Your Itinerary
Day 1Fly to Quito
Arrive late this evening.
Day 2Quito–Arasha Resort
Travel to the Pacific Rainforest for three nights at the all-inclusive Arasha Rainforest Resort & Spa. Surrounded by lush vegetation, tropical fruits, flora, birds, and local fauna, the award-winning Arasha offers beautiful thatch-roofed bungalows. Facilities include a large swimming pool with bar and cascading water, a Jacuzzi inside a grotto, two restaurants, theatre, mini golf, and a luxurious spa. (B,L,D)
Days 3-4Arasha Resort
During your stay, enjoy guided tours of the primary and secondary forests, birding and orchid tours, a chocolate-making demonstration, fishing, native jewelry-making classes, and much more. You may even visit one of the most colorful indigenous groups in Ecuador, the “Colorados,” and learn of their ancient traditions and religion. (B,L,D)
Day 5Arasha Resort–Quito
Return to Quito. (B)
Day 6Quito, Ecuador
Your included city tour showcases the rich legacy left by the Incas and later the Spaniards. See Independence Square, dominated by its formidable Cathedral, San Francisco Plaza Church and the Basilica with its marvelous stained-glass windows. (B)
Day 7Quito–Baltra (Embarkation)–Santa Cruz
Fly to Baltra in the Galápagos. Upon arrival, transfer to Santa Cruz Island, where you will embark the Santa Cruz for your 4-night cruise. Your first stop takes you to Cerro Dragón, a bird-lover’s paradise, where stilts, pintail ducks, Darwin’s finches, Galápagos mockingbirds, and the endemic Galápagos flycatcher are regular sightings. This evening, a lecture led by your onboard Naturalist will prepare you for tomorrow’s adventure. (B,L,D)
Day 8Cruising: Bartolomé & Puerto Egas Islands
At Bartolomé Island, hike to the summit for a stunning view of two beautiful bays and fascinating formations of lava flows and spatter cones. You will also have the chance to snorkel with a chance to see Galápagos penguins in tropical waters. Cruise to Puerto Egas, known for its numerous shore birds, Galápagos fur seals, and marine iguanas. (B,L,D)
Day 9Cruising: Rabida & North Seymour Islands
On Rabida, stroll along the red-sand beach (due to high iron content from the volcanic material), observing sea lions, marine iguanas, Darwin’s finches, mockingbirds, and even greater flamingos! This afternoon, travel to North Seymour to explore for colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigatebirds, and swallow-tailed gulls. The island’s shore teems with sea lions and marine iguanas as well. (B,L,D)
Day 10Cruising: Santa Cruz & Charles Darwin Research Center
Take a ride on Santa Cruz to the highlands where the endangered giant tortoises can be seen (seasonally) grazing on the pastures of local farms. The vegetation of the area includes the Scalesia Forest, which provides an outstanding area for bird watching. It is up here where amazing encounters with woodpecker finches have occurred. This afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the efforts and results to protect the Galápagos’ giant tortoises. Spend some time in the town of Puerto Ayora before returning to the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 11Cruising: San Cristobal Island (Disembarkation)–Guayaquil–Lima
This morning, disembark in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where you will have free time before flying to Lima to begin the Peru portion of your vacation. (B)
Day 12Lima
Your included city tour focuses on Lima’s rich colonial history as well as the modern city. Lima was the bastion of Spanish South America from its founding in 1535 until the independence of the South American republics in the early 19th century. See the Cathedral, where the skeleton of Francisco Pizarro is sealed in a wooden coffin and with its eerie burial crypts. (B)
Day 13Lima–Cuzco
Fly to Cuzco high in the Andes. Your city tour visits the Santo Domingo Monastery, built on the foundations of Inca Temple of the Sun, the Cathedral, and the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman, with intricate stone walls. (B)
Day 14Cuzco
Today, a short drive into the Urubamba Valley leads to the market town of Pisac. Handmade rugs, alpaca sweaters, and jewelry can be bought here at bargain prices. At the other end of the valley is Ollantaytambo. Here, some of the finest examples of Inca masonry can be seen. Try out the area cuisine at one of Cuzco’s numerous restaurants recommended by your Local Host. (B,L)
Day 15Cuzco–Machu Picchu
Board a train bound for Machu Picchu and cut a path through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Explore this intact fortress with its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct. For hikers, a brisk one-hour walk leads to the Sun Gate, the ancient entrance used by the Incas. Hike around Huayna Picchu or simply relax in the hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 16Machu Picchu–Cuzco
After a morning at leisure in Machu Picchu, return to Cuzco. Perhaps visit the Inca Museum or wander through the artisan district of San Blas. (BB)
Day 17Cuzco–Lima
Fly to Lima for a free afternoon to explore on your own. Late this evening, depart for the airport for your overnight flight to the U.S. (B)
Day 18Miami
Arrive home.