15-night Hidden Galápagos and Peru Cruise/Land Package

Tour Begins: Country Club Lima Hotel. A transfer is included from Jorge Chávez International Airport to the Country Club Lima Hotel, a legendary elegant hotel in the heart of the embassy district.,

Begin your exploration of Lima in the city's Barranco ("cliff") district, known for its historic houses painted in bright colonial colors, and its iconic wooden Puente de los Suspiros ("Bridge of Sighs"). It's been the bohemian heart of the city since the end of the 19th century, when it became a favorite haunt of writers, poets, sculptors, and painters drawn by its lovely coastal scenery. Next, visit the Pedro de Osma Museum; dedicated to preserving Peru's cultural heritage through art, the museum showcases the private collection of the philanthropist Pedro de Osma Gildemeister and is housed in what was his private home. Following lunch at Casa Garcia Alvarado — a restored Art Deco mansion in Lima's Miraflores district — you'll have some free time before visiting one of several surviving colonial period homes in the city's historic center. Later, join a welcome cocktail reception and dinner at the Larco Herrera Museum, which features pre-Columbian treasures and artifacts housed in an 18th-century vice-royal palace — including ancient Peruvian jewelry, crowns, garments, masks, and pottery, and a gallery that offers a comprehensive view of cultures that existed in Peru for thousands of years before the arrival of Spanish settlers.,

Fly to Cusco, high in the Peruvian Andes, and drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas — a stunning landscape of verdant farmlands, villages, and ancient ruins amid cloud forests, terraced hills, and towering mountain ranges. At Casa Orihuela in the Sacred Valley, enjoy lunch and a performance of folk dancing and horsemanship featuring Peruvian Paso horses, a breed famous for its smooth, elegant gait and athletic dancing ability. Arrive at your hotel, nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas; it stands as a contemporary doorway to the vast cultural richness of this region, and is the only hotel in Urubamba with a private train station to Machu Picchu. Dinner at your hotel this evening is preceded by a private performance of Andean music and dance.,

Fly to Cusco, high in the Peruvian Andes, and drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas — a stunning landscape of verdant farmlands, villages, and ancient ruins amid cloud forests, terraced hills, and towering mountain ranges. At Casa Orihuela in the Sacred Valley, enjoy lunch and a performance of folk dancing and horsemanship featuring Peruvian Paso horses, a breed famous for its smooth, elegant gait and athletic dancing ability. Arrive at your hotel, nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas; it stands as a contemporary doorway to the vast cultural richness of this region, and is the only hotel in Urubamba with a private train station to Machu Picchu. Dinner at your hotel this evening is preceded by a private performance of Andean music and dance.,

Fly to Cusco, high in the Peruvian Andes, and drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas — a stunning landscape of verdant farmlands, villages, and ancient ruins amid cloud forests, terraced hills, and towering mountain ranges. At Casa Orihuela in the Sacred Valley, enjoy lunch and a performance of folk dancing and horsemanship featuring Peruvian Paso horses, a breed famous for its smooth, elegant gait and athletic dancing ability. Arrive at your hotel, nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas; it stands as a contemporary doorway to the vast cultural richness of this region, and is the only hotel in Urubamba with a private train station to Machu Picchu. Dinner at your hotel this evening is preceded by a private performance of Andean music and dance.,

Fly to Cusco, high in the Peruvian Andes, and drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas — a stunning landscape of verdant farmlands, villages, and ancient ruins amid cloud forests, terraced hills, and towering mountain ranges. At Casa Orihuela in the Sacred Valley, enjoy lunch and a performance of folk dancing and horsemanship featuring Peruvian Paso horses, a breed famous for its smooth, elegant gait and athletic dancing ability. Arrive at your hotel, nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas; it stands as a contemporary doorway to the vast cultural richness of this region, and is the only hotel in Urubamba with a private train station to Machu Picchu. Dinner at your hotel this evening is preceded by a private performance of Andean music and dance.,

Fly to Cusco, high in the Peruvian Andes, and drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas — a stunning landscape of verdant farmlands, villages, and ancient ruins amid cloud forests, terraced hills, and towering mountain ranges. At Casa Orihuela in the Sacred Valley, enjoy lunch and a performance of folk dancing and horsemanship featuring Peruvian Paso horses, a breed famous for its smooth, elegant gait and athletic dancing ability. Arrive at your hotel, nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas; it stands as a contemporary doorway to the vast cultural richness of this region, and is the only hotel in Urubamba with a private train station to Machu Picchu. Dinner at your hotel this evening is preceded by a private performance of Andean music and dance.,

Set out for Machu Picchu this morning, stopping first at the town and archeological site of Ollantaytambo, and its ruins of an Incan fortress containing a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, adobe houses, aqueducts, and the remains of a stone temple, the best example of Incan urban design in existence. Then, board a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes. The village is a former railroad camp in a gorge surrounded by cliffs and cloud forests, the closest access point to the mountaintop ruins. From here you'll ride up a winding mountain road of hairpin turns to reach the "lost citadel", steeped in legend and mystery. Its purpose and original name are unknown; when Hiram Bingham discovered it in 1911, he followed the directions he was given to the place beside the Old Mountain (Machu Picchu), which was the name he gave it. Guided by a local expert, tour this mystical complex of giant walls, stone terraces, steps, ramps, and astronomically aligned structures, described by UNESCO as "the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height", surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes. After the guided tour enjoy free time to explore on your own.,

Set out for Machu Picchu this morning, stopping first at the town and archeological site of Ollantaytambo, and its ruins of an Incan fortress containing a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, adobe houses, aqueducts, and the remains of a stone temple, the best example of Incan urban design in existence. Then, board a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes. The village is a former railroad camp in a gorge surrounded by cliffs and cloud forests, the closest access point to the mountaintop ruins. From here you'll ride up a winding mountain road of hairpin turns to reach the "lost citadel", steeped in legend and mystery. Its purpose and original name are unknown; when Hiram Bingham discovered it in 1911, he followed the directions he was given to the place beside the Old Mountain (Machu Picchu), which was the name he gave it. Guided by a local expert, tour this mystical complex of giant walls, stone terraces, steps, ramps, and astronomically aligned structures, described by UNESCO as "the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height", surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes. After the guided tour enjoy free time to explore on your own.,

Set out for Machu Picchu this morning, stopping first at the town and archeological site of Ollantaytambo, and its ruins of an Incan fortress containing a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, adobe houses, aqueducts, and the remains of a stone temple, the best example of Incan urban design in existence. Then, board a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes. The village is a former railroad camp in a gorge surrounded by cliffs and cloud forests, the closest access point to the mountaintop ruins. From here you'll ride up a winding mountain road of hairpin turns to reach the "lost citadel", steeped in legend and mystery. Its purpose and original name are unknown; when Hiram Bingham discovered it in 1911, he followed the directions he was given to the place beside the Old Mountain (Machu Picchu), which was the name he gave it. Guided by a local expert, tour this mystical complex of giant walls, stone terraces, steps, ramps, and astronomically aligned structures, described by UNESCO as "the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height", surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes. After the guided tour enjoy free time to explore on your own.,

Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu pueblo, and is located four miles away from Machu Picchu. The city was founded in 1901 as the railroad between Cuzco and Santa Ana was being built, in result, Aguas Calientes became a hub for the railroad’s machinery and home for those who worked it. Today, many people visit the city for its hot springs, or as a great starting point for those headed up to Machu Picchu.

Set out for Machu Picchu this morning, stopping first at the town and archeological site of Ollantaytambo, and its ruins of an Incan fortress containing a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, adobe houses, aqueducts, and the remains of a stone temple, the best example of Incan urban design in existence. Then, board a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes. The village is a former railroad camp in a gorge surrounded by cliffs and cloud forests, the closest access point to the mountaintop ruins. From here you'll ride up a winding mountain road of hairpin turns to reach the "lost citadel", steeped in legend and mystery. Its purpose and original name are unknown; when Hiram Bingham discovered it in 1911, he followed the directions he was given to the place beside the Old Mountain (Machu Picchu), which was the name he gave it. Guided by a local expert, tour this mystical complex of giant walls, stone terraces, steps, ramps, and astronomically aligned structures, described by UNESCO as "the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height", surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes. After the guided tour enjoy free time to explore on your own.,

You have a choice this morning of a second Machu Picchu tour, an early-guided walk through the citadel, or sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Return to Ollantaytambo by train, and then drive to Sacsayhuamán, a mountaintop Incan fortress overlooking Cusco, originally built by the Killkes, who preceded the Incas. Behind rows of massive stonewalls its plan centers around a giant solar calendar and includes citadels, cisterns, baths, and underground chambers. Also, visit a camelid breeding center and learn about the four different kinds of South American camelids: huanaco, llama, alpaca, and vicuña. You'll also meet weavers from over 12 communities from southern Peru who alternate exhibitions of threading, dying, and weaving traditional Andean textiles. Next, a visit to Sacsayhuamán Fortress for a guided tour of this ceremonial compound; a magnificent example of Inca military power that boasts a panoramic view of Cusco city. Continue on to your hotel in Cusco where dinner tonight is at your leisure.,

Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu pueblo, and is located four miles away from Machu Picchu. The city was founded in 1901 as the railroad between Cuzco and Santa Ana was being built, in result, Aguas Calientes became a hub for the railroad’s machinery and home for those who worked it. Today, many people visit the city for its hot springs, or as a great starting point for those headed up to Machu Picchu.

You have a choice this morning of a second Machu Picchu tour, an early-guided walk through the citadel, or sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Return to Ollantaytambo by train, and then drive to Sacsayhuamán, a mountaintop Incan fortress overlooking Cusco, originally built by the Killkes, who preceded the Incas. Behind rows of massive stonewalls its plan centers around a giant solar calendar and includes citadels, cisterns, baths, and underground chambers. Also, visit a camelid breeding center and learn about the four different kinds of South American camelids: huanaco, llama, alpaca, and vicuña. You'll also meet weavers from over 12 communities from southern Peru who alternate exhibitions of threading, dying, and weaving traditional Andean textiles. Next, a visit to Sacsayhuamán Fortress for a guided tour of this ceremonial compound; a magnificent example of Inca military power that boasts a panoramic view of Cusco city. Continue on to your hotel in Cusco where dinner tonight is at your leisure.,

Return to Ollantaytambo by train, and then drive to Sacsayhuamán, a mountaintop Incan fortress overlooking Cusco, originally built by the Killkes, who preceded the Incas. Behind rows of massive stonewalls its plan centers around a giant solar calendar and includes citadels, cisterns, baths, and underground chambers. Also, visit a camelid breeding center and learn about the four different kinds of South American camelids: huanaco, llama, alpaca, and vicuña. You'll also meet weavers from over 12 communities from southern Peru who alternate exhibitions of threading, dying, and weaving traditional Andean textiles. Continue on to your hotel in Cusco where dinner tonight is at your leisure.,

Sacsayhuaman is located in the northern outskirts of Cusco in Peru. The Ruins of this town are some of the favorite to be visited in the country. Here you will find the famous wall that was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage in 1983. The stone wall was said to be built during Inca times, yet it is still known as a mystery site with a lot to be discovered.

You have a choice this morning of a second Machu Picchu tour, an early-guided walk through the citadel, or sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Return to Ollantaytambo by train, and then drive to Sacsayhuamán, a mountaintop Incan fortress overlooking Cusco, originally built by the Killkes, who preceded the Incas. Behind rows of massive stonewalls its plan centers around a giant solar calendar and includes citadels, cisterns, baths, and underground chambers. Also, visit a camelid breeding center and learn about the four different kinds of South American camelids: huanaco, llama, alpaca, and vicuña. You'll also meet weavers from over 12 communities from southern Peru who alternate exhibitions of threading, dying, and weaving traditional Andean textiles. Next, a visit to Sacsayhuamán Fortress for a guided tour of this ceremonial compound; a magnificent example of Inca military power that boasts a panoramic view of Cusco city. Continue on to your hotel in Cusco where dinner tonight is at your leisure.,

Today, you'll have a choice of excursions — one to the highlands outside Cusco, visiting several villages and the Maras salt fields; or a tour of southern Cusco and the valley south of the city. The highlands adventure begins with a visit to Chinchero — an authentic Andean village with a colonial church housing a large collection of painting from the Cusco School of Art; a bartering system in which townspeople gather in the main square to trade their products; and lots of character. Next, visit the salt fields of Maras and its seemingly never-ending terraces, where salt has been extracted from springs and stored for local use for centuries, even before the time of the Incas; the variety of colors created by the reflection of the sun's rays in the salt deposits — and the Incas' striking ability to generate resources — is impressive. Continue on to the rural community of Mullak'as Misminay — where your local hosts, dressed in their outfits used for special occasions, will greet you with a traditional welcome prior to an agricultural experience, a cooking lesson, and a textile demonstration. Should you choose the Cusco tour, you'll visit the San Pedro Market, a typical mercado offering local produce ranging from fruits, vegetables, and meats to hand-woven sweaters other apparel and crafts. Then, drive south of Cusco through the South Valley, which runs parallel to the Vilcanota River, to visit three ancient churches along the "Andean Baroque Route"... Andahuaylillas, Huaro, and Canincunca. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening as you please.,

Today, you'll have a choice of excursions — one to the highlands outside Cusco, visiting several villages and the Maras salt fields; or a tour of southern Cusco and the valley south of the city. The highlands adventure begins with a visit to Chinchero — an authentic Andean village with a colonial church housing a large collection of painting from the Cusco School of Art; a bartering system in which townspeople gather in the main square to trade their products; and lots of character. Next, visit the salt fields of Maras and its seemingly never-ending terraces, where salt has been extracted from springs and stored for local use for centuries, even before the time of the Incas; the variety of colors created by the reflection of the sun's rays in the salt deposits — and the Incas' striking ability to generate resources — is impressive. Continue on to the rural community of Mullak'as Misminay — where your local hosts, dressed in their outfits used for special occasions, will greet you with a traditional welcome prior to an agricultural experience, a cooking lesson, and a textile demonstration. Should you choose the Cusco tour, you'll visit the San Pedro Market, a typical mercado offering local produce ranging from fruits, vegetables, and meats to hand-woven sweaters other apparel and crafts. Then, drive south of Cusco through the South Valley, which runs parallel to the Vilcanota River, to visit three ancient churches along the "Andean Baroque Route"... Andahuaylillas, Huaro, and Canincunca. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening as you please.,

Today, you'll have a choice of excursions — one to the highlands outside Cusco, visiting several villages and the Maras salt fields; or a tour of southern Cusco and the valley south of the city. The highlands adventure begins with a visit to Chinchero — an authentic Andean village with a colonial church housing a large collection of painting from the Cusco School of Art; a bartering system in which townspeople gather in the main square to trade their products; and lots of character. Next, visit the salt fields of Maras and its seemingly never-ending terraces, where salt has been extracted from springs and stored for local use for centuries, even before the time of the Incas; the variety of colors created by the reflection of the sun's rays in the salt deposits — and the Incas' striking ability to generate resources — is impressive. Continue on to the rural community of Mullak'as Misminay — where your local hosts, dressed in their outfits used for special occasions, will greet you with a traditional welcome prior to an agricultural experience, a cooking lesson, and a textile demonstration. Should you choose the Cusco tour, you'll visit the San Pedro Market, a typical mercado offering local produce ranging from fruits, vegetables, and meats to hand-woven sweaters other apparel and crafts. Then, drive south of Cusco through the South Valley, which runs parallel to the Vilcanota River, to visit three ancient churches along the "Andean Baroque Route"... Andahuaylillas, Huaro, and Canincunca. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening as you please.,

Today, you'll have a choice of excursions — one to the highlands outside Cusco, visiting several villages and the Maras salt fields; or a tour of southern Cusco and the valley south of the city. The highlands adventure begins with a visit to Chinchero — an authentic Andean village with a colonial church housing a large collection of painting from the Cusco School of Art; a bartering system in which townspeople gather in the main square to trade their products; and lots of character. Next, visit the salt fields of Maras and its seemingly never-ending terraces, where salt has been extracted from springs and stored for local use for centuries, even before the time of the Incas; the variety of colors created by the reflection of the sun's rays in the salt deposits — and the Incas' striking ability to generate resources — is impressive. Continue on to the rural community of Mullak'as Misminay — where your local hosts, dressed in their outfits used for special occasions, will greet you with a traditional welcome prior to an agricultural experience, a cooking lesson, and a textile demonstration. Should you choose the Cusco tour, you'll visit the San Pedro Market, a typical mercado offering local produce ranging from fruits, vegetables, and meats to hand-woven sweaters other apparel and crafts. Then, drive south of Cusco through the South Valley, which runs parallel to the Vilcanota River, to visit three ancient churches along the "Andean Baroque Route"... Andahuaylillas, Huaro, and Canincunca. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening as you please.,

An early morning flight to Lima is followed by a flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador, to begin your journey of exploration in the Galápagos Islands. Arrive at your luxury boutique hotel, nestled into a tropical oasis in the heart of Ecuador's largest city, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.,

An early morning flight to Lima is followed by a flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador, to begin your journey of exploration in the Galápagos Islands. Arrive at your luxury boutique hotel, nestled into a tropical oasis in the heart of Ecuador's largest city, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.,

An early morning flight to Lima is followed by a flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador, to begin your journey of exploration in the Galápagos Islands. Arrive at your luxury boutique hotel, nestled into a tropical oasis in the heart of Ecuador's largest city, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.,

An early morning flight to Lima is followed by a flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador, to begin your journey of exploration in the Galápagos Islands. Arrive at your luxury boutique hotel, nestled into a tropical oasis in the heart of Ecuador's largest city, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.,

From Guayaquil, fly to San Cristóbal Island, 600 miles off the Ecuadorian coast — the starting point of your 7-night Galápagos cruise aboard the expeditionary-style yacht, Silver Origin. After boarding the ship, an orientation briefing and lunch begin the afternoon. Tonight, join the captain's welcome cocktail reception followed by dinner.,

From Guayaquil, fly to San Cristóbal Island, 600 miles off the Ecuadorian coast — the starting point of your 7-night Galápagos cruise aboard the expeditionary-style yacht, Silver Origin. After boarding the ship, an orientation briefing and lunch begin the afternoon. Tonight, join the captain's welcome cocktail reception followed by dinner.,

From Guayaquil, fly to San Cristóbal Island, 600 miles off the Ecuadorian coast — the starting point of your 7-night Galápagos cruise aboard the expeditionary-style yacht, Silver Origin. After boarding the ship, an orientation briefing and lunch begin the afternoon. Tonight, join the captain's welcome cocktail reception followed by dinner.,

From Guayaquil, fly to San Cristóbal Island, 600 miles off the Ecuadorian coast — the starting point of your 7-night Galápagos cruise aboard the expeditionary-style yacht, Silver Origin. After boarding the ship, an orientation briefing and lunch begin the afternoon. Tonight, join the captain's welcome cocktail reception followed by dinner.,

Take a panga to Genovesa (Tower Island), a horseshoe-shaped volcanic island whose submerged crater is actually Darwin Bay. Genovesa is also known as "Bird Island" for its extraordinary avian population; the bay is home to the world's largest red-footed booby nesting colonies, the cliffs harbor seabirds that include swallow-tailed gulls, the only nocturnal gull species in the world; storm petrels swoop from the heights, and short-eared owls hunt the petrels; yellow-crowned night herons fish the tidal lagoons. Climb Prince Philip's Steps, a steep path named for the British prince who visited in 1965, and observe frigatebirds with their fiery red sacs, and the nesting grounds of Nazca boobies (also known as masked boobies). You have an opportunity this afternoon to take a kayak adventure on Darwin Bay, enjoy the beach, or snorkel in the caldera. Back onboard ship, enjoy a cocktail hour prior to dinner.,

Visit North Seymour Island, formed by the uplifts of undersea lava. The plateaus are home to thousands of iguanas, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, common noddies, and frigatebirds. This afternoon, you'll head to Santiago Island for a wet landing at Sullivan Bay — then it's your choice. Take a coastal walk over tuff layers and black lava flows; the island and its settlement, Puerto Egas, was once a stopping place for whalers and buccaneers, and the pigs and goats they introduced wreaked havoc on the ecosystem for many years. Alternatively, enjoy the sandy beach where snorkeling may reveal eagle rays or sea turtles who come to lay their eggs.,

Located off the northern tip of Baltra, this island is home to the largest colony of frigate birds in the Galapagos, as well as blue-footed boobies and playful sea lions.

Visit North Seymour Island, formed by the uplifts of undersea lava. The plateaus are home to thousands of iguanas, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, common noddies, and frigatebirds. This afternoon, you'll head to Santiago Island for a wet landing at Sullivan Bay — then it's your choice. Take a coastal walk over tuff layers and black lava flows; the island and its settlement, Puerto Egas, was once a stopping place for whalers and buccaneers, and the pigs and goats they introduced wreaked havoc on the ecosystem for many years. Alternatively, enjoy the sandy beach where snorkeling may reveal eagle rays or sea turtles who come to lay their eggs.,

Sullivan Bay is located on the southeastern region of Isla Santiago belonging to the famous Galapagos Islands. This destination is known for its lava fields that many visitors enjoy exploring. This area of the Santiago Islet was active only 100 years ago and volcanic overflows still are remnant today.

This morning, board a panga for an adventure along the coastline of Punta Mangle on Fernandina Island, the archipelago's youngest ecosystem. Filled with tiny bays, tall mangroves, and tranquil coves, stay on the lookout for the Galápagos penguins and green-eyed flightless cormorants or the sea turtles and rays gliding beneath the ocean surface. Depending on the conditions of the waters, snorkeling and a glass-bottom boat ride may be possible. After lunch aboard the ship, it's a wet landing at Punta Moreno on Isabela Island, where you'll have a choice in how you explore. In the 1950s, geological activity on Isabela caused a mass of land to lift up some 15 feet, leaving the coastline pushed further out to sea and the underwater marine life stranded ashore. Explore by Zodiac to get a better look at the unique landscapes that created an ecological niche where species had to adapt to challenging, harsh conditions. Alternatively, go on a hike with the expedition team along the rugged trails of the island — a perfect opportunity to view the unique lava formations, lava cacti, scalesia tress and of course, the abundance of wildlife that calls this place home, such as the Galápagos penguins, sea lions, herons, marine iguanas, brown pelicans, and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Return to the ship late afternoon. The enthusiasm continues during dinner as you trade stories with your fellow travelers.,

This morning, board a panga for an adventure along the coastline of Punta Mangle on Fernandina Island, the archipelago's youngest ecosystem. Filled with tiny bays, tall mangroves, and tranquil coves, stay on the lookout for the Galápagos penguins and green-eyed flightless cormorants or the sea turtles and rays gliding beneath the ocean surface. Depending on the conditions of the waters, snorkeling and a glass-bottom boat ride may be possible. After lunch aboard the ship, it's a wet landing at Punta Moreno on Isabela Island, where you'll have a choice in how you explore. In the 1950s, geological activity on Isabela caused a mass of land to lift up some 15 feet, leaving the coastline pushed further out to sea and the underwater marine life stranded ashore. Explore by Zodiac to get a better look at the unique landscapes that created an ecological niche where species had to adapt to challenging, harsh conditions. Alternatively, go on a hike with the expedition team along the rugged trails of the island — a perfect opportunity to view the unique lava formations, lava cacti, scalesia tress and of course, the abundance of wildlife that calls this place home, such as the Galápagos penguins, sea lions, herons, marine iguanas, brown pelicans, and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Return to the ship late afternoon. The enthusiasm continues during dinner as you trade stories with your fellow travelers.,

Arrive at Santa Cruz Island for a visit to Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, where tortoises are bred and raised as part of a conservation program to maintain and protect the population. After your visit, enjoy some free time in Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galápagos Archipelago, before setting sail for Isla Santa Fe. The island is home to a reptile that exists nowhere else in the world, the Santa Fe land iguana. A beach covered by sea lions marks the beginning of your visit, where sea lions' pups welcome visitors with their curiosity. A rocky terrain guides your island exploration; the views from the cliff are a reward unto itself. You have a choice of exploring — a Zodiac cruise that introduces you to unusual vegetation such as the giant prickly pear cactus, along with Galápagos marine wildlife; or one of three active experiences with the expedition team — a hike, kayaking, or snorkeling. Back onboard ship this evening a cocktail hour precedes dinner.,

Puerto Ayora is located on the southern end of Isla Santa Cruz. Puerto Ayora is a charming port town where sea, sun, seabirds and sailboats coexist. On the town's outskirts are the headquarters to the world-renowned Charles Darwin Research Station. Many travelers just pass through on the way to see Lonesome George (a 150-year old tortoise; the last of his species) at Darwin Station. Puerto Ayora is a lively seaside town offering international cuisine, oceanfront hotels, outdoor bars, scuba diving schools and an avenue of boutiques with everything from tie-dyed sarongs to Panama hats. Relish the Islands' crescent slices of sand, spectacular diving, mountain top vistas, and tropical climate. Visit select islands and choose from an array of outdoor activities, such as kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, horseback riding and mountain biking. Puerto Ayora provides the most convenient base for island hopping. Three boats, the Delphin, Esmeraldas III and Santa Fe, offer day trips to Florena, Bartoleme, North Seymore and Plazas.

Arrive at Santa Cruz Island for a visit to Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, where tortoises are bred and raised as part of a conservation program to maintain and protect the population. After your visit, enjoy some free time in Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galápagos Archipelago, before setting sail for Isla Santa Fe. The island is home to a reptile that exists nowhere else in the world, the Santa Fe land iguana. A beach covered by sea lions marks the beginning of your visit, where sea lions' pups welcome visitors with their curiosity. A rocky terrain guides your island exploration; the views from the cliff are a reward unto itself. You have a choice of exploring — a Zodiac cruise that introduces you to unusual vegetation such as the giant prickly pear cactus, along with Galápagos marine wildlife; or one of three active experiences with the expedition team — a hike, kayaking, or snorkeling. Back onboard ship this evening a cocktail hour precedes dinner.,

Go ashore on a wet landing at Gardner Bay on Española, also known as Hood Island, where there are extensive nesting grounds for waved albatrosses and sea turtles, and a sea lion colony. Get a close up look at sea lions who love to bask and sleep on the glorious white-sand beach, careless of the presence of humans. The bay and inlets provide swimming and kayaking opportunities today. At Punta Suarez, on the island's western point, sheer cliffs provide thermal currents on which seabirds soar; Galápagos hawks, cactus finches, and hood mockingbirds, the only carnivorous members of the species, may be seen here. Waves crash against the rocky coast and a blowhole sends water spouts skyward, 75 feet high. This evening, join a farewell cocktail reception followed by dinner.,

Gardner Bay gives visitors the unique experience of mingling with the friendly sea lions that rest on the white sand beaches. Relax and sunbathe near the sea lions, or possibly explore and discover a green sea turtle nest, or observe giant manta rays or spotted eagle rays gliding gracefully through the clear shores. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling by Turtle Rock to view the vibrant marine life, or hike on land to check out the unique wildlife the Galapagos is known for.

Go ashore on a wet landing at Gardner Bay on Española, also known as Hood Island, where there are extensive nesting grounds for waved albatrosses and sea turtles, and a sea lion colony. Get a close up look at sea lions who love to bask and sleep on the glorious white-sand beach, careless of the presence of humans. The bay and inlets provide swimming and kayaking opportunities today. At Punta Suarez, on the island's western point, sheer cliffs provide thermal currents on which seabirds soar; Galápagos hawks, cactus finches, and hood mockingbirds, the only carnivorous members of the species, may be seen here. Waves crash against the rocky coast and a blowhole sends water spouts skyward, 75 feet high. This evening, join a farewell cocktail reception followed by dinner.,

Punta Suarez is an amazing sight and one of the most attractive in the Galapagos Islands, because of its plentiful and various wildlife. The island trail leads past sea lions surfing the breaking waves, iguanas basking in the warm sun, and boobies nesting right in the path. The trail continues towards the cliffs and the blowhole - a fissure in the lava from which water spurts high in the air like a geyser.

San Cristóbal, created by the fusing of multiple volcanoes, is known for its wildlife. An impressive tuff cone has been carved by erosion into an outstanding natural sculpture, and is a resting place for marine birds such as blue-footed bobbies and brown pelicans. You'll have a choice as to how to how to spend your day. Relax and enjoy the pleasures of one of the most beautiful white-sand beaches of the Galápagos where you can swim or snorkel; alternatively, join the Expedition Team for a hike along the beach for an opportunity to view the unique wildlife that call it "home". Return to the ship midday, and spend the remainder of the day aboard ship.,

Cerro Brujo, or “Wizard Hill”, is located on San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands. Home to the only freshwater lake in the Galapagos, Cerro Brujo is provides a perfect environment to bird watch. Among the birds to be seen on the island are yellow warblers, ground finch, oyster catchers, lava herons and the diving blue footed boobies. Wandering along the beach, be careful not to accidentally step on a sea lion – they’re all over the island. The lagoons are perfect to take a quick dip or a snorkel and explore the undersea of the Galapagos. Kicker Rock is viewable from the shoreline, a picturesque tall rock formation split down the middle that is rife with seabirds.

Your Galápagos Islands journey ends today as you disembark ship this morning at Itabaca Channel on Baltra Island, then fly to Guayaquil where your room is waiting at the Hotel del Parque. The remainder of the afternoon is spent as you please; we invite you to join us this evening for a farewell reception and dinner at the hotel.,

Today Baltra is the most important airport of Galápagos and a small navy base for Ecuador. Baltra has suffered most from human settling and does not have any visitor sites. Many cruises start from the its harbour and already there pelicans and noddies will welcome you. To the north lies Mosquera, a small sandy bank with a large colony of sea lions. Go swimming and snorkeling on the beach.

Your Galápagos Islands journey ends today as you disembark ship this morning at Itabaca Channel on Baltra Island, then fly to Guayaquil where your room is waiting at the Hotel del Parque. The remainder of the afternoon is spent as you please; we invite you to join us this evening for a farewell reception and dinner at the hotel.,

Your Galápagos Islands journey ends today as you disembark ship this morning at Itabaca Channel on Baltra Island, then fly to Guayaquil where your room is waiting at the Hotel del Parque. The remainder of the afternoon is spent as you please; we invite you to join us this evening for a farewell reception and dinner at the hotel.,

Your Galápagos Islands journey ends today as you disembark ship this morning at Itabaca Channel on Baltra Island, then fly to Guayaquil where your room is waiting at the Hotel del Parque. The remainder of the afternoon is spent as you please; we invite you to join us this evening for a farewell reception and dinner at the hotel.,

Tour ends: Guayaquil. A transfer is included from the Hotel del Parque in Guayaquil to Guayaquil International Airport; please allow three hours for flight check-in.,