DAY 1

• QUITO

slide 1 of 1

• Get Settled
• Upon arrival, an English-speaking guide will greet you outside of Customs holding a sign with your name on it. This representative will direct you to your awaiting private driver and vehicle, and will also accompany you to your accommodation to assist with check-in.

DAY 2

• QUITO

slide 5 of 2

• A Walk Through the Past
• A city of narrow cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed walls and home to many spectacular historic churches, Quito has one of the best-preserved colonial centers in all of South America. The integrity of this fascinating historic city was assured in 1978 when the United Nations declared it a World Cultural Heritage Site. Join your private guide and walk through the city's Main Plaza to see the Government Palace, the spectacular gilded church of La Compañía, and some of the most important churches built through the 16th and 17th centuries, including the San Francisco Monastery. Visit La Ronda, the city’s famous colonial street to learn about traditional jobs in colonial Quito. Your final stop will be Panecillo, a hill that divides Quito between north and south. Here you will be able to admire the famous statue Our Lady of the Panecillo, built by Bernardo de Legarda, while taking in spectacular views of the city. After a break for lunch in the emblematic neighborhood of La Ronda, enjoy a chocolate sampling experience, starting with a guided tour that explains the history of cocoa in Ecuador. Cocoa has been revered in Latin America for over 5,000 years, and Spanish explorers treasured it so much they dubbed it the ‘Food of the Gods’. Learn about Republica del Cacao, an ambitious company that aims to produce the most authentic chocolate while developing sustainable fine cocoa production practices. This day of discovery concludes with a private transfer back to your hotel.

DAY 3

• QUITO TO GALAPAGOS TO BALTRA ISLAND TO SANTA CRUZ ISLAND TO SANTA FE ISLAND TO GALAPAGOS CRUISE

slide 3 of 3

• A Change of Scenery
• Transfer to Quito Airport with your private driver and an English-speaking guide.
• Board a flight in Quito with service to the Galapagos, connecting via Guayaquil. Approximate flight duration is four hours. Please note: Flight rates and availability are subject to change until booking.
• The mandatory Galapagos tourist transit card is included in your itinerary.
• The mandatory Galapagos National Park entrance fee is included in your itinerary. Please Note: All Galapagos excursions are to be referenced as a guideline only - the route and program are subject to change according to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety precautions and estimated wildlife encounters, etc. A fuel surcharge is applicable to all vessels cruising in the Galapagos and all flights to and from the Galapagos. These surcharges have been included in your trip price. Fuel Surcharges are subject to change without notice and additional fees may be applicable at time of travel.
• All guests visiting the Galapagos Islands are required to have medical travel insurance. Proof of insurance is required upon entry to the Galapagos Islands, and your insurance policy must be valid for the duration of your stay. Medical Travel Insurance can be purchased through Kensington Tours or independently. Please speak to your Destination Expert for more information.
• Airline tickets for flights to the Galapagos are issued locally and will be provided to you at the airport on the day of departure by a local representative. For all Galapagos flights, the luggage allowance is 20 kg (44 lbs) per person.
• Upon arrival to Baltra Island Airport, proceed through immigration and baggage control. Just beyond Customs you will be greeted by a representative of the M/Y Grand Majestic who will direct you to an awaiting coach which will transfer you and other guests to the ship. After boarding the vessel, take some time to get settled in to your stateroom, sit down for a delicious lunch and take part in a welcome briefing.
• The Charles Darwin Research Station and Fausto Llerena Breeding Center is home to turtles ranging from three-inches (new hatchlings) to four-feet long and serves as the perfect introduction to this remarkable region. Subspecies of turtles interact with one another and many of the older turtles are accustomed to humans, regularly stretching out their heads for a perfect photo opportunity. Babies are kept until they are about four years old and strong enough to survive on their own and are then released into the wild. Following your experience at the Charles Darwin Research Station and Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, you will be returned to the M/Y Grand Majestic.

DAY 4

• GENOVESA ISLAND TO GALAPAGOS CRUISE

slide 2 of 4

• Lose Yourself in Nature
• Also known as Prince Phillip's Steps, the steep, rocky path known as El Barranco leads up a high cliff-face. A moderately arduous walk, the effort is rewarded with a marvelous view you are sure to enjoy. Naturalists and wildlife lovers will find the site interesting for other reasons, as the region is also home to Palo Santo vegetation as well as red-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls, Galapagos swallows, storm-petrels and Galapagos doves. Following a dry landing, you will hike for approximately one mile for a invigorating challenge.
• Following a wet landing, begin an easy stroll on the white sand and coral beach of Darwin Bay along a half-mile trail that winds through mangroves filled with an assortment of land birds; Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls are often spotted here. Further down the path are tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully, many times joined by circling hammerhead sharks and colorful reef fish. At the end of the trail, you’ll find yourself taking in spectacular cliff-side views. Snorkeling and kayaking opportunities abound, and pending on your choice of activities, the excursion can range from leisurely and relaxing to active and adventurous.

DAY 5

• RABIDA ISLAND TO SANTIAGO ISLAND TO GALAPAGOS CRUISE

slide 3 of 3

• Venture into the Outdoors
• Rabida Island, also known as Jervis Island, is one of the most colorful and varied islands in the archipelago. A great snorkeling site, Rabida is also famous for its maroon sandy beach, several impressive lookouts, and remarkable range of rare birds which include nine varieties of finches, large-billed flycatchers, white-cheeked pintail ducks, Galapagos hawks and brown pelicans. You’ll reach Rabid Island via a wet landing, and also participate in a short hike that lasts just over half a mile (one kilometer), making for a relatively easy morning experience.
• Chinese Hat Island is located near the southeast coast of Santiago Island. Its name comes from the distinct shape of the islet's summit. This small islet is a great location to view many geological formations such as lava tubes and lava flows. Following a wet landing, you are invited to participate on an easy hike to explore the volcanic landscape or to spend some time exploring the world under the waves with the help of snorkel gear.

DAY 6

• SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND TO GALAPAGOS CRUISE

slide 5 of 5

• Hidden Gems
• Located on the northern coast, the eroded Witch Hill and its surroundings present one of the most picturesque beaches in the Galapagos. Enjoy the area's white powdery sand and an impressive abundance of animals. Wildlife includes sea turtles, mockingbirds, sponge coral, rays, and various types of booby birds. The clear water provides an excellent opportunity for enjoying swimming, snorkeling or kayaking.
• Experience the natural wonders of Lobos Island, translated to "Sea Lion Island." This appropriately-named island is ripe with noisy, frolicking, jolly sea lions who will welcome you to their home with open fins. Lobos also offers great snorkeling opportunities as well as the chance to see blue-footed and Nazca boobies. After reaching the island via dry landing, set out on a short hike to explore the island, then set out on leisurely and informative dinghy ride or instead take a dip in the azure waters.

DAY 7

• SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND TO GALAPAGOS TO GUAYAQUIL TO LIMA

slide 3 of 3

• The Journey Continues…
• Your five-day adventure exploring the wonders of the archipelago is best put into perspective with a visit the Interpretation Center on San Cristobal Island, which you will do after breakfast on board and bidding a fond farewell to captain and crew of the M/Y Grand Majestic. Opened in 1998, here you will find exhibits detailing the history of the islands – natural and human – as well as information regarding local conservation initiatives to protect wildlife and the natural environment through both population and tourism control.
• Following your visit to the Interpretation Center on San Cristobal Island, you will be transferred to San Cristobal Airport with other guests of the M/Y Grand Majestic. Please be sure to pack your luggage the night prior to departure as the ships crew will porter your luggage from the M/Y Grand Majestic to San Cristobal Airport during your visit to the Interpretation Center.
• Board a flight in the Galapagos with direct service to Guayaquil. Approximate flight duration is two  hours. Please note: Flight rates are subject to change without prior notice.
• Board a flight in Guayaquil with service to Lima, Peru. Approximate flight time is two hours.
• Upon arrival to Lima, you will be welcomed outside of Customs by an English-speaking assistant holding a sign with your name on it. This representative will direct you to your awaiting vehicle and driver, and accompany you to your hotel to assist with check-in.
• A welcome package containing a city map, tour vouchers, and other useful information will be waiting for you upon arrival to your first hotel.

DAY 8

• LIMA

slide 3 of 3

• See the Signature Sights in Style
• Founded in 1535 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, Lima’s history is both fascinating and tumultuous. Discover this history firsthand with your private guide and driver, beginning with a visit to the Larco Herrera Museum; host to what is likely the most comprehensive collection of pre-Columbian art in the world. Peer at ceremonial masks, elaborate busts, golden headdresses, necklaces and earrings, and a sweeping array of earthenware on an insightful curated tour led by an associate scholar of the museum. After lunch at the Larco Museum Café (included), your private guide and driver will take you to Lima’s historical center to marvel at centuries-old buildings such as the Government Palace and City Hall in Plaza Mayor. In the same square, completed in 1774, is the San Francisco Convent. An impressive example of Spanish Baroque architecture, it remains as striking today as it was in the 18th century despite the multiple earthquakes that have shook its foundation. Extensive catacombs underneath the convent host the remains of an estimated 25,000 individuals who were buried prior to the opening of Lima’s city cemetery; a visit to the aged tombs is one you won’t soon forget. Rounding out the day, stop by two of the city’s trendiest barrios, Barranco and Miraflores. Brimming with modern architecture, world-class restaurants, boutique and brand name retailers, quirky museums and inviting cafés, explore bohemian Barranco and then enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean along the expansive, coastal boardwalk in Miraflores. Please note: your tour of the Larco Herrera Museum will be led by an associate scholar and your guide will not join you.
  
• From award-winning ceviche to mouth-watering Peruvian-Japanese fusion, inspired French-influenced Novoandina cuisine to farm-to-table organic delights, Lima has it all. Tonight, discover this buzzing gastronomic scene firsthand. Reservations will be made in advance at the restaurant of your choice, and round-trip transportation in a private vehicle will also be provided. Our Destination Experts top recommendations for fine dining in Lima include: Maido, Central, Astrid y Gaston, Nobu, Rafael and Chez Wong. Please note: Your meal is not included and will be paid for on location. Reservations are confirmed at the time of booking and are subject to availability.

DAY 9

• LIMA TO CUSCO TO SACRED VALLEY

slide 1 of 1

• Onward and Upward
• Enjoy a private transfer between your hotel and Jorge Chávez International Airport provided by a professional driver and an English-speaking representative.
• Board a flight in Lima with direct service to Cusco. Approximate flight time is one hour and 15 minutes.
• The mandatory tourist ticket, necessary for explorations in and around the Sacred Valley, is included. This tourist ticket is valid throughout your stay in the region.
• A local representative will meet you for a transfer, with private vehicle and professional driver, to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. Transfer time is approximately two hours.
• The effects of being at high altitude vary from person to person. While some travelers will experience no discomfort, others may find the process of acclimatization more challenging. To ensure an enjoyable experience in the coming days, take some time to rest and allow your body to adjust to the change in environment.

DAY 10

• SACRED VALLEY

slide 3 of 3

• Cultural Immersion
• Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the idyllic town of Chinchero would be similar to many other quiet Andean villages that dot the land if not for the bustling open-air market found in the main square. World-famous, this colorful fair operates seven days a week and is the best place in the country to barter for hand-woven dresses and carefully-crafted trinkets, or to simply peruse the seemingly endless wares. Chinchero is also host to the remains of an Inca wall and an excellent fresco on the portico of the nearby colonial church, both of which will be visited alongside your private guide. Next, visit Maras, where hundreds of multi-colored salt ponds cascade down a single mountainside. These pool-sized reservoirs, in use since the time of the Inca, glimmer in hues of pink, yellow, and white, and are today the principal supplier of salt to Peru’s finest restaurants. A short drive away, you’ll arrive at a series of stone-walled terraces that descend ten stories: Moray. Carved into a valley in a way that, in form, looks like an ancient amphitheater, it is believed to have been used, in function, to test how well certain crops grew in varied conditions. Impressive examples of early agricultural practices rooted in empirical thought, there are incredible sites. Today's incredible adventure includes lunch at Wayra, located at Sacred Valley's Sol y Luna Lodge. Indulge in sensational fare featuring Andean ingredients grown by local farmers and highlighting the rich, varied flavors of the Sacred Valley.
  

DAY 11

• SACRED VALLEY TO OLLANTAYTAMBO TO AGUAS CALIENTES TO MACHU PICCHU

slide 5 of 2

• Cross an Item off the Bucket List
• In the company of a private driver and local representative, depart from the Sacred Valley en-route to Ollantaytambo Train Station, the penultimate stop on your journey into the ancient capital of the Inca Empire.
• Set near the base of the imposing Pinkuylluna Mountain, meander through the sleepy town of Ollantaytambo to arrive at the centrally-located train station where you will bid farewell to your local assistant and board the iconic Vistadome. Having settled in, the train will depart along a route that traces the Urubamba River, affording striking views of the dramatic landscape as you approach the valley below Machu Picchu. After a two-hour journey, the Vistadome will pull into a train station on the foothills beneath the ancient citadel in the town of Aguas Calientes. Here, your local guide will welcome you together with local hotel porters who will transfer your luggage to your accommodation.
• Please note, strict luggage restrictions apply aboard the Vistadome: 1) Only one piece of hand luggage is permitted per guest, weighing a maximum of 11 lbs (5 kgs). 2) Hand luggage cannot be larger than 62 linear inches. Baggage that exceeds weight or measurement restrictions will not be permitted. Please speak to your Destination Expert for more information.
• Note on Luggage: This morning, the private guide and driver who accompany you to the train station in the Sacred Valley will also transport your primary luggage back to Cusco for secure storage. You will bring a personal overnight bag aboard the train to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes, you will disembark the train and meet your Machu Picchu guide immediately. This local guide will ensure your overnight bag is forwarded to your hotel in Aguas Calientes via hotel porters. This will allow you to continue directly to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival in Cusco, your primary luggage will be waiting for you.
• Board a shuttle bus in Aguas Calientes and begin the 30 minute ascent up Machu Picchu Mountain on a switchback road carved into the mountainside. Buses depart frequently, leaving Aguas Calientes approximately every 30 minutes.
• Steeped in mystery, the mountain citadel of Machu Picchu has dazzled visitors since its discovery by American historian and explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. Believed to have been constructed sometime around 1450 CE and abandoned just over a century later, it is one of the world’s most prized heritage sites, and for good reason; complementing a fascinating history and incredible architecture are unforgettable views of the surrounding mountain ranges and the wild Urubamba River some 2,000 feet below. With a private guide catering to your personal interests and providing an informative overview of the history and architecture of this ancient citadel, gain a firsthand understanding of – and intimate appreciation for – the pièce de résistance in Peruvian travel. Depending on the timing of your arrival, you will visit the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel found atop Machu Picchu, to enjoy a leisurely lunch either before or after your in-depth tour.
• Board a shuttle bus at the entrance to Machu Picchu and make the 30 minute return to nearby Aguas Calientes. Shuttle buses depart frequently, leaving Machu Picchu approximately every 30 minutes.

DAY 12

• MACHU PICCHU TO AGUAS CALIENTES TO CUSCO

slide 3 of 3

• Take to the Trails
• Savor a return journey to the breathtaking Inca citadel, exploring this world-famous landmark in greater depth. Accompanied by your knowledgeable private guide, discover Machu Picchu's incredible ruins, terraces and photogenic alpacas. Admire the stunning backdrop of Huayna Picchu Mountain and drink in the majesty of the citadel from the highest point of the complex. During this unforgettable exploration, your guide will help unravel the mysteries and astonishing history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Board a shuttle bus at the entrance to Machu Picchu and make the 30 minute return to nearby Aguas Calientes. Shuttle buses depart frequently, leaving Machu Picchu approximately every 30 minutes.
• After a fascinating experience in the heart of the ancient Inca world, it is time to depart for their imperial city, Cusco. Board the luxurious Hiram Bingham train in Aguas Calientes and relax as you embark on the scenic, four-hour journey to Poroy Train Station near Cusco. The route follows along the Urubamba River, climbing and descending through mountainous terrain and, where necessary, utilizing a series of switchback rails. Aboard the train, you will be invited into the elegant dining car to enjoy a gourmet dinner on this sojourn through the bucolic Peruvian countryside as soon as it is prepared. Consider a visit to the observatory car to indulge in a refreshing cocktail in the open air while listening to lively local music. Before long, you will arrive at Poroy Station near Cusco.
• Enjoy a private transfer between your hotel and Poroy Train Station with a professional driver and an English-speaking representative.

DAY 13

• CUSCO

slide 3 of 3

• A Walk Through the Past
• Get introduced to the traditions, history and unanswered questions surrounding Cusco and the nearby ruins on a privately guided tour. Visit the Koricancha Temple, once walled in plated gold and featuring courtyard statues made of solid gold, Conquistadors described it as “fabulous beyond belief.” Today, the Church of Santo Domingo rests on the site of the original temple, making it an excellent location to learn about both Inca and Spanish culture and architecture from your private guide. Next, head to the picture-perfect Plaza de Armas, the heart of this vibrant Andean hub.  Visit the resplendent Cusco Cathedral and see one of the city’s finest collections of colonial art. Your morning continues as you begin your exploration of the historic sites surrounding Cusco. Even after decades of exploration and study, many mysteries are lost in the lands outside of Cusco. How was the massive complex called Sacsayhuaman constructed? What was the purpose behind the waterfalls and terraced rocks of Tambomachay? Why was Puca Pucara seemingly built in a rush? Was the amphitheater of Kenko used for human sacrifices? Although you may not find the answers to these questions, discover the known history and storied fables surrounding these ancient sites with your guide. Your adventure concludes back in the city, where you enjoy a well-deserved delicious lunch at Incanto (included), which specializes in Mediterranean-Andean fusion and is described by Fodor’s Travel as “stylish” and “upmarket.”
• This evening, enjoy dinner at one of the premier restaurants in Cusco, Cicciolina Tapas Bar. Reservations will be made in advance of your arrival at this highly regarded bodega which features  a wide range of local specialties and western staples, prepared using the freshest ingredients sourced from the Sacred Valley. Please note: Your meal is not included and must be paid for on location. Reservations are confirmed at the time of booking and are subject to availability.

DAY 14

• CUSCO TO LIMA
• Bon Voyage
• Enjoy a private transfer between your hotel and Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco alongside a professional driver and an English-speaking representative.
• Board a flight in Cusco with direct service to Lima. Approximate flight time is one hour and 25 minutes.

‍

Hotel Plaza Grande

M/Y Grand Majestic (4N/5D)

Arts Boutique Hotel B

Sol y Luna

Belmond Sanctuary Lodge

Belmond Palacio Nazarenas