11-Nights Wonders of the Galapagos & Machu Picchu - Luxury Small Group Journeys — CALL

Abercrombie & Kent

OFFER ID 1501085

Wonders of the Galápagos & Machu Picchu
Discover natural and man-made wonders, from Ecuador to Peru, on a journey that includes a four-night cruise in the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands, an exclusive visit to a village in the Sacred Valley and a guided exploration of Machu Picchu, the awe-inspiring “Lost City” of the Incas.

11 nights | Call for pricing

Itinerary

Abercrombie & Kent: Wonders of the Galápagos & Machu Picchu

Day 1 Guayaquil, Ecuador

Arrive in tropical Guayaquil, gateway to the Galápagos, where you are met and transferred to your hotel.

Hotel Del Parque

Meals:

Day 2 Guayaquil

Fly to the remote Galápagos island of Baltra, where you join your naturalist guide for the ferry ride to Santa Cruz Island. Disembark and drive up into the island’s mist-shrouded highlands in search of giant tortoises. On the northern route of this journey, meet local students learning about their native islands on an initiative supported by Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy. Continue on to Puerto Ayora and board your expedition ship a four-night cruise through the Galápagos’ northern islands. Your expedition ship is built for adventure, offering spacious cabins, floor-to-ceiling windows and a comfortable atmosphere. The vessel is ecologically sound and comes equipped with pangas (rubber rafts), a glass-bottom boat and sea kayaks that allow for independent exploration. Tonight, dine on board.

La Pinta

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Cruising the Galápagos

After breakfast, get fitted for your wetsuit and snorkeling gear. Then, Ride Like a Local, boarding a panga for a shore excursion to Eden Islet, a secluded, biodiverse enclave off Santa Cruz. Here, observe the island’s iconic bluefooted boobies. Take this opportunity to snorkel the reef or view marine life aboard a glass-bottom boat. Back aboard ‘La Pinta,’ cruise onward to Sombrero Chino, yet another secluded islet of the Galápagos archipelago. Disembark your panga to hike wilderness trails, swim in a sandy cove, and snorkel among white-tipped reef sharks and Galápagos penguins.

La Pinta

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Cruising the Galápagos

Disembark on Bartolomé Island to hike up to the volcano’s summit and take in the views. After a panga ride to visit the penguins of Pinnacle Rock, snorkel the reef, relax on the beach or take in the local marine life aboard a glass-bottom boat. Later, swim or snorkel along the white coral sand beach of Sullivan Bay.

La Pinta

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Cruising the Galápagos

This morning, hike and snorkel Genovesa Island, a birdwatcher’s paradise. Explore Darwin Bay, snorkeling along the cliffs or paddling out in sea kayaks. View the island’s cliffs before disembarking to climb the steep, rocky pass of Prince Philip’s Steps. Your ascent leads to a clifftop frequented by species such as Nazca booby, frigate bird, storm petrel and short-eared owl.

La Pinta

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Guayaquil & Lima, Peru

Disembark at Baltra Island, where you transfer to the airport to fly to mainland Ecuador, and then board a connecting flight to Lima, Peru. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima Airport

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 Cusco

Fly to Cusco, located more than 11,000 feet above sea level, where you are met and transferred to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. En route, visit a sanctuary to interact with the South American camelid species living there — such as llama and alpaca — and learn about the valuable fibers created from their coats. Then, visit the beautiful Hacienda Sarapampa for a Chef ’s Table experience. Enjoy lunch with the owner, who cordially shares his family’s history in farming and shows you around the farm.

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Sacred Valley

Today, visit Moray, a fascinating archaeological site comprising a series of concentric agricultural terraces, some almost 500 feet deep. Then, journey to a remote mountain village, where you experience ancient agricultural methods used for centuries, on an A&K-exclusive experience. Continue to the Children of the Rainbow school, a project supported by A&K Philanthropy, where you enjoy lunch and take in an equestrian performance featuring Paso Fino horses. Return to your hotel to enjoy a relaxing Scenic Sundowner before dinner.

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Machu Picchu

Visit the imposing fortress of Ollantaytambo, with its massive stone terraces, and then Ride Like a Local by train, journeying deep into the Andes toward Machu Picchu. Alternatively (at an additional cost), start toward Machu Picchu by train, stopping at KM 104 to disembark and hike to the Sun Gate above the Incan citadel. Overlooking the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century at the height of the Inca Empire. Although this “Lost City” was revealed to the rest of the world by American Hiram Bingham in 1911, its location was long known to locals. Its original purpose, however, remains a matter of some conjecture, as the Incas left no written records. As you wander amid the age-old stone walls, picture life here as it might have been. Tonight, stay in the only hotel on site, just steps from the entrance.

Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel, Machu Picchu

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 Machu Picchu

Rise with the sun and join your expert guide to walk through Machu Picchu in the early morning mist before the crowds arrive. After your explorations, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Ollantaytambo by train, savoring incomparable views of the mountain scenery that surrounds you. On arrival, transfer to your Cusco hotel, a 400-year-old architectural treasure that was once a monastery. Tonight, relax or stroll this ancient Incan capital on your own.

Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11 Cusco

This morning, discover Cusco on a city excursion that includes the Gothic Renaissance-style Cathedral Basilica on the Plaza de Armas and the Santo Domingo Temple, a Dominican church built on the foundations of the Koricancha, the Incas’ principal religious building. Later, visit the well-preserved ruins of Sacsayhuaman, a testament to Incan architectural skill. Compiled from colossal stones, its walls were cut and placed together with incredible precision and without a single drop of mortar to hold them in place. Back in Cusco, stop for lunch at a local restaurant near the plaza. Afterward, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to relax or shop. Tonight, join your fellow guests for a farewell dinner at an elegant Cusco restaurant.

Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 Lima

This morning, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities:

Visit the San Blas Neighborhood, a unique, bohemian enclave where you find the workshops of artisans.

Stroll San Pedro Market and Visit the Inca Museum for a taste of local fruits and cheese, and a glimpse into history.

Join a Photographer in Cusco who helps you capture authentic images of the city’s architecture and people.

Later today, fly to Lima and connect with your homebound flight.

Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima Airport (Dayroom)

Meals: Breakfast

Featured Destinations

Isla Bartolome

Eden Islet

Sombrero Chino Islets

Sullivan Bay

Genovesa (Tower) Island

Isla Baltra

Lima

Lima, "the City of the Kings," became the effective capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru, established 1560. Today, a visit to Lima may serve as a unique Peruvian experience that offers a glimpse into the Andean world, Spanish tradition and the country's modern aspect. Visit handsome old buildings and baroque churches that testify to the city's religious background and the Plaza de Armas, shared by the realms of the Catholic church, municipality and national government. The pre-Inca ruins of Pachacamac lie a short distance south of the city. Once a ceremonial site, Pachacamac has been the most important religious center of the Andean world since before the age of Christ. Stop and admire The Temple of the Sun and the Moon, Lima's outstanding museums, and Machu Picchu - a "Jewel in the Mist."

Excursions

LIMA: Lima´s boardwalks and gastronomic experience - 4 hours

LIMA: Participative cocktail class offered by Hotel B - 1.5 hours

Huacas and Shrines on a bike (Lima - 4 hours)

Lima is a big and modern city, it has been in continuous occupation for almost 2,000 years. Scholars have found more than 30 archaeological sites at different locations within the city limits. “HUACAS” are pyramidal constructions with superimposed platforms ending on a flat top, they were used for religious and administrative purposes by prehispanic civilizations along the Peruvian coast.
Our specialized Guide and his assistant will pick you up at the hotel with the bikes and the necessary equipment for the activity. After the briefing you will ride along one of the principal avenues of Lima towards the heart of Miraflores while enjoying the architecture and everyday life of the city folks. The first stop is at Huaca Pucllana, built 1,300 years ago, this visit is a great introduction to the history of Lima, traditions, cuisine and economic activities of ancient inhabitants. Then, we continue to the commercial and financial district, San Isidro, to visit Huaca Huallamarca, which has been through a magnificent restoration by the City Hall, you´ll appreciate the contrast between history and modern life. Finally, we return to the hotel completing a 12 km circuit on the bike. This activity is offered for mornings and afternoons. It lasts for 4 hours. The advantage of being at sea level and our moderate weather is that we can provide it all year round. We include a vehicle as support in case someone in the group decides to stop biking during the tour.

Highlights:

Huacas, pyramidal constructions
Bike to admire the arquitecture

Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: the morning or afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate/Heavy (we provide a vehicle as support in case someone in the group decides to stop biking during the tour)

Inclusions:

Transportation from/to hotel (as back up)
Guide
Bikes
Assistant
Bottle of water

Not Included:

Items not mentioned in the Included section

Historical and Natural Sanctuaries (Lima - 6 hours)

Walking the history center of Lima (4 hours)

The Amano Textile Museum (4 hours)

Museo Larco (4 hours)

Machu Picchu

Sacred Valley

Cuzco

Guayaquil

This tropical city of over two million people spreads out along the banks of chocolate-colored Guayas River, about 12 miles from Gulf of Guayaquil. The river, navigable for the largest of ocean vessels, makes this one of the Pacific's most important and best-protected ports. Visitors find the city itself is primarily valued as a gateway for the Galapagos Island and the rest of the country. Ecuador's scenic capital Quito can be reached via a 45-minute flight from Guayaquil. Lush green hillsides, snow-capped volcano cones and brilliant sunshine combine to make the city a charming surprise. Guayaquil offers a rich and interesting history. The meeting of Bolivar and San Martin is commemorated with the colonnaded La Rotunda facing the river. Other attractions include Colon Park where the city was founded, the Santo Domingo Church and the cemetery, often called the White City. With its elaborate tombs and monuments, this is one of South America's most striking burial grounds.

Excursions

Ride Like a Local - 4 hours

One of the best ways to truly get to know a city is by using its public transportation systems. Be it buses, trains, subways or airways, they all give a real taste of what it really is to live in a specific city. Today you are welcome to be part of the experience of the locals and admire Guayaquil from above onboard the recently inaugurated Guayaquil Airway, an environmentally friendly project that seeks to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide into the air.

You will be picked up from the port and driven onboard the coach towards Parque Centenario Station where you will take the airway and, along with your guide board one of the cabins and go all the way through the Guayas River in a 20 minutes ride towards the station of Daule, where we will disembark and take the ride back to Guayaquil where you will debark at Four Mosqueteros station.

Adding the final touch to this exciting half-day visit the Anthropological and Contemporary Art Museum of Guayaquil (MAAC) that has an area of more than 9000 square feet. The museum is a pleasant surprise, not only because of its display of modern art, but because of the size and extent of its archeological collection. The MAAC is a great way to see more of Ecuador’s culture and history – and spend some time out of the sun.

At the end, board the bus and drive back to the quayside.

DURATION
4 Hours

ACTIVITY LEVEL
Easy (Limited Walking – under 500 meters over flat terrain with some steps)

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Touring in luxury private vehicles with A/C & PA-system
Airway entrance fee (roundtrip)
1 Bottle of water per person
Local English-speaking tour guide

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?

Any other services not mentioned above.

IMPORTANT NOTES, OBSERVATIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs or those with mobility issues.
Few vendors accept credit cards; we recommend that guests bring cash (USD) if they wish to purchase anything. In Ecuador $50 or $100 notes are not easily accepted, so guests should try to bring small change. Travelers’ checks are not accepted.
All timings are approximate and subject to change.
It is recommended guests wear lightweight clothing, including long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, along with sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent (it is a must) and flat, comfortable walking shoes and a camera.

Cerro Blanco Wildlife and Forest Trail - 4.5 hours

Introducing the "Cerro Blanco Wildlife and Forest Trail" - a tour of the largest and best-preserved dry forest in Ecuador. Explore the protected forest, located in the extreme Southwest of the Chongón Colonche mountain range, just outside the city. This adventure departs early in the morning and takes you on a 1.2 km trail, showcasing the breathtaking biodiversity of the area, the trail is called “Canoa”

The Cerro Blanco Protected Forest boasts an impressive number of endemic vascular plants, which protect approximately 100 of the 500 species registered in the tropical dry forest region. If we are lucky, you'll discover the magnificent range of wildlife that includes 54 species of mammals, such as monkeys, peccaries, agouti, 6 species of wild cats, including the majestic Jaguar, and 34 species of bats. Bird lovers will have the opportunity to spot a few of the 221 species of birds registered in the area that includes the endangered Great Green Macaw (Papagayo), which is the symbol of Cerro Blanco. Not to mention the 8 species of amphibians and 12 species of reptiles. It is important to note wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

During your walk along the trail, you will experience a variety of landscapes, including the forest and mangrove. The route is divided into two sections. The first section is a mountainous terrain, where you will find small slopes, rocky paths, and a native vegetation of the dry forest. This part of the trail offers the perfect vantage points to take in the stunning scenery. The second section is a second-growth forest, where you can appreciate the beauty of the forest and its natural regrowth.

After returning from the hike, a delicious picnic will be waiting for us to refresh and recover energy before heading back to the pier.

SUGGESTED TOUR TIMINGS

TIMING	ITINERARY & POINTS OF INTEREST	TERRAIN	W/C FRIENDLY
00:00 – 00:45	Depart the quayside and drive to Cerro Blanco	Paved	This tour is NOT suitable for guests in wheelchairs; and those with mobility issues, however, they must be able to board the coach on their own
00:45 – 02:45	Walk around the Canoa Trail	Uneven, slippery, muddy
02:45 – 03:45	Deluxe Picnic	Flat
03:45 – 04:30	Drive back to the pier for embarkation	Paved

DURATION / MIN/MAX NO. OF PAX
4 ½ Hours
MIN 10 guests per departure
MAX 90 guests per departure

ACTIVITY LEVEL
Strenuous (walking over 1 km over uneven terrain with many steps)

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Touring in luxury private vehicles with A/C & PA-system
1 Bottle of water per person
Local English-speaking tour guide
Deluxe Picnin
1 ship’s escort free of charge per vehicle

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?

Any other services not mentioned above.

IMPORTANT NOTES, OBSERVATIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

This tour is NOT suitable for guests in wheelchairs or those with mobility issues.
Few vendors accept credit cards; we recommend that guests bring cash (USD) if they wish to purchase anything. In Ecuador $50 or $100 notes are not easily accepted, so guests should try to bring small change. Travelers’ checks are not accepted.
All timings are approximate and subject to change.
It is recommended guests wear lightweight clothing, including long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, along with sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent (it is a must) and flat, comfortable walking shoes and a camera.