Ecuador - THE BEST OF THE ANDES

Highlights: Quito * Galapagos Islands * Lima * Cusco * Sacred Valley * Machu Picchu
Puno * Lake Titicaca * La Paz

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: 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 6/7/10: 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 7/8/11: 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 8/8/12: 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 9/10/13: 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 10/11/14: Cusco to Machu Picchu
Early morning transfer to the Ollanta 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 11/12/15: 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 12/13/16: Cusco to Puno
Transfer to the train station in Puno for a full day journey to Cusco. Late afternoon arrival and transfer to the hotel. Hotel.

Day 13/14/17: Sillustani Ruins and Uros Islands
This morning visit the Sillustani Ruins, where you will explore the ancient cemetery. At this site, you will see cylindrical stone tombs built by pre-Incas who inhabited this region. In the afternoon, visit the incredible floating islands of the Uros.

Day 14/15/18: Puno to La Paz
Bus service departing Puno very early headed to Copacabana. Board the Catamaran for a cruise to the Sun Islands. Continue on crossing through the Tiquina Strait to Chua. Proceed by bus to La Paz. Lunch en route. Hotel.

Day 15/16/19: La Paz
This morning enjoy a city tour of La Paz before driving through the residential areas to Moon Valley. Afternoon at leisure. Hotel.

Day 16/17/20: Depart La Paz
At the agreed upon time, transfer to the airport for your departing flight out of La Paz.

Tour Code: GT-10

Departs: Daily, according the cruise start day

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), Libertador (Puno), Hotel Europa (La Paz)
FIRST CLASS - Hilton Colon (Quito), El Olivar (Lima), Novotel (Cusco), Sol y Luna (Sacred Valley), Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), Libertador (Puno), Hotel Europa (La Paz)
STANDARD - Dann Carlton (Quito), Casa Andina (Lima), Casa Andina Koricancha (Cusco) Sol y Luna (Sacred Valley), Machu Picchu Pueblo Inn (Aguas Calientes), Casa Andina Tikarani (Puno), El Rey (La Paz)

WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- 2 nights accommodation in Quito
- 2 nights accommodation in Lima
- 2 nights accommodation in Cusco
- 1 night accommodation in the Sacred Valley
- 1 night accommodation at Machu Picchu
- 2 nights accommodation in Puno
- 2 nights accommodation in La Paz
- Airport transfers throughout
- Half day tours of modern and colonial Quito, Lima and the Larco Herrera Museum, Sillustani ruins, Uros Islands, and La Paz
- Full day tours to the Pisac market or Pisac ruins and Ollantaytambo ruins, Cusco to Puno bus, Puno to La Paz lake crossing
- Two day tour to Machu Picchu
- 12 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinner
- Airfare Quito - Galapagos - Guayaquil - Lima - Cusco
- Cusco BTC Tax, 1 day entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- 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
- Approx. US$ 5 for Peru airport taxes
- Meals and beverages (unless indicated above)
- Gratuities
- Cancellation/medical insurance

DURATION
With 7 night cruise: 19 nights/ 20 days
With 4 night cruise: 16 nights / 17 days
With 3 night cruise: 15 nights / 16 days

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