DAY 1

• GUAYAQUIL

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• 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

• GUAYAQUIL

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• Explore with an Expert
• Beginning at Malecon 2000, the revitalized boardwalk overlooking the Guayas River, you will tour the quaint port city of Guayaquil alongside a private guide. From the Malecon 2000, you will have the opportunity to spot many of the city’s prominent monuments, museums, gardens and fountains. Along the way, visit La Rotonda, a monument commemorating the meeting between Jose de San Martin and Simon Bolivar, who together fought against Spanish rule. A drive down the ever-animated Avenida 9 de Octubre will immerse you in the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life in the city. Next, you will visit Guayaquil Historical Park to learn of the culture, customs and history of the city in particular, and of the country in general. Divided into three unique sections, Wildlife, Urban Architecture, and Traditions, learn about this wonderful country alongside your private guide in this impressive and well-tended park. Upon completion of this tour, you will be returned to your hotel.

DAY 3

• GUAYAQUIL TO GALAPAGOS TO BALTRA ISLAND TO SANTA CRUZ ISLAND TO GALAPAGOS CRUISE

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• Sail the Seas
• You will be privately transferred between Guayaquil Airport and your hotel by a professional driver and English speaking guide.
• Board a flight in Guayaquil with direct service to the Galapagos. Approximate flight duration is two hours.
• The mandatory Galapagos tourist transit card is included in your itinerary.
• 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.
• 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.
• Upon arrival to Baltra Airport, you will be greeted by representatives of the M/V Legend 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 and to explore the ship. Soon, the M/V Legend will depart.
• After a dry landing, board a bus in Puerto Ayora that will whisk you to the Santa Cruz Highlands. Here, amid the endemic Scalesia forest, visit a natural reserve for giant land tortoises, incredible creatures that can live for up to 200 years. You will also tour through lava tunnels, the by-product of the many volcanic eruptions that formed the island over the course of many millennia. An incredible experience few will have the chance to enjoy, it’s an excellent way to round out the expedition.

DAY 4

• SANTA CRUZ ISLAND TO GENOVESA ISLAND TO GALAPAGOS CRUISE

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• Lose Yourself in Nature
• Commonly known as Bird Island, Genovesa Island is an incredible place for birders and nature enthusiasts alike. Puffball chicks, white, yellow-crowned and lava herons are commonly observed, as well as red-footed and Nazca boobies. Additionally, the world’s only nocturnal gull – the swallow-tailed gull – nests on the islands cliffs. Following a dry landing at Prince Philip’s Steps, head up the 81-foot stairway to reach a plateau that affords excellent views of Darwin Bay. After time to enjoy lunch, you’ll then make your way to the bay where you’ll journey through a flat trail that winds through mangroves and saltbush, sighting red-footed boobies and great frigatebirds along the way.

DAY 5

• GENOVESA ISLAND TO SANTA CRUZ ISLAND TO GALAPAGOS CRUISE

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• Where the Wild Things Are
• This morning, set foot on Dragon Hill, found on the northwest of Santa Cruz Island, following a dry or wet landing (pending on conditions). Beginning with a brief hike along a rocky trail, you will soon arrive at a pond that is often populated by a flamboyance of flamingos. At the height of Dragon Hill, fantastic views of the bay come into focus. The vegetation surrounding Dragon Hill is also a highlight. An endemic Palo Santo – also known as holy stick trees – are found here. These unique trees change appearance throughout the year based on climate conditions, and host a range of birdlife including mockingbirds, Darwin finches, yellow warblers and Galapagos doves. Later in the day, it’s time to explore the oldest island of the archipelago, Santa Fe. An unpopulated island with the highest percentage of endemic species including the Santa Fe Marine Iguana and Santa Fe Mockingbird, you’ll begin with a snorkeling adventure in the gorgeous turquoise waters, rich with sea lions, turtles, and spotted eagle rays, then make a wet landing and then head out on a hike that passes by the island-endemic Opuntia cacti while in search of unique animals including Galapagos hawks and Santa Fe rice rats.

DAY 6

• SANTA CRUZ ISLAND TO BALTRA ISLAND TO GALAPAGOS TO GUAYAQUIL TO LIMA

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• A Change of Scenery
• The day begins with a wet landing at Bachas Beach, named after some of the wrecked World War II barges whose ribs are still visible in the sand. Offering great swimming, a lovely walk along the shore and a visit to a lagoon behind the high tide line is replete with wading birds, marine iguanas and sometimes even flamingos. The beaches are also favorite nesting sites for green turtles, which typically occurs between January and May.
• Disembark from the ship and bid a fond farewell to the crew.
• A shared coach will then transfer you to the airport ahead of your outbound flight.
• 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.
• A welcome package containing a city map, tour vouchers, and other useful information will be waiting for you upon arrival to your first hotel.
• 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.

DAY 7

• LIMA

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• A Healthy Dose of History
• Founded in 1535 as Ciudad de los Reyes, or the City of the Kings, and named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, Lima’s history is both fascinating and tumultuous. Discover the Peruvian capital alongside a private guide and driver, beginning with a visit to two of the city’s trendiest barrios, San Isidro and Miraflores. Brimming with modern architecture, world-class restaurants, boutique and brand name retailers, quirky museums and inviting cafés, take in impressive views over the Pacific Ocean along an expansive and cliff-side, coastal boardwalk in Miraflores, then stroll through the well-tended parks and promenades of San Isidro. After being privately transferred to the downtown core, find yourself marveling at centuries-old buildings as the past is brought to light, starting with a stop at 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.

DAY 8

• LIMA TO CUSCO

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• En Route
• 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.
• Enjoy a private transfer between your hotel and Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco alongside a professional driver and an English-speaking representative.
• 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 9

• CUSCO

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• Sights and Insights
• 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.”
• The mandatory tourist ticket, necessary for explorations in and around the Sacred Valley, is included. This tourist ticket is valid for one day only.

DAY 10

• CUSCO TO AGUAS CALIENTES TO MACHU PICCHU

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• Cross an Item off the Bucket List
• Enjoy a private transfer between your hotel and Poroy Train Station with a professional driver and an English-speaking representative.
• After arriving at Poroy Train Station, bid farewell to your local assistant and board the iconic Vistadome. Having settled in, the train will depart from high in the mountains along a series of switchback rails, known as The Zigzag, descending into the dale below. Tracing the impressive Urubamba River, enjoy striking views of the dramatic landscape as you begin the voyage into the heart of the Sacred Valley. Pass through the sleepy town of Ollantaytambo which rests beside the imposing Pinkuylluna Mountain where there will be a brief stop to drop-off and collect passengers. Soon the Vistadome will set off on the final, two-hour leg of the journey, before long arriving in 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, your primary luggage will be placed in secure storage in Cusco. 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 11

• AGUAS CALIENTES TO MACHU PICCHU TO CUSCO

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• Take to the Trails
• 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.
• 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 the Imperial City, Cusco. Board the Vistadome 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 utilizing, where necessary, a series of switchback rails. Consider purchasing a light snack or refreshment to make this sojourn through the countryside even more enjoyable. 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 12

• CUSCO TO LIMA
• Until Next Time…
• 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.

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Hilton Colon Guayaquil

M/V Galapagos Legend (3N)

Casa Andina Premium (Miraflores)

Novotel Cusco

Inkaterra El Mapi Hotel