Ecuador - THE BEST OF ECUADOR AND PERU

Highlights: Quito * Otavalo * Galapagos Islands * Lima * Cusco * Sacred Valley * Machu Picchu

Day 1: Arrive in Quito
On arrival in Quito, an English-speaking guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Hotel.

Day 2: Quito City Tour
Morning at leisure. Afternoon city tour of modern and colonial Quito. Among the highlights of this three-hour tour are: the Legislative Palace, Sala Capitular, Independence Plaza, Government Palace, Archbishop’s Palace, La Compañia Church, San Francisco Church. And finally, drive up Panecillo Hill for a panoramic view of the city before returning to town. Afternoon at leisure to visit museums, galleries or take the new cable car to the top of Pichincha Volcano. Hotel. (B)

Day 3: Full day in the Otavalo Region
Early morning departure from the hotel for a full-day tour of the Otavalo region. This tour travels north of Quito where you will: cross the equator at Cayambe; stop in Calderon, famous for its bread dough figure dolls; shop in Cotacachi for leather goods; and visit the grand Otavalo market. The Otavalo Indians are one of the most prosperous groups in Ecuador and have maintained their cultural identity and traditional dress for many generations. After lunch at a country inn, you will visit San Antonio de Ibarra, a wood carving centre. Return to Quito in the late afternoon. Hotel. (B,L)

Day 4: Quito to Galapagos
Transfer from the hotel to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Cruise is not included. (B)

Add a 3, 4 or 7 night Galapagos Cruise

Day 7/8/11: Galapagos to Lima
Fly from the Galapagos Islands to mainland Ecuador and connect to the flight to Lima. Reception at the Lima airport and transfer to your hotel. Hotel.

Day 8/9/12: Lima
This morning, you embark on 3 hour sightseeing tour of Lima. You will see Lima's most imposing colonial churches and mansions such as the Government Palace, the Plaza Mayor, City Hall, and the San Francisco Monastery and its catacombs below the cathedral. Continue to the fascinating Archaeological Museum, which features magnificent collections from the Chavin, Nasca, Mochica and Chimu cultures. Hotel. (B)

Day 9/10/13: Lima to Cusco
Morning transfer to the airport for your morning flight to Cusco. In Cusco, you are greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Rest and acclimatize for a few hours before your afternoon tour of Cusco and the nearby Sacsayhuaman ruins. Hotel. (B)

Day 10/11/14: Pisac and Ollantaytambo
Morning departure from Cusco for a drive through the valley to Pisac, where you will have the opportunity to bargain with the vendors at the typical market. After lunch at a local inn, visit Ollantaytambo, the Inca fortress, and walk through the quaint streets of the nearby town. Overnight in the Sacred Valley. [On days when the Pisac market is not open you will visit the extensive Pisac ruins]. Hotel. (B,L)

Day 11/12/15: Cusco to Machu Picchu
Early morning transfer to the Cusco train station. Train service to Machu Picchu, “The Lost City of the Incas”. Guided tour of this marvelous citadel. You’ll visit the main plaza, the royal quarters, the Temple of Three Windows, the circular tower and the sacred Sun Dial and burial grounds. Hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 12/13/16: Machu Picchu to Cusco
We suggest you rise early this morning to admire Machu Picchu at sunrise, a truly mystical experience. Morning at leisure to continue exploring or perhaps attempt climbing Huayna Picchu. Afternoon train to Cusco. Transfer from the Cusco train station to your hotel. Hotel. (B)

Day 13/14/17: Cusco to Lima
Morning transfer to the Cusco airport for the flight to Lima. In Lima, transfer to your hotel. Afternoon visit to the Pachacamac ruins, located 30 minutes south of Lima. This temple is dedicated to Pachacamac the “God, Creator of the World”. Hotel. (B)

Day 14/15/18: Depart Lima
Morning transfer to the Lima airport for your departure flight. (B)

Tour Code: GT-09

Departs: Daily, according to cruise start date

Prices are subject to change until time of booking.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
DELUXE - Swissotel (Quito), Miraflores Park Hotel (Lima), Monasterio del Cusco (Cusco), Sol y Luna (Sacred Valley), Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge (Machu Picchu)
FIRST CLASS - Hilton Colon (Quito), El Olivar (Lima), Novotel (Cusco), Sol y Luna (Sacred Valley), Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes)
STANDARD - Dann Carlton (Quito), Casa Andina (Lima), Casa Andina Koricancha (Cusco) Sol y Luna (Sacred Valley), Machu Picchu Pueblo Inn (Aguas Calientes)

WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- 3 nights accommodation in Quito
- 3 nights accommodation in Lima
- 2 nights accommodation in Cusco
- 1 night accommodation in the Sacred Valley
- 1 night accommodation at Machu Picchu
- airport/hotel transfers throughout
- half day tours of modern and colonial Quito, Lima and the Larco Herrera Museum, Cusco and the surroundings
- full day tours to the Otavalo region, Pisac market or ruins and the Ollantaytambo ruins
- Two day tour to Machu Picchu
- 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 1 dinner
- English speaking local guides

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
- 3, 4 or 7 night Galapagos cruise
- International airfare
- US$ 100 Galapagos National Park entrance fee
- US$ 40.60 Ecuador exit tax
- approx. US$ 30.25 Peru exit tax
- approx. US$ 46 Machu Picchu entrance fee on 2nd day
- Gratuities
- Cancellation/medical insurance

DURATION
With 7 night cruise: 17 nights / 18 days
With 4 night cruise: 14 nights / 15 days
With 3 night cruise: 13 nights / 14 days

UPGRADES
- Superior rooms and Suites are available at most of the above listed hotels
- Seat-in-coach (group) transfers and tours are available.
- Please inquire for single and triple rates