Overnight in Lima: Costa del Sol Wyndham Airport Hotel
Meals Included: None

DAY 7: Arrive Cusco. Travel to the Sacred Valley: Maras Salt Pans & Traditional Quechua Music

In the morning, you walk to the departure terminal (a couple of minutes away) and check in for your flight to Cusco (Flight not included in trip pricing). In order to have time for both activities today, you will need to arrive into Cusco by 10am.

You will be met at the Cusco airport. From Cusco we travel to the Sacred Valley. The Sacred Valley lies close to 2000ft lower in elevation and is a gentler way to start acclimatizing to the heights of the Andes.

The Sacred Valley’s alluvial floor follows the winding course of the Urubamba River and is flanked by astonishingly steep hillsides. Here, the Incas grew a diversity of crops and built settlements that remain to this day.

Our first guided stop will be the Maras salt pans. Close to 3000 small pools have been terraced into the hillside, dappling the terrain in ivory & terra-cotta colored patches. People fill up (or irrigate) the pools during the dry season every three days with salty water emanating from a natural spring located above the complex.

When the water evaporates the salt contained in the water slowly solidifies until enough has accumulated to harvest. The salt pans are not only a spectacular site to see, but offer a present day glimpse into pre-Incan harvesting techniques.

We continue traveling to Urubamba where you will visit Maestro Almonacid’s house. Almonacid is a preserver of pre-Hispanic music culture. His private collection houses over 4,000 ancient instruments. Amazingly, he can play every single one of them!

Upon arrival he will take us to view his private museum where he will guide us through some of his collection. Sitting together in circle, Maestro Almonacid will play and explain the significance of several different instruments so you can have a lived experience of the importance each sound holds in the Andean Cosmo-vision.

At the end of our visit we head to the music workshop where the Maestro will demonstrate the process of making one of the instruments by hand.

Afterwards we take you to your hotel. Free evening.

Overnight in Yucay:
Boutique Hotels: Sonesta Posada del Inka Yucay (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Aranwa Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 8: Sacred Valley: Sacred Valley: The Art of Andean Agriculture – Huayllafara Village & Pisac Market

Breakfast at the hotel. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel. Today we visit the Amaru community located close to Pisac in the village of Huayllafara.

The Amaru are experts in Andean agriculture. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations the Amaru community is designated a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System.

“Andean agriculture is one of the best examples of adaptation and knowledge of farmers to their environment for more than 5000 years.”

Decoding the cycles and the desires of the Pachamama (Mother Earth) is not just ancient knowledge, but also a viable way of ensuring the communities sustenance.

In the community of Huayllafarra you will take a journey into the art of Andean agriculture and their generational relationship to their environment.

The Yachaqs (Quechua word for “wise”) will teach you the importance of vertical control, time cycles, seasons, and their agricultural rituals. If you want, you will have the opportunity to practice using traditional tools used to plant and harvest food and even manage a team of oxen.

Enjoy an amazing lunch consisting of local cuisine prepared fresh with local ingredients harvested from the fields of Huayllafara.

Around 3:00pm we will leave the Amaru community behind and make our way to Ollantaytambo, stopping en route in Pisac for an opportunity to explore Peru’s most famous market.

Here artisans from all over the Sacred Valley gather to sell their wares. There are several small artisan shops to browse, shop for handcrafts and generally take in the small town’s quaint atmosphere.

Afterwards we take you to your hotel. Free evening.

Overnight in Ollantaytambo:
Boutique Hotels: Pakaritampu Hotel (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Pakartitampu, Superior Room (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9: Free Morning in Ollantaytambo. Train to Aguas Calientes

You have the morning free to relax, explore Ollantaytambo village, or visit the Ollantaytambo fortress on your own. In the afternoon, you will board a train at the Ollantaytambo train station and ride up to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

This scenic train ride is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will be met by a guide who will walk you to your hotel.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes:
Boutique Hotels: El Mapi (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Inkaterra Machu Picchu (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 10: Machu Picchu Ruins Tour. Train to Cusco

Today, you have a full-day to explore Machu Picchu and, for the intrepid traveler, hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu within the Machu Picchu complex.

With an early start (around 4:30 a.m.), you head up the hill by bus to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, which is about a 20-minutes ride from Aguas Calientes.

The early start is recommended to ensure you get to witness Machu Picchu at dawn, before the crowds arrive. You will then have a 2- to 3-hour fully guided tour of the mysterious ruins.

After the tour you can hike to the Inca Bridge, Huayna Picchu, Watchman’s hut, Inti Puncu sun gate, or just wander through the ruins soaking up the atmosphere. (Huayna Picchu now requires an extra, limited-availability permit.

Please inquire at booking whether you would like to take this 1.5-hour hike.) We then return to Aguas Calientes for a late lunch and to catch the train back to Cusco. Upon arrival at the Cusco train station, your driver who will take you to your hotel in the heart of the city.

Overnight in Cusco:
Boutique Hotels: Casa San Blas Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Libertador Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 11: Cusco City Tour & Cooking Class

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Your guide will meet you in the lobby at a designated time. Come prepared with walking shoes today! You’ll head out for a 3-4 hour walking tour on the ancient streets of one of South America’s oldest cities.

We start with a visit to the Main Square and the cathedral. The cathedral was built on top of what once was the Inca palace of Suntur Wasi. Building over prominent indigenous structures was a common strategy during the colonization of South America.

After a visit to the Church of Santo Domingo, you will have time to explore the artistic neighborhood of San Blas. We end our city tour at the San Pedro market.

You will meet the Chef here at the market. He will give a briefing of local ingredients. You’ll have the time to peruse the market to purchase the necessary ingredients from the local producers and suppliers.

Next you are invited to the Chef’s house for a private culinary lesson, starting with the preparation of the famous Pisco Sour and moving into entrees and the main course.

Overnight in Cusco:
Boutique Hotels: Casa San Blas Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Libertador Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 12: Depart Cusco. Fly Home

You will be transferred to your hotel in time to catch your departure flight.

Meal Included: Breakfast

** This itinerary is subject to change without notice, due to seasonal changes, weather conditions, or Galapagos National Park regulations. **

DAY 1: Arrive in Lima

You will either fly from your home to Lima (flight not included), you can arrive any time this day. You overnight in the Wyndham Lima Airport Hotel. It’s not very exciting, but it’s within walking distance of the airport and you’ll get the most possible sleep this night.

Overnight in Lima: Costa del Sol Wyndham Airport Hotel
Meals Included: None

DAY 2: Arrive Cusco. Travel to the Sacred Valley: Maras Salt Pans & Traditional Quechua Music

In the morning, you walk to the departure terminal (a couple of minutes away) and check in for your flight to Cusco (Flight not included in trip pricing).

In order to have time for both activities today, you will need to arrive into Cusco by 10am. You will be met at the Cusco airport. From Cusco we travel to the Sacred Valley.

The Sacred Valley lies close to 2000ft lower in elevation and is a gentler way to start acclimatizing to the heights of the Andes. The Sacred Valley’s alluvial floor follows the winding course of the Urubamba River and is flanked by astonishingly steep hillsides.

Here, the Incas grew a diversity of crops and built settlements that remain to this day. Our first guided stop will be the Maras salt pans. Close to 3000 small pools have been terraced into the hillside, dappling the terrain in ivory & terra-cotta colored patches.

People fill up (or irrigate) the pools during the dry season every three days with salty water emanating from a natural spring located above the complex.

When the water evaporates the salt contained in the water slowly solidifies until enough has accumulated to harvest. The salt pans are not only a spectacular site to see, but offer a present day glimpse into pre-Incan harvesting techniques.

We continue traveling to Urubamba where you will visit Maestro Almonacid’s house. Almonacid is a preserver of pre-Hispanic music culture. His private collection houses over 4,000 ancient instruments.

Amazingly, he can play every single one of them! Upon arrival he will take us to view his private museum where he will guide us through some of his collection.

Sitting together in circle, Maestro Almonacid will play and explain the significance of several different instruments so you can have a lived experience of the importance each sound holds in the Andean Cosmo-vision.

At the end of our visit we head to the music workshop where the Maestro will demonstrate the process of making one of the instruments by hand.

Afterwards we take you to your hotel. Free evening.

Overnight in Yucay:
Boutique Hotels: Sonesta Posada del Inka Yucay (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Aranwa Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 3: Sacred Valley: Sacred Valley: The Art of Andean Agriculture – Huayllafara Village & Pisac Market

Breakfast at the hotel. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel. Today we visit the Amaru community located close to Pisac in the village of Huayllafara. The Amaru are experts in Andean agriculture.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations the Amaru community is designated a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System.

“Andean agriculture is one of the best examples of adaptation and knowledge of farmers to their environment for more than 5000 years.”

Decoding the cycles and the desires of the Pachamama (Mother Earth) is not just ancient knowledge, but also a viable way of ensuring the communities sustenance.

In the community of Huayllafarra you will take a journey into the art of Andean agriculture and their generational relationship to their environment.

The Yachaqs (Quechua word for “wise”) will teach you the importance of vertical control, time cycles, seasons, and their agricultural rituals.

If you want, you will have the opportunity to practice using traditional tools used to plant and harvest food and even manage a team of oxen. Enjoy an amazing lunch consisting of local cuisine prepared fresh with local ingredients harvested from the fields of Huayllafara.

Around 3:00pm we will leave the Amaru community behind and make our way to Ollantaytambo, stopping en route in Pisac for an opportunity to explore Peru’s most famous market.

Here artisans from all over the Sacred Valley gather to sell their wares. There are several small artisan shops to browse, shop for handcrafts and generally take in the small town’s quaint atmosphere.

Afterwards we take you to your hotel. Free evening.

Overnight in Ollantaytambo:
Boutique Hotels: Pakaritampu Hotel (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Pakartitampu, Superior Room (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4: Free Morning in Ollantaytambo. Train to Aguas Calientes

You have the morning free to relax, explore Ollantaytambo village, or visit the Ollantaytambo fortress on your own. In the afternoon, you will board a train at the Ollantaytambo train station and ride up to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

This scenic train ride is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will be met by a guide who will walk you to your hotel.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes:
Boutique Hotels: El Mapi (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Inkaterra Machu Picchu (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 5: Machu Picchu Ruins Tour. Train to Cusco

Today, you have a full-day to explore Machu Picchu and, for the intrepid traveler, hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu within the Machu Picchu complex.

With an early start (around 4:30 a.m.), you head up the hill by bus to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, which is about a 20-minutes ride from Aguas Calientes.

The early start is recommended to ensure you get to witness Machu Picchu at dawn, before the crowds arrive. You will then have a 2- to 3-hour fully guided tour of the mysterious ruins.

After the tour you can hike to the Inca Bridge, Huayna Picchu, Watchman’s hut, Inti Puncu sun gate, or just wander through the ruins soaking up the atmosphere.

(Huayna Picchu now requires an extra, limited-availability permit. Please inquire at booking whether you would like to take this 1.5-hour hike.)

We then return to Aguas Calientes for a late lunch and to catch the train back to Cusco. Upon arrival at the Cusco train station, your driver who will take you to your hotel in the heart of the city.

Overnight in Cusco:
Boutique Hotels: Casa San Blas Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Libertador Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 6: Cusco City Tour & Cooking Class

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Your guide will meet you in the lobby at a designated time. Come prepared with walking shoes today! You’ll head out for a 3-4 hour walking tour on the ancient streets of one of South America’s oldest cities.

We start with a visit to the Main Square and the cathedral. The cathedral was built on top of what once was the Inca palace of Suntur Wasi. Building over prominent indigenous structures was a common strategy during the colonization of South America.

After a visit to the Church of Santo Domingo, you will have time to explore the artistic neighborhood of San Blas. We end our city tour at the San Pedro market.

You will meet the Chef here at the market. He will give a briefing of local ingredients. You’ll have the time to peruse the market to purchase the necessary ingredients from the local producers and suppliers.

Next you are invited to the Chef’s house for a private culinary lesson, starting with the preparation of the famous Pisco Sour and moving into entrees and the main course.

Overnight in Cusco:
Boutique Hotels: Casa San Blas Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Libertador Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7: Depart Cusco / Fly to Guayaquil

You will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Lima and then onto Guayaquil, Ecuador (flights not included). Upon your arrival in Guayaquil, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Guayaquil: Hotel Oro Verde or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 8: Arrive in Galapagos / Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Station

In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the airport in time for your flight to the Galapagos (flight is not included in the trip price, but will be booked by the cruise operator and added to your pricing summary).

Reception at airport. Transfer in. Welcome on board EcoGalaxy Cruise. Welcome drink and lunch.

CHARLES DARWIN STATION is located in the Main Port of Santa Cruz Island, we will take our private bus that take us to the entrance of the center of breeding where we go to appreciate tortoises and land iguanas in captivity, this center is the main site of breeding of the islands.

Animals that were in danger of extinction in the different islands are maintained in captivity and thanks at dedicated work of several institutions some species are saving, here was where the most famous tortoise “the Solitary George” the last survivor of the species of Pinta Island lived.

Overnight: On yacht.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9: Isabela Island: Tintoreras & Moreno Point

TINTORERAS: Located at south of Puerto Villamil, we will arrive to this place by panga. There is a small bay with turquoises water where you can appreciate sea lions, marine tortoises, marine iguanas and rays.

The most part of this trail we will find volcanic lava of type AA. The Tintoreras is one of places where the introduction iguana has been successful. Also, in this place you have opportunity to see Galapagos sharks known like: Tintoreras. Lunch.

MORENO POINT. After lunch, we will disembark at Moreno Point, which is located near Elizabeth Bay on the west coast of Isabela Island.

The plethora of birds seen during a dinghy ride along the striking rocky shores or a hike along a path through lava rocks leading to tide pools and mangroves, create a birdwatcher’s delight. In the tide pools, green sea turtles and white-tip sharks can be spotted.

Overnight: On yacht.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10: Isabela Island: Elizabeth Bay & Urbina Bay

ELIZABETH BAY: This is one of the island’s breeding sites for penguins. Located on the west coast of Isabela, Elizabeth Point is a marine visitor site. Visit red mangrove cove: Brown pelicans, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays andsea lionsare often seen. Lunch

URBINA BAY: this place is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano between Elizabeth Bay and Tagus Cove. Wet landing. Trail length is around 3.20 Km; during this walking we can observe land iguanas, hawks, tortoises; also it is possible to see red and blue lobsters.

Overnight: On yacht.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11: Fernandina Island: Espinoza Point & Isabela Island: Vicente Roca Point

ESPINOZA POINT: Fernandina is the 3rd island bigger of Galapagos and has just one visit place: Espinoza Point.

Espinoza Point is famous site because you will find big colonies of marine iguanas and to be the unique place where the flightless Cormorant lives, Galapagos penguin, hawk, snakes of Galapagos and many other.

From Espinoza Point we can admire Fernandina Island and its volcano which last eruption was on May 2005. Fernandina is the only island that doesn’t have any mammal introduced and the open areas are very fragile.

In nesting time of marine iguana (January to June) we have a lot care when we are walking. Return to EcoGalaxy. Lunch.

VICENTE ROCA POINT: is comprised of two separate coves, this site is a large bay with spectacular sea life. Keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating Mola-mola (sunfish).

Overnight: On yacht.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12: Santiago Island: Egas Port & Rabida Island

EGAS PORT: In this site we find a black sand beach; at south of this beach there is a volcano called Pan de Azucar, it has volcanic deposits which have contributed to the formation of this black sand beach.

The crater of this volcano has a salt lake which in warm time becomes dry and it is possible to appreciate a salt mine. Between 1928 and 1930 there were some explorations to this mine but they didn’t function; additionally, it caused damages to the environment because of workers use endemic woods. It is not allowed go down to salt mine. Lunch.

RABIDA ISLAND: The visitor site is located on the east coast of Rabida Island, consists of a red sand beach, a coastal lagoon behind the beach, and a loop trail.

The approximate distance of the trail is 1.1 kilometers. The color of the rocks and sand on the beach is due to the very porous volcanic material, which with the help of environmental factors (rain, salt water and sea breeze, has acted as an oxidizing agent.

The main attraction of the place is the red sand beach, scenery, aside from the vegetation of the arid zone and the presence of native and endemic species.

Overnight: On yacht.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13: Santa Cruz Island: Black Turtle Cove / Depart Galapagos

BLACK TURTLE COVE: Welcome on board. After lunch our first visit is to Black Turtle Cove which is situated in the northern of Santa Cruz.

This bay is surrounded by mangroves and is accessible by dinghy only. The superficial cove is a safe refuge for marine life. Black-tip reef sharks, marine turtles, and a variety of rays are often spotted here. Transfer to the airport.

Fly from Baltra Airport to mainland Ecuador (either Quito or Guayaquil).
Meals Included: Breakfast

** This itinerary is subject to change without notice, due to seasonal changes, weather conditions, or Galapagos National Park regulations. **

DAY 1: Arrive in Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador

You will either fly from your home to either Quito or Guayaquil (flight not included), the two largest cities in Ecuador. You can arrive any time this day. You will be met at the airport by a hotel shuttle. You overnight at an airport near either of the hotels.

Overnight in Quito: Wyndham Airport Hotel or similar
Overnight in Guayaquil: Hotel Oro Verde or similar
Meals Included: None

DAY 2: Arrive in Galapagos / Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Station

In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the airport in time for your flight to the Galapagos (flight is not included in the trip price, but will be booked by the cruise operator and added to your pricing summary).

Reception at airport. Transfer in. Welcome on board EcoGalaxy Cruise. Welcome drink and lunch.

CHARLES DARWIN STATION is located in the Main Port of Santa Cruz Island, we will take our private bus that take us to the entrance of the center of breeding where we go to appreciate tortoises and land iguanas in captivity, this center is the main site of breeding of the islands.

Animals that were in danger of extinction in the different islands are maintained in captivity and thanks at dedicated work of several institutions some species are saving, here was where the most famous tortoise “the Solitary George” the last survivor of the species of Pinta Island lived.

Overnight: On yacht.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Isabela Island: Tintoreras & Moreno Point

TINTORERAS: Located at south of Puerto Villamil, we will arrive to this place by panga. There is a small bay with turquoises water where you can appreciate sea lions, marine tortoises, marine iguanas and rays.

The most part of this trail we will find volcanic lava of type AA. The Tintoreras is one of places where the introduction iguana has been successful. Also, in this place you have opportunity to see Galapagos sharks known like: Tintoreras. Lunch.

MORENO POINT. After lunch, we will disembark at Moreno Point, which is located near Elizabeth Bay on the west coast of Isabela Island.

The plethora of birds seen during a dinghy ride along the striking rocky shores or a hike along a path through lava rocks leading to tide pools and mangroves, create a birdwatcher’s delight. In the tide pools, green sea turtles and white-tip sharks can be spotted.

Overnight: On yacht.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: Isabela Island: Elizabeth Bay & Urbina Bay

ELIZABETH BAY: This is one of the island’s breeding sites for penguins. Located on the west coast of Isabela, Elizabeth Point is a marine visitor site. Visit red mangrove cove: Brown pelicans, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays andsea lionsare often seen. Lunch

URBINA BAY: this place is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano between Elizabeth Bay and Tagus Cove. Wet landing. Trail length is around 3.20 Km; during this walking we can observe land iguanas, hawks, tortoises; also it is possible to see red and blue lobsters.

Overnight: On yacht.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: Fernandina Island: Espinoza Point & Isabela Island: Vicente Roca Point

ESPINOZA POINT: Fernandina is the 3rd island bigger of Galapagos and has just one visit place: Espinoza Point. Espinoza Point is famous site because you will find big colonies of marine iguanas and to be the unique place where the flightless Cormorant lives, Galapagos penguin, hawk, snakes of Galapagos and many other.

From Espinoza Point we can admire Fernandina Island and its volcano which last eruption was on May 2005. Fernandina is the only island that doesn’t have any mammal introduced and the open areas are very fragile.

In nesting time of marine iguana (January to June) we have a lot care when we are walking. Return to EcoGalaxy. Lunch.

VICENTE ROCA POINT: is comprised of two separate coves, this site is a large bay with spectacular sea life. Keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating Mola-mola (sunfish).

Overnight: On yacht.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: Santiago Island: Egas Port & Rabida Island

EGAS PORT: In this site we find a black sand beach; at south of this beach there is a volcano called Pan de Azucar, it has volcanic deposits which have contributed to the formation of this black sand beach. The crater of this volcano has a salt lake which in warm time becomes dry and it is possible to appreciate a salt mine.

Between 1928 and 1930 there were some explorations to this mine but they didn’t function; additionally, it caused damages to the environment because of workers use endemic woods. It is not allowed go down to salt mine. Lunch.

RABIDA ISLAND: The visitor site is located on the east coast of Rabida Island, consists of a red sand beach, a coastal lagoon behind the beach, and a loop trail. The approximate distance of the trail is 1.1 kilometers.

The color of the rocks and sand on the beach is due to the very porous volcanic material, which with the help of environmental factors (rain, salt water and sea breeze, has acted as an oxidizing agent.

The main attraction of the place is the red sand beach, scenery, aside from the vegetation of the arid zone and the presence of native and endemic species.

Overnight: On yacht.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7: Santa Cruz Island: Black Turtle Cove / Depart Galapagos. Fly Lima.

BLACK TURTLE COVE: Welcome on board. After lunch our first visit is to Black Turtle Cove which is situated in the northern of Santa Cruz. This bay is surrounded by mangroves and is accessible by dinghy only.

The superficial cove is a safe refuge for marine life. Black-tip reef sharks, marine turtles, and a variety of rays are often spotted here. Transfer to the airport.

Fly from Baltra Airport to mainland Ecuador (either Quito or Guayaquil). (Flight is not included, but will be booked by the cruise operator and added to your pricing summary).

We recommend flying Galapagos – Guayaquil – Lima, as Guayaquil is closest to both the Galapagos and Lima. It’s also possible to have a layover in Quito, but it’s more flying time. (Flights are not included).

You overnight in the Wyndham Lima Airport Hotel. It’s not very exciting, but it’s within walking distance of the airport and you’ll get the most possible sleep this night.

Overnight in Lima: Costa del Sol Wyndham Airport Hotel
Meals Included: None

DAY 8: Arrive Cusco. Travel to the Sacred Valley: Maras Salt Pans & Traditional Quechua Music

In the morning, you walk to the departure terminal (a couple of minutes away) and check in for your flight to Cusco (Flight not included in trip pricing). In order to have time for both activities today, you will need to arrive into Cusco by 10am.

You will be met at the Cusco airport. From Cusco we travel to the Sacred Valley. The Sacred Valley lies close to 2000ft lower in elevation and is a gentler way to start acclimatizing to the heights of the Andes.

The Sacred Valley’s alluvial floor follows the winding course of the Urubamba River and is flanked by astonishingly steep hillsides. Here, the Incas grew a diversity of crops and built settlements that remain to this day.

Our first guided stop will be the Maras salt pans. Close to 3000 small pools have been terraced into the hillside, dappling the terrain in ivory & terra-cotta colored patches.

People fill up (or irrigate) the pools during the dry season every three days with salty water emanating from a natural spring located above the complex.

When the water evaporates the salt contained in the water slowly solidifies until enough has accumulated to harvest. The salt pans are not only a spectacular site to see, but offer a present day glimpse into pre-Incan harvesting techniques.

We continue traveling to Urubamba where you will visit Maestro Almonacid’s house. Almonacid is a preserver of pre-Hispanic music culture. His private collection houses over 4,000 ancient instruments.

Amazingly, he can play every single one of them! Upon arrival he will take us to view his private museum where he will guide us through some of his collection.

Sitting together in circle, Maestro Almonacid will play and explain the significance of several different instruments so you can have a lived experience of the importance each sound holds in the Andean Cosmo-vision.

At the end of our visit we head to the music workshop where the Maestro will demonstrate the process of making one of the instruments by hand.

Afterwards we take you to your hotel. Free evening.

Overnight in Yucay:
Boutique Hotels: Sonesta Posada del Inka Yucay (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Aranwa Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9: Sacred Valley: Sacred Valley: The Art of Andean Agriculture – Huayllafara Village & Pisac Market

Breakfast at the hotel. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel. Today we visit the Amaru community located close to Pisac in the village of Huayllafara. The Amaru are experts in Andean agriculture.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations the Amaru community is designated a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System.

“Andean agriculture is one of the best examples of adaptation and knowledge of farmers to their environment for more than 5000 years.”

Decoding the cycles and the desires of the Pachamama (Mother Earth) is not just ancient knowledge, but also a viable way of ensuring the communities sustenance.

In the community of Huayllafarra you will take a journey into the art of Andean agriculture and their generational relationship to their environment.

The Yachaqs (Quechua word for “wise”) will teach you the importance of vertical control, time cycles, seasons, and their agricultural rituals. If you want, you will have the opportunity to practice using traditional tools used to plant and harvest food and even manage a team of oxen.

Enjoy an amazing lunch consisting of local cuisine prepared fresh with local ingredients harvested from the fields of Huayllafara.

Around 3:00pm we will leave the Amaru community behind and make our way to Ollantaytambo, stopping en route in Pisac for an opportunity to explore Peru’s most famous market.

Here artisans from all over the Sacred Valley gather to sell their wares. There are several small artisan shops to browse, shop for handcrafts and generally take in the small town’s quaint atmosphere.

Afterwards we take you to your hotel. Free evening.

Overnight in Ollantaytambo:
Boutique Hotels: Pakaritampu Hotel (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Pakartitampu, Superior Room (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 10: Free Morning in Ollantaytambo. Train to Aguas Calientes

You have the morning free to relax, explore Ollantaytambo village, or visit the Ollantaytambo fortress on your own. In the afternoon, you will board a train at the Ollantaytambo train station and ride up to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

This scenic train ride is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will be met by a guide who will walk you to your hotel.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes:
Boutique Hotels: El Mapi (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Inkaterra Machu Picchu (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 11: Machu Picchu Ruins Tour. Train to Cusco

Today, you have a full-day to explore Machu Picchu and, for the intrepid traveler, hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu within the Machu Picchu complex.

With an early start (around 4:30 a.m.), you head up the hill by bus to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, which is about a 20-minutes ride from Aguas Calientes.

The early start is recommended to ensure you get to witness Machu Picchu at dawn, before the crowds arrive. You will then have a 2- to 3-hour fully guided tour of the mysterious ruins.

After the tour you can hike to the Inca Bridge, Huayna Picchu, Watchman’s hut, Inti Puncu sun gate, or just wander through the ruins soaking up the atmosphere.

(Huayna Picchu now requires an extra, limited-availability permit. Please inquire at booking whether you would like to take this 1.5-hour hike.)

We then return to Aguas Calientes for a late lunch and to catch the train back to Cusco. Upon arrival at the Cusco train station, your driver who will take you to your hotel in the heart of the city.

Overnight in Cusco:
Boutique Hotels: Casa San Blas Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Libertador Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 12: Cusco City Tour & Cooking Class

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Your guide will meet you in the lobby at a designated time. Come prepared with walking shoes today! You’ll head out for a 3-4 hour walking tour on the ancient streets of one of South America’s oldest cities.

We start with a visit to the Main Square and the cathedral. The cathedral was built on top of what once was the Inca palace of Suntur Wasi. Building over prominent indigenous structures was a common strategy during the colonization of South America.

After a visit to the Church of Santo Domingo, you will have time to explore the artistic neighborhood of San Blas. We end our city tour at the San Pedro market.

You will meet the Chef here at the market. He will give a briefing of local ingredients. You’ll have the time to peruse the market to purchase the necessary ingredients from the local producers and suppliers.

Next you are invited to the Chef’s house for a private culinary lesson, starting with the preparation of the famous Pisco Sour and moving into entrees and the main course.

Overnight in Cusco:
Boutique Hotels: Casa San Blas Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Libertador Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 13: Depart Cusco. Fly Home

You will be transferred to your hotel in time to catch your departure flight.

Meal Included: Breakfast

** This itinerary is subject to change without notice, due to seasonal changes, weather conditions, or Galapagos National Park regulations. **

DAY 1: Arrive in Lima

You will either fly from your home to Lima (flight not included), you can arrive any time this day. You overnight in the Wyndham Lima Airport Hotel. It’s not very exciting, but it’s within walking distance of the airport and you’ll get the most possible sleep this night.

Overnight in Lima: Costa del Sol Wyndham Airport Hotel
Meals Included: None

DAY 2: Arrive Cusco. Travel to the Sacred Valley: Maras Salt Pans & Traditional Quechua Music

In the morning, you walk to the departure terminal (a couple of minutes away) and check in for your flight to Cusco (Flight not included in trip pricing). In order to have time for both activities today, you will need to arrive into Cusco by 10am.

You will be met at the Cusco airport. From Cusco we travel to the Sacred Valley. The Sacred Valley lies close to 2000ft lower in elevation and is a gentler way to start acclimatizing to the heights of the Andes.

The Sacred Valley’s alluvial floor follows the winding course of the Urubamba River and is flanked by astonishingly steep hillsides. Here, the Incas grew a diversity of crops and built settlements that remain to this day.

Our first guided stop will be the Maras salt pans. Close to 3000 small pools have been terraced into the hillside, dappling the terrain in ivory & terra-cotta colored patches. People fill up (or irrigate) the pools during the dry season every three days with salty water emanating from a natural spring located above the complex.

When the water evaporates the salt contained in the water slowly solidifies until enough has accumulated to harvest. The salt pans are not only a spectacular site to see, but offer a present day glimpse into pre-Incan harvesting techniques.

We continue traveling to Urubamba where you will visit Maestro Almonacid’s house. Almonacid is a preserver of pre-Hispanic music culture. His private collection houses over 4,000 ancient instruments.

Amazingly, he can play every single one of them! Upon arrival he will take us to view his private museum where he will guide us through some of his collection.

Sitting together in circle, Maestro Almonacid will play and explain the significance of several different instruments so you can have a lived experience of the importance each sound holds in the Andean Cosmo-vision. At the end of our visit we head to the music workshop where the Maestro will demonstrate the process of making one of the instruments by hand.

Afterwards we take you to your hotel. Free evening.

Overnight in Yucay:
Boutique Hotels: Sonesta Posada del Inka Yucay (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Aranwa Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 3: Sacred Valley: Sacred Valley: The Art of Andean Agriculture – Huayllafara Village & Pisac Market

Breakfast at the hotel. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel. Today we visit the Amaru community located close to Pisac in the village of Huayllafara. The Amaru are experts in Andean agriculture.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations the Amaru community is designated a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System. “Andean agriculture is one of the best examples of adaptation and knowledge of farmers to their environment for more than 5000 years.”

Decoding the cycles and the desires of the Pachamama (Mother Earth) is not just ancient knowledge, but also a viable way of ensuring the communities sustenance.

In the community of Huayllafarra you will take a journey into the art of Andean agriculture and their generational relationship to their environment. The Yachaqs (Quechua word for “wise”) will teach you the importance of vertical control, time cycles, seasons, and their agricultural rituals.

If you want, you will have the opportunity to practice using traditional tools used to plant and harvest food and even manage a team of oxen. Enjoy an amazing lunch consisting of local cuisine prepared fresh with local ingredients harvested from the fields of Huayllafara.

Around 3:00pm we will leave the Amaru community behind and make our way to Ollantaytambo, stopping en route in Pisac for an opportunity to explore Peru’s most famous market. Here artisans from all over the Sacred Valley gather to sell their wares. There are several small artisan shops to browse, shop for handcrafts and generally take in the small town’s quaint atmosphere.

Afterwards we take you to your hotel. Free evening.

Overnight in Ollantaytambo:
Boutique Hotels: Pakaritampu Hotel (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Pakartitampu, Superior Room (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4: Free Morning in Ollantaytambo. Train to Aguas Calientes

You have the morning free to relax, explore Ollantaytambo village, or visit the Ollantaytambo fortress on your own. In the afternoon, you will board a train at the Ollantaytambo train station and ride up to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

This scenic train ride is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will be met by a guide who will walk you to your hotel.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes:
Boutique Hotels: El Mapi (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Inkaterra Machu Picchu (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 5: Machu Picchu Ruins Tour. Train to Cusco

Today, you have a full-day to explore Machu Picchu and, for the intrepid traveler, hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu within the Machu Picchu complex.

With an early start (around 4:30 a.m.), you head up the hill by bus to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, which is about a 20-minutes ride from Aguas Calientes.

The early start is recommended to ensure you get to witness Machu Picchu at dawn, before the crowds arrive. You will then have a 2- to 3-hour fully guided tour of the mysterious ruins.

After the tour you can hike to the Inca Bridge, Huayna Picchu, Watchman’s hut, Inti Puncu sun gate, or just wander through the ruins soaking up the atmosphere.

(Huayna Picchu now requires an extra, limited-availability permit. Please inquire at booking whether you would like to take this 1.5-hour hike.) We then return to Aguas Calientes for a late lunch and to catch the train back to Cusco.

Upon arrival at the Cusco train station, your driver who will take you to your hotel in the heart of the city.

Overnight in Cusco:
Boutique Hotels: Casa San Blas Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Libertador Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 6: Cusco City Tour & Cooking Class

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Your guide will meet you in the lobby at a designated time. Come prepared with walking shoes today! You’ll head out for a 3-4 hour walking tour on the ancient streets of one of South America’s oldest cities.

We start with a visit to the Main Square and the cathedral. The cathedral was built on top of what once was the Inca palace of Suntur Wasi. Building over prominent indigenous structures was a common strategy during the colonization of South America.

After a visit to the Church of Santo Domingo, you will have time to explore the artistic neighborhood of San Blas. We end our city tour at the San Pedro market.

You will meet the Chef here at the market. He will give a briefing of local ingredients. You’ll have the time to peruse the market to purchase the necessary ingredients from the local producers and suppliers.

Next you are invited to the Chef’s house for a private culinary lesson, starting with the preparation of the famous Pisco Sour and moving into entrees and the main course.

Overnight in Cusco:
Boutique Hotels: Casa San Blas Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Libertador Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7: Depart Cusco / Fly to Guayaquil

You will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Lima and then onto Guayaquil, Ecuador (flights not included). Upon your arrival in Guayaquil, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Guayaquil: Hotel Oro Verde or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 8: Arrive in the Galapagos / Santa Cruz Island: Bachas Beach

In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the airport in time for your flight to the Galapagos (flight is not included in the trip price, but will be booked by the cruise operator and added to your pricing summary).

Arrive to Baltra Airport where you will be treated by your guide and transferred to the boat.

BACHAS BEACH: This beautiful beach is located at north of Santa Cruz Island; the beach has total extension of 1Km. The site takes its name since Second War when the American army left two barges in the beach, the first colonizing people couldn’t pronounce that name correctly: barges, so they called Bachas.

Overnight: On yacht.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9: Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay & Bartolome Island

SULLIVAN BAY: wet landing and hiking. Description of the place: all the road and the island is composed of lava flows that still they are virtually without eroding and they cover an extensive area, lava pohoehhoe or of cords, hornitos, mollugo, this plant grows in the lava. Lava Colonizers.

BARTOLOME ISLAND: Dry landing, landing wet for the beach, activities to carry out in this island: walk, swimming, snorkeling, and photography.

We will walk for a path to the top (114 m) pioneering plants that will observe in this place tiquilia, chamaesyce, and scalesia, the island is formed by cones, pipes of lava by where lava flow.

Wet landing, path to the south beach through mangrove swamps and vegetation of dunes. North beach: Swimming and snorkeling will be the activities that are going to carry out.

Since the top of the island Bartolome we will be able to observe the islands as Santiago, Rabida, Isabela. We can find penguins in the Rock Pinnacle.

Overnight: On yacht.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10: Santa Cruz Island: Highlands & Charles Darwin Research Station

HIGHLANDS OF SANTA CRUZ: here we have a short hike and we will find the giant tortoises in their natural habitat, this is a natural spectacular. For this visit we recommend to use sport shoes, long pants, raincoat, hut and sun block.

CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION is located in the Main Port of Santa Cruz Island, we will take our private bus that take us to the entrance of the center of breeding where we go to appreciate tortoises and land iguanas in captivity, this center is the main site of breeding of the islands.

Animals that were in danger of extinction in the different islands are maintained in captivity and thanks at dedicated work of several institutions some species are saving, here was where the most famous tortoise “the Solitary George” the last survivor of the species of Pinta Island lived.

Overnight: On yacht.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11: Floreana Island: Punta Cormorant, Post Office Bay, & Devil’s Crown

PUNTA CORMORANT: wet landing, snorkeling and short trekking. This point is located at west of Floreana Island and it is famous to has a dark green beach due to the great quantity of olivine crystals. You can see many marine invertebrates, as well as also sea lions, sea iguanas, the frigates and pelicans.

DEVIL’S CROWN: Activities in this place: panga ride and optional swimming and snorkeling. Panga ride around of a small island, this place was a satellite islet of the island Floreana.

Here, we will find a group of rocks that seem to a crown, due to the constant erosion caused by the sea. It is one of the better places to do snorkeling (superficial diving) in the interior and around of the crown, excellent visibility to admire a great variety of fishes and sea animals.

POST OFFICE: Wet landing. Activities in this place: short walk, swimming, snorkeling, review of the mail. Description of the Place: it is situated to the north of Floreana Island.

The Post Office Bay name is because of Capitan James Colnett installed an empty Ron barrel, to use it as post office for the whaling fleets that frequented for a long time the Galapagos Islands. You can send some postcards from here to your friends and relatives or interchange letter to deliver in their destiny.

Overnight: On yacht.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12: Española Island: Suarez Point & Gardner Bay

SUAREZ POINT: dry landing, activities that were carried out in this place: walking; recommendable clothes: sports shoes, hat, cap, solar lotion. There is not color more amazing and outstanding in this tropical desert island that the blue-foot boobies; they have an impressive form to “greeting” and it is a real spectacle to see the ritualistic parade of the entourage.

In several islands we can admire this bird due to that nests and feed are located in diverse places close to the coast. In this place we will be able to observe the Albatross with a weight from three to four kilograms and an importance of more than two meters, this creature of aristocratic aspect is one of the largest birds of the islands.

Around twelve thousand couples have their nests in the Española Island (some few in the Silver Island near of main land Ecuador). This specie is considered endemic from this island during our walking we will be able to observe these fantastic birds, we will be part of the beautiful and only landscapes that offers this island.

Important Note: Albatross will be not possible to see between January and March. Also we will observe colonies of marine iguanas, zayapas, mask boobies, finches, Española cucuves, and seagulls unique of the island. Our walking will be for lava rock path where we will be able to admire the hollow blowers. The vegetation of this island is of red mangrove.

GARDNER BAY: wet landing, activities for this visit: short walking, swimming, snorkeling, and observation of seals colony.

The sea lion is one of the animals in Galapagos which gets the total attention of the visitors in the Galapagos: they are curious and playful, but at times aggressive; they are nice and loving, but also lazy.

In Gardner Bay, we are going to find many of them relaxing in the beach enjoying of the sun. Snorkeling in the area where we will be able to swim with them, besides you observe these fascinating animals, we will swim with the sea turtles, diversity of tropical fish, marine iguanas etc. We will return to the ship, to sail toward the following island. Visit to: Gardner & Osborn Islets.

Overnight: On yacht.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13: San Cristobal Island: Interpretation Center / Depart Galapagos

INTERPRETATION CENTER: Dry landing. This center is location in the Main Port. After our breakfast we will go toward our first visit: Interpretation Center of San Cristobal.

The most modern and sophisticated architectural space destined for the natural interpretation of Galapagos, where you can know from the volcanic formation of the islands, the evolution of the species, passing for the history of the human settlements to come to understand to its complex systems and model of management. Transfer out.

Fly from San Cristobal Airport to mainland Ecuador (either Quito or Guayaquil).
Meals Included: Breakfast

** This itinerary is subject to change without notice, due to seasonal changes, weather conditions, or Galapagos National Park regulations. **

DAY 1: Arrive in Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador

You will either fly from your home to either Quito or Guayaquil (flight not included), the two largest cities in Ecuador. You can arrive any time this day. You will be met at the airport by a hotel shuttle. You overnight at an airport near either of the hotels.

Overnight in Quito: Wyndham Airport Hotel or similar
Overnight in Guayaquil: Hotel Oro Verde or similar
Meals Included: None

DAY 2: Arrive in the Galapagos / Santa Cruz Island: Bachas Beach

In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the airport in time for your flight to the Galapagos (flight is not included in the trip price, but will be booked by the cruise operator and added to your pricing summary).

Arrive to Baltra Airport where you will be treated by your guide and transferred to the boat.

BACHAS BEACH: This beautiful beach is located at north of Santa Cruz Island; the beach has total extension of 1Km. The site takes its name since Second War when the American army left two barges in the beach, the first colonizing people couldn’t pronounce that name correctly: barges, so they called Bachas.

Overnight: On yacht.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay & Bartolome Island

SULLIVAN BAY: wet landing and hiking. Description of the place: all the road and the island is composed of lava flows that still they are virtually without eroding and they cover an extensive area, lava pohoehhoe or of cords, hornitos, mollugo, this plant grows in the lava. Lava Colonizers.

BARTOLOME ISLAND: Dry landing, landing wet for the beach, activities to carry out in this island: walk, swimming, snorkeling, and photography.

We will walk for a path to the top (114 m) pioneering plants that will observe in this place tiquilia, chamaesyce, and scalesia, the island is formed by cones, pipes of lava by where lava flow.

Wet landing, path to the south beach through mangrove swamps and vegetation of dunes. North beach: Swimming and snorkeling will be the activities that are going to carry out.

Since the top of the island Bartolome we will be able to observe the islands as Santiago, Rabida, Isabela. We can find penguins in the Rock Pinnacle.

Overnight: On yacht.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: Santa Cruz Island: Highlands & Charles Darwin Research Station

HIGHLANDS OF SANTA CRUZ: here we have a short hike and we will find the giant tortoises in their natural habitat, this is a natural spectacular. For this visit we recommend to use sport shoes, long pants, raincoat, hut and sun block.

CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION is located in the Main Port of Santa Cruz Island, we will take our private bus that take us to the entrance of the center of breeding where we go to appreciate tortoises and land iguanas in captivity, this center is the main site of breeding of the islands.

Animals that were in danger of extinction in the different islands are maintained in captivity and thanks at dedicated work of several institutions some species are saving, here was where the most famous tortoise Lonesome George the last survivor of the species of Pinta Island lived.

Overnight: On yacht.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: Floreana Island: Punta Cormorant, Post Office Bay, & Devil’s Crown

PUNTA CORMORANT: wet landing, snorkeling and short trekking. This point is located at west of Floreana Island and it is famous to has a dark green beach due to the great quantity of olivine crystals. You can see many marine invertebrates, as well as also sea lions, sea iguanas, the frigates and pelicans.

DEVIL’S CROWN: Activities in this place: panga ride and optional swimming and snorkeling. Panga ride around of a small island, this place was a satellite islet of the island Floreana.

Here, we will find a group of rocks that seem to a crown, due to the constant erosion caused by the sea. It is one of the better places to do snorkeling (superficial diving) in the interior and around of the crown, excellent visibility to admire a great variety of fishes and sea animals.

POST OFFICE: Wet landing. Activities in this place: short walk, swimming, snorkeling, review of the mail. Description of the Place: it is situated to the north of Floreana Island.

The Post Office Bay name is because of Capitan James Colnett installed an empty Ron barrel, to use it as post office for the whaling fleets that frequented for a long time the Galapagos Islands. You can send some postcards from here to your friends and relatives or interchange letter to deliver in their destiny.

Overnight: On yacht.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: Española Island: Suarez Point & Gardner Bay

SUAREZ POINT: dry landing, activities that were carried out in this place: walking; recommendable clothes: sports shoes, hat, cap, solar lotion.

There is not color more amazing and outstanding in this tropical desert island that the blue-foot boobies; they have an impressive form to “greeting” and it is a real spectacle to see the ritualistic parade of the entourage.

In several islands we can admire this bird due to that nests and feed are located in diverse places close to the coast. In this place we will be able to observe the Albatross with a weight from three to four kilograms and an importance of more than two meters, this creature of aristocratic aspect is one of the largest birds of the islands.

Around twelve thousand couples have their nests in the Española Island (some few in the Silver Island near of main land Ecuador). This specie is considered endemic from this island during our walking we will be able to observe these fantastic birds, we will be part of the beautiful and only landscapes that offers this island.

Important Note: Albatross will be not possible to see between January and March. Also we will observe colonies of marine iguanas, zayapas, mask boobies, finches, Española cucuves, and seagulls unique of the island. Our walking will be for lava rock path where we will be able to admire the hollow blowers. The vegetation of this island is of red mangrove.

GARDNER BAY: wet landing, activities for this visit: short walking, swimming, snorkeling, and observation of seals colony.

The sea lion is one of the animals in Galapagos which gets the total attention of the visitors in the Galapagos: they are curious and playful, but at times aggressive; they are nice and loving, but also lazy.

In Gardner Bay, we are going to find many of them relaxing in the beach enjoying of the sun. Snorkeling in the area where we will be able to swim with them, besides you observe these fascinating animals, we will swim with the sea turtles, diversity of tropical fish, marine iguanas etc.

We will return to the ship, to sail toward the following island. Visit to: Gardner & Osborn Islets.

Overnight: On yacht.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7: San Cristobal Island: Interpretation Center / Depart Galapagos

INTERPRETATION CENTER: Dry landing. This center is location in the Main Port. After our breakfast we will go toward our first visit: Interpretation Center of San Cristobal.

The most modern and sophisticated architectural space destined for the natural interpretation of Galapagos, where you can know from the volcanic formation of the islands, the evolution of the species, passing for the history of the human settlements to come to understand to its complex systems and model of management. Transfer out.

Fly from Baltra Airport to mainland Ecuador (either Quito or Guayaquil). (Flight is not included, but will be booked by the cruise operator and added to your pricing summary).

We recommend flying Galapagos – Guayaquil – Lima, as Guayaquil is closest to both the Galapagos and Lima. It’s also possible to have a layover in Quito, but it’s more flying time. (Flights are not included).

You overnight in the Wyndham Lima Airport Hotel. It’s not very exciting, but it’s within walking distance of the airport and you’ll get the most possible sleep this night.

Overnight in Lima: Costa del Sol Wyndham Airport Hotel
Meals Included: None

DAY 8: Arrive Cusco. Travel to the Sacred Valley: Maras Salt Pans & Traditional Quechua Music

In the morning, you walk to the departure terminal (a couple of minutes away) and check in for your flight to Cusco (Flight not included in trip pricing). In order to have time for both activities today, you will need to arrive into Cusco by 10am.

You will be met at the Cusco airport. From Cusco we travel to the Sacred Valley. The Sacred Valley lies close to 2000ft lower in elevation and is a gentler way to start acclimatizing to the heights of the Andes.

The Sacred Valley’s alluvial floor follows the winding course of the Urubamba River and is flanked by astonishingly steep hillsides. Here, the Incas grew a diversity of crops and built settlements that remain to this day.

Our first guided stop will be the Maras salt pans. Close to 3000 small pools have been terraced into the hillside, dappling the terrain in ivory & terra-cotta colored patches. People fill up (or irrigate) the pools during the dry season every three days with salty water emanating from a natural spring located above the complex.

When the water evaporates the salt contained in the water slowly solidifies until enough has accumulated to harvest. The salt pans are not only a spectacular site to see, but offer a present day glimpse into pre-Incan harvesting techniques.

We continue traveling to Urubamba where you will visit Maestro Almonacid’s house. Almonacid is a preserver of pre-Hispanic music culture. His private collection houses over 4,000 ancient instruments. Amazingly, he can play every single one of them!

Upon arrival he will take us to view his private museum where he will guide us through some of his collection. Sitting together in circle, Maestro Almonacid will play and explain the significance of several different instruments so you can have a lived experience of the importance each sound holds in the Andean Cosmo-vision.

At the end of our visit we head to the music workshop where the Maestro will demonstrate the process of making one of the instruments by hand. Afterwards we take you to your hotel. Free evening.

Overnight in Yucay:
Boutique Hotels: Sonesta Posada del Inka Yucay (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Aranwa Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9: Sacred Valley: Sacred Valley: The Art of Andean Agriculture – Huayllafara Village & Pisac Market

Breakfast at the hotel. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel. Today we visit the Amaru community located close to Pisac in the village of Huayllafara. The Amaru are experts in Andean agriculture.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations the Amaru community is designated a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System.

“Andean agriculture is one of the best examples of adaptation and knowledge of farmers to their environment for more than 5000 years.”

Decoding the cycles and the desires of the Pachamama (Mother Earth) is not just ancient knowledge, but also a viable way of ensuring the communities sustenance.

In the community of Huayllafarra you will take a journey into the art of Andean agriculture and their generational relationship to their environment. The Yachaqs (Quechua word for “wise”) will teach you the importance of vertical control, time cycles, seasons, and their agricultural rituals.

If you want, you will have the opportunity to practice using traditional tools used to plant and harvest food and even manage a team of oxen. Enjoy an amazing lunch consisting of local cuisine prepared fresh with local ingredients harvested from the fields of Huayllafara.

Around 3:00pm we will leave the Amaru community behind and make our way to Ollantaytambo, stopping en route in Pisac for an opportunity to explore Peru’s most famous market. Here artisans from all over the Sacred Valley gather to sell their wares.

There are several small artisan shops to browse, shop for handcrafts and generally take in the small town’s quaint atmosphere. Afterwards we take you to your hotel. Free evening.

Overnight in Ollantaytambo:
Boutique Hotels: Pakaritampu Hotel (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Pakartitampu, Superior Room (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 10: Free Morning in Ollantaytambo. Train to Aguas Calientes

You have the morning free to relax, explore Ollantaytambo village, or visit the Ollantaytambo fortress on your own. In the afternoon, you will board a train at the Ollantaytambo train station and ride up to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

This scenic train ride is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will be met by a guide who will walk you to your hotel.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes:
Boutique Hotels: El Mapi (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Inkaterra Machu Picchu (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 11: Machu Picchu Ruins Tour. Train to Cusco

Today, you have a full-day to explore Machu Picchu and, for the intrepid traveler, hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu within the Machu Picchu complex.

With an early start (around 4:30 a.m.), you head up the hill by bus to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, which is about a 20-minutes ride from Aguas Calientes. The early start is recommended to ensure you get to witness Machu Picchu at dawn, before the crowds arrive.

You will then have a 2- to 3-hour fully guided tour of the mysterious ruins. After the tour you can hike to the Inca Bridge, Huayna Picchu, Watchman’s hut, Inti Puncu sun gate, or just wander through the ruins soaking up the atmosphere. (Huayna Picchu now requires an extra, limited-availability permit.

Please inquire at booking whether you would like to take this 1.5-hour hike.) We then return to Aguas Calientes for a late lunch and to catch the train back to Cusco. Upon arrival at the Cusco train station, your driver who will take you to your hotel in the heart of the city.

Overnight in Cusco:
Boutique Hotels: Casa San Blas Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Libertador Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 12: Cusco City Tour & Cooking Class

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Your guide will meet you in the lobby at a designated time. Come prepared with walking shoes today! You’ll head out for a 3-4 hour walking tour on the ancient streets of one of South America’s oldest cities.

We start with a visit to the Main Square and the cathedral. The cathedral was built on top of what once was the Inca palace of Suntur Wasi. Building over prominent indigenous structures was a common strategy during the colonization of South America.

After a visit to the Church of Santo Domingo, you will have time to explore the artistic neighborhood of San Blas. We end our city tour at the San Pedro market.

You will meet the Chef here at the market. He will give a briefing of local ingredients. You’ll have the time to peruse the market to purchase the necessary ingredients from the local producers and suppliers.

Next you are invited to the Chef’s house for a private culinary lesson, starting with the preparation of the famous Pisco Sour and moving into entrees and the main course.

Overnight in Cusco:
Boutique Hotels: Casa San Blas Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Deluxe Hotels: Libertador Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 13: Depart Cusco. Fly Home

You will be transferred to your hotel in time to catch your departure flight.

Meal Included: Breakfast

** This itinerary is subject to change without notice, due to seasonal changes, weather conditions, or Galapagos National Park regulations. **