Day 1 ARRIVE LIMA
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Arrival and transfer to your hotel. If you arrive early, we can arrange optional tours to explore the city, including museum visits, and other sites of interests.
Day 2 LIMA - CUSCO
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Morning departure for your flight to Cusco, center of the Inca Empire. Your Peru tour begins as Southern Explorations' guides pick you up at the airport, stopping for a quick tour of the colonial Plaza de Armas. From there, you will be taken to your hotel and be free for the rest of the day to explore the city and acclimatize to the altitude (10,856 ft). (B)
Day 3 CUSCO
This morning, your Peru travels take you on a guided walking tour through the colorful markets of Cusco, the colonial cathedral and Koricancha, the impressive Temple of the Sun. After a lunch of regional cuisine, depart for an afternoon tour of prominent Inca sights in and around Cusco. You'll see the fortress ofSacsayhuamán, with its megalithic stone terraces; Kenko, with its carved stone surfaces and subterranean altars; the small Puka Pukara fortress that protected the royal capital from attacks; and the water temple, Tambo Machay. In the late afternoon, return to your hotel to relax or further explore the fascinating mix of Cusco cultures. (B)
Day 4 CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY
Today's day-long guided excursion journeys through snowcapped mountains to the legendary Sacred Valley of the Incas. Along the way, your Peru tour takes you past Inca terracing that climbs steep valley walls, then on through the ruined temples of Pisac with panoramic views of the jagged granite peaks before stopping in the town to visit one of the best textile markets in the Andes. There, you'll be able to browse for souvenirs and learn about the local culture. After lunch, the next stop is Ollantaytambo(9,185 ft.), a small town with an impressive Inca fortress. Stay overnight at a hotel in Ollantaytambo. (B)
Day 5 SACRED VALLEY - OLLANTAYTAMBO - MACHU PICCHU
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Explore the famous ruins of Machu Picchu at 7,875 ft. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and take a refreshing walking tour of the Ollantaytambo ruins and surrounding town before heading to the Ollantaytambo train station for today's unforgettable trip. Making its way toward the Amazon and Machu Picchu, the train follows the Urubamba River into a magnificent cloud forest, arriving at the station. Here take a traditional lunch before meeting the bus waiting to take you the rest of the way to Machu Picchu (7,875 ft.). Spend the afternoon exploring the famous ruins, returning in the late afternoon to nearby Aguas Calientes where you'll be spending the night. You'll have time for a soothing soak in the hot springs and a tasty dinner before turning in early. (B)
Day 6 MACHU PICCHU - CHINCHEROS ARTISAN MARKET - CUSCO
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Today, take the opportunity to see an unmatched sunrise at Machu Picchu before the crowds arrive and spend the rest of the day among the numerous ruins a climb to the sacred peak of Huayna Picchu or a picturesque walk to the Temple of the Moon. Return midday to the town of Aguas Calientes for lunch and your early afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo. Meet your private van at the train station to travel to the collective Chincheros textile market, featuring an explanation of the traditional weaving methods of the Sacred Valley and some of the best textiles available in Peru. This is the ideal place for last minute shopping before returning to your Cusco hotel for the evening. (B)
Day 7 CUSCO – LIMA – QUITO
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In the morning you'll be taken to the airport for the return flight to Lima and your connecting international flight to Quito. Arrival and transfer to your Quito hotel. (B)
Day 8 QUITO – GALAPAGOS
Morning transfer to the Quito airport for a flight to the Galapagos Islands to board your cruise. (B,L,D)
Day 9-11 GALAPAGOS CRUISE
See the Galapagos from above and below sea level Spend these full days exploring the Galapagos Islands from the comfort of your cruise. Itinerary specifics vary based upon the yacht you select and include four, five, or eight day cruises. Please Contact Us to send you available cruise options during your timeframe. (B,L,D)
Day 12 GALAPAGOS – QUITO
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Your final morning will include one last island visit before being transferred from the vessel to the airport for your return flight to Quito. Arrive in the late afternoon and transfer to your comfortable Quito hotel. (B)
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Day 13 QUITO - HOME
Transfer to the airport for the international departure home, the end of Southern Explorations services. If you are interested in more Galapagos tours, trip extensions to other regions or extra days in Quito, we would be happy to arrange them. (B)View Optional Post-Itinerary Tour Extensions
Key:
(B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner
