Fri - Day 1 - depart to Peru - arrive Lima

Depart from the home city to Lima where you will be met and transferred to the Hotel located in Lima. Overnight at the Hotel.

Sat - Day 2 - Lima - Cuzco - Cuzco - Arch & Colonial City Tour & Sacsayhauman Park - Cuzco

You will be met and transferred to the Lima airport & the local airline flight departing to Cuzco. On your arrival our staff will meet and transfer you to the Hotel where you can use the remainder of the morning to acclimate to the 11,300 ft. altitude in the Inca capital of Cuzco. In the afternoon (1:45 p.m.) our staff will meet and transfer you by bus for a City tour of Cuzco and the Colonial and Inca sites of La Cathedral and Santo Domingo Convent, or Q’oricancha, Tambo Machay, Kenko, Pucapucara, and Sacsayhauman. Early evening return to Cuzco and the Hotel. ( 5:45 -6:15 p.m. ) Afterwards ( 7:30 p.m. ) you will meet with your guide for the orientation for the Inca Trail. Over night at the Hotel. ( BB )

Sun - Day 3 - Cuzco - Pisac Market - Ollantaytambo

Our staff will meet and transfer you in the morning ( 8:45 -9:00 a.m.) into the Sacred Valley of the Inca. This fertile region includes many Inca terraces and farm land. Travel to the town of Pisac and the Ancient Pisac Market for the annual show where many of the local Indians sell and barter their hand made textiles, fresh fruits, and vegetables. After an hour or so of mingling with the locals, you will proceed to eat lunch at a local hacienda restaurant in the Sacred Valley. Afterwards, continue to Ollantaytambo which is the oldest continuously habituated town of the Inca that contains several important Inca structures. At the top of the sixteen massive terraces are the ever impressive ruins of Ollantaytambo Fortress. This is where the Inca fought some of their fiercest and strongest battles. It is unknown how the huge precisely carved stones were transported down one mountain range to the Ollantaytambo location, or how they were fitted perfectly to support a strategic fortress that has bared the test of time. Also found here are “silos” or grain mills that are directly adjacent to the fortress that could have maintained thousands of pounds of grain for the Inca and its people. Some of the grain was most likely produced in the surrounding agricultural terracing by the variety of crops that were grown. Afterwards, return to Cuzco ( 5:45 p.m. ) OR remain in the Sacred Valley. (3:45 p.m) Overnight at the Hotel. ( BB/L )

Mon - Day 4 - Ollantaytambo - Inca Trail

A mid morning departure by private bus to the starting point at k. 82. in Chilca. After a short hike you will enter into the National Park at Llactapata where you will be registered and the porters will be adjusted for the proper weights of all the equipment. At one time this was used as utilitarian center of large settlement of farming terraces which probably supplied the other Inca trail sites.( All the camping gear is carried by our staff giving you the time to enjoy the beautiful scenic views. Today you will get your first taste of the environment with all the diversity of plants as you hike along the Cusichaca river then on to Huayllabamba which leads into the Amazon basin. All the camping gear is carried by our staff giving you the time to enjoy the beautiful scenic views like the snow capped peak of Mt Veronica that tops out at 19,200 ft. As you make your way through the most intricate pre-Columbian highway system of the Americas (some say the world) you will continue to the village of Huayllabamba, as a steeper climb takes you through part of a mountain forest & up to the point of Llulluchapampa at ( 12,500 ft.) Here you will get your first glimpse of the Vilcabamba range as you settle in for the day and the camp site will be set by the porters at Llulluchapampa. ( Camp ) ( B/L/D ) ( actual campsite locations may vary from day to day due to INC regulations )

Tues - Day 5 - Inca Trail

After a early breakfast the most difficult part climb of this Inca Trail is the (13,776 ft. ) Warmihuanunca Pass, this point is the highest part of the trip and from here the rest of the trip will be a down hill hike. After a brief moment to catch your breath and take some fabulous photos with your heads in the clouds you will descend into a area known as the orchid zone and continue towards the Inca outpost of Pacasmayo. After time is spent for a healthy lunch you will continue climbing a series of Inca steps and proceed towards the and the ruins of Runcuracay. ( 12,172 ft. ) Today’s camp will be set adjacent to a plateau and a small lake where clouds slumber by and time stands still.( Camp) (B/L/D)

Wed - Day 6 - Inca Trail

The day starts by climbing of the Inca steps to and passing the ruins of Runcuracay and the 12,172 ft. pass. As we descend into the rainforest you will notice a change in the vegetation. Here a variety of colorful plant life is abundant as well as temperatures are several degrees warmer from the higher pass. Our hike then leads us to the archaeological site of Sayajmarca and through an Inca tunnel opening at Phuyupatamarca ruins, ( 12,000 ft. ) where our camp will be set. (Camp) ( B/L/D )

Thur - Day 7- Inca Trail - Machu Picchu

After a crisp fresh awakening to the breeze flowing through the mountains we enjoy the prepared breakfast and give respect to the mother earth for the gifts she bares. A rapid descent takes you through the cloud forest where a variety of flowers and tropical vegetation, mosses & tree ferns escort you to the magical ruins of Winay Wayna. Here there are several baths and newly uncovered terraces. In the anticipation of continuing on the trail your hearts may begin to pound from the excitement that awaits your every step and breath as you approach the fabled citadel. Just as you are to make your final turn and approach the trails entry a sigh of relief to know the reward is only a few steps further as you enter into Inti Punku Pass or "The Gate of The Sun." Here you will get your first magnificent view of the forgotten city of Machu Picchu. As you proceed downward into Machu Picchu large rock structures or temples are along the path to which the guide will point out as you make your way into "coliseum" like site. As you arrive your guide will explain the history and the myths that surround this archaeological wonder. Several ideas or possibilities have been noted of this massive archaeological complex of acropolis proportion. Weather this site was a pre Incan, a previous leaders sanctuary for his retirement, maybe a location for the virgins to be separated from the kingdom and used as wives for the Inca rulers or even sacrificial for the gods. It seems that the world will never know. After your tour transfer to the Sanctuary Lodge Hotel or continue by bus to the base of Machu Picchu and the town of Aguas Calientes where a local Hotel will be the accomodations for the night.( 1:30 - 2:00 p.m.) Remainder of the day on your own. Overnight at the Hotel. ( B ) ( based on hotel you stay at some incl. lunch and dinner )

Fri - Day 8 - Machu Picchu - Cuzco

Full day on your own in Aguas Calientes where you can take a short hike to visit a local butterfly farm, the orchid trail or bird watch for the many variety of semi tropical birds that are habitants of this area. You may as well choose to re-enter Machu Picchu where you can watch the sunrise, hike to the top of Huayna Picchu, visit the Inti Punku Pass (Gate of the Sun ) or explore and take more photographs of the area. In the late afternoon you will bid farewell to the lost city of Machu Picchu and proceed to the Aguas Calientes train station where you will board the ( 3:00 p.m. ) auto wagon train for your return to Cuzco. After your arrival into the Cuzco train station ( 6:45 -7:00 p.m.) our staff will meet and transfer you to the Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel. ( BB) ( 2^nd day Machu Picchu entry fees $25.00 or bus transfers in / out of Machu Picchu $15.00 not incl.)

Sat - Day 9 - Cuzco - Lima

Our staff will transfer you to the Cuzco airport as you bid farewell to Cuzco on the flight to Lima. On your arrival into Lima you will transfer to the depating flight to *Quito or Guayaquil. On the arrival to that city you will be met and transferred to the hotel for the remainder of the day own your own. Overnight at the Hotel. ( BB )

Sun - Day 10- Quito Colonial City - Equator

Mid morning tours of the Colonial City of Quito, including Metropolitan Cathedral, Carondelet (Government Palace) located in Independence square, and the churches of La Merced, San Francisco or San Augustin. Which have paintings and dating from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Later proceed to the Equator Monument and the Anthropological Museum. Early evening return to Quito and the Café Cultura Hotel. Over night at the Hotel. ( CB )

Mon - Day 11 - Quito - Baltra - Bartolome

You will be met and transferred to the Quito airport and the Tame Airlines flight #193 departing on at 9:15 a.m. arriving Baltra at 9:45 a.m. You will be met & transferred to BARTOLOME where it seems like we are walking on the moon as this young Island is inhospitable to most plants and animals. The volcanic formations include lava bombs as well as spatter cones and cinder cones. After a dry landing, we have a 30 minute steep climb to a summit of a once active volcano for a panoramic view including the famous "Pinnacle Rock", an eroded tuff cone. Down below, the water is crystal clear where we can swim and snorkel with schools of fish. Penguins are usually spotted in this area. On the other side, is another beach with sea turtles and white-tipped sharks.( CB/L/D )

Tues - Day 12 - Isabella - Ferdanina

This morning, we disembark at Punta Espinoza, Ferndaina. Along the shoreline hundreds of marine iguanas bask in the sun - the largest colony in Galapagos. There are many sea lions with resident bulls are present. Flightless Cormorants build their nests on the point and often Galapagos Hawks fly up overhead. Recent lava flows formed by an active volcano are evident. This afternoon, we visit Tagus Cove, Isabela, the largest Island in Galapagos created by six volcanos that flowed together. Graffiti dating back to the 1800's is written on the rocky cliff. The trail leads to a salt water lagoon and a great view of the lava fields, volcanic formation and the ocean. A ride by panga or sea kayak reveals marine life and Galapagos penguins. ( B/L/D )

Wed - Day 13 - Santiago Island- Rabida

This morning, we walk along the shore at Puerto Egas, Santiago (James) looking for octopus, starfish and other sea life caught in the small pools as the tide went out. We also see the great blue heron, a lava heron, oyster catchers and yellow crowned night heron. If the tide is low, we'll see marine iguanas grazing on the exposed green algae. Our walk ends at the grottos, deep pools of clear water where we encounter the fur sea lion. Once though to be on the verge of extinction This afternoon, we disembark on Rabida Island ( Jervis) located off James Island. Rabida has the most diversified volcanic rocks of all islands and shy its often termed the geographic center of Galapagos. The dark red colored beach is volcanic in origin. The trail leads to a salt water lagoon, where we may find flamingos feeding. The mangroves at the far side of the lagoon are nesting area for the brown pelican. After the walk, there is an excellent opportunity to snorkel. ( B/L/D )

Thur - Day 14 - Frorena - Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Station

After breakfast, we visit Florena, the site Point Cormorant, home to a olivine crystal beach and pink flamingos inhabiting a secluded lagoon. A short walk away is a white-sand beach where sea turtles nest. Here you will see many colonies of sea lions, the waived albatross, who in season performs his strange mating ritual, colonies of blue footed and masked boobies busily care for their young. Darwin' Finches, the Galapagos Dove and Hawk and swallow tailed gulls find shelter under the cliffs, along with the beautiful red-billed tropic birds After lunch, we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station staffed with international scientists doing biological research and conservation projects. Have your picture taken with the giant tortoises and see the one year old miniature versions that are part of the breeding program. Later, see a more civilized side of Galapagos and stroll through the town of Puerto Ayora ( population: 8000) to buy souvenirs, mail postcards and absorb some local color in the social heart of the Islands. ( B/L/D )

Fri - Day 15 - Baltra - Quito

Mid morning you will set dock and say a farewell to the Islands of enchantment Here the staff will meet & transfer you to the Baltra Airport and the departing Tame flight #192 at 12:45 p.m. arriving Quito at 4:45 p.m. Return to the Hotel for your personal belongings and relax for the remainder of the day.( B )

( actual flight times may vary from day to day due to availability)

Sat - Day 16 - depart Ecuador

Morning you will be met transferred to Quito airport for the Continental flight (*or any choice of carrier ) home.

Trip starts on Friday's.

Class

Rating

Hotels

sng

dbl.

tpl

Tourist

3 star

LM - Colon, CZ - Los Andes, SV - Pakaritampu, MP - Hatuchay, QU - La Vieja Cuba, Galapagos

0000

0000

0000

First

4 star

LM - Colon, CZ - Novotel (CR), SV - Pakaritampu, MP- Hatuchay, Qu - La Vieja Cuba, Galapagos

0000

0000

0000

First

5 star

LM - Swissotel, CZ - Libertador, SV - Pakaritampu, MP - Pueblo, QU - Marriott, Galapagos

0000

0000

0000

First

5 star

LM - Swissotel, CZ - Monasterio,SV - Pakaritampu, MP - Sanctuary, QU - Marriott, Galapagos

0000

0000

0000

LM = Lima, CZ = Cuzco, SV = Sacred Valley, MP = Machu Picchu, QU = Quito Hotels noted are based on the America star system. ( CR = Colonial rooms in Cuzco )

Trip can also be adjusted to suit your needs.

INCLUDES:

Class	Rating	Hotels	sng	dbl.	tpl
Tourist	3 star	LM - Colon, CZ - Los Andes, SV - Pakaritampu, MP - Hatuchay, QU - La Vieja Cuba, Galapagos	0000	0000	0000
First	4 star	LM - Colon, CZ - Novotel (CR), SV - Pakaritampu, MP- Hatuchay, Qu - La Vieja Cuba, Galapagos	0000	0000	0000
First	5 star	LM - Swissotel, CZ - Libertador, SV - Pakaritampu, MP - Pueblo, QU - Marriott, Galapagos	0000	0000	0000
First	5 star	LM - Swissotel, CZ - Monasterio,SV - Pakaritampu, MP - Sanctuary, QU - Marriott, Galapagos	0000	0000	0000