Latin American Discovery with Galapagos Cruise 

Departure Dates Prices 18 nights 22 May - 21 Jun 12 £5,419 22 Jun - 31 Aug 12 £5,599	Departure Dates Prices 18 nights 1 Sep - 30 Nov 12 £5,419 1 Dec - 14 Dec 12 £5,599
Prices correct as at 6pm on 20/05/2012. Please call for final price.

What’s Included

Transatlantic flights on scheduled services 18 nights accommodation at hotels specified or similar Meals as specified on day to day itinerary Private transfers with the services of a local English speaking guide All entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the itinerary 1 Roundtrip train ticket to Machu Picchu via Vistadome coach per person 1 Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu per person 1 Bus ticket to and from the Machu Picchu ruins per person Island sightseeing, naturalist guides and lecture services in English Snorkeling gear Shared and private excursions with local English speaking guides as follows: Bogota City Tour Salt Cathedral Cartagena City Tour Quito City Tour Cusco Half Day City Tour Full day excursion to Pisac Market & Ollantaytambo including lunch Full day excursion to Macchu Picchu What’s Not Included Meals or any other item not described on the itinerary. Entrance to Galapagos National Park $100 per person (subkect to change without notice) Transit control card $10 per person Wet Suits Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks during cruise Airport Departure Tax of $31 from Lima Airport Departure Tax subject to change

Holiday Details

Airline	Airport	Class	Transfers
Scheduled	Heathrow	Economy	Coach

Flight Options

Flights are available with a choice of airlines, regional departures also available. Please call for details.

For other dates or durations, please call for your tailor made quote.

Prices correct as at 6pm on 20/05/2012. Please call for final price.

Tour Information

MT. 18 Night Tour. 3 nights Bogota, 2 nights Cartagena, 2 nights Quito, 5 nights M/V Santa Cruz, 1 night Guayaquil, 1 night Lima, 3 nights Cusco, 1 night Aguaa Calientes.

On this tour you will experience many facets of this beautiful Continent. From the architectural beauty of Cartagena and the stunning volcanic Galapagos Islands, offering the wildlife experience of a lifetime, to the awe-inspiring ancient Inca ruins at Machu Picchu and Cusco, the ancient Inca capital and beyond.

DAY 1

UK - Bogota
On arrival at El Dorado International Airport, you will ne met by a representative and take a private transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Bogota
3 Star: 116 or similar
4 Star: Hotel Cite or similar
5 Star: Victoria Regia Sofitel or similar

DAY 2

Bogota (B)
After breakfast you will take a City Tour beginning in the colonial section of La Candelaria, with plenty of short stops for photographs at places such as Plaza de Bolivar, the main square of Bogota. Here you will see the Cathedral, the Congress Palace, the Cardinal’s Palace, the colonial church of El Sagrario, the House of Independence, the Palace of Justice and the City Hall. Visit the famous Gold Museum, which houses the world greatest collection of pre-hispanic indian gold crafts. Afterwards visit the FERNANDO BOTERO Museum which contains the paintings and sculptures of this famous contemporary Colombian artist.
NOTE: The Gold Museum is closed on Mondays and the Botero Museum is closed on Tuesdays.
Overnight in Bogota
3 Star: 116 or similar
4 Star: Hotel Cite or similar
5 Star: Victoria Regia Sofitel or similar

DAY 3

Bogota/Underground Salt Cathedral (B,L)
This morning you will enjoy a tour to the northern area of the plateau to visit the Underground Salt Cathedral, in the Salt Mines of Zipaquirá, about one and a half hours from Bogotá .You will also visit the main square of the town before returning to Bogotá
Overnight in Bogota.

DAY 4

Bogota/ Cartagena (B)
After breakfast this morning you will take a private transfer to the airport of Bogotá for the direct flight to Cartagena. Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and take a private transfer to your hotel.
Afternoon tour to the most important monuments of the city. You will visit the Convent of La Popa built at the beginning of the XVII century on the hill of the same name. There is a beautiful view of the city and the bay from this hill. Afterwards there is a stop at San Felipe’s Fort, built in the XVII century to protect the city, where you will be able to look around, then on to the walled colonial city and a stop at the handicraft stores of Las Bovedas. Finally you will visit the Convent of San Pedro Claver for a visit before returning to the hotel.
Overnight in Cartagena
3 Star: Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia or similar
4 Star: Hotel Bantu or similar
5 Star: Ananda or similar

DAY 5

Cartagena (B)
A day at leisure to enjoy the city or maybe take an optional excursion (cost not included).
Overnight in Cartagena
3 Star: Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia or similar
4 Star: Hotel Bantu or similar
5 Star: Ananda or similar

DAY 6

Cartagena/Bogota/Quito (B)
At an arranged time today you will take a private transfer to the airport for your flight to Bogotá and then a connecting flight to Quito.
On arrival in Quito you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Quito
3 Star: Dann Carlton or similar
4 Star: Hilton Colon or similar
5 Star: Swissotel Quito or similar

DAY 7

Quito (B)
Today’s excursion will take you on a journey through the cultural and historic sites of the city of Quito –a unique city and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, that boasts the largest and least-altered downtown in Latin America. Millions have been invested in the city’s restoration over the past 10 years so that guests can enjoy the renaissance of its historical heart. To start, the fantastic Pre-Hispanic World is presented in an innovative way at Quito’s just opened Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, at the beautifully restored Casa del Alabado, whihc dates back to 1671, as per the inscription on the stone of its façade. Archaeology has a whole new meaning in this space, dedicated as it is to the aesthetic richness of pre-Columbian art, the essence of their culture, and their spirituality. Visitors are introduced to the three ancestral worlds in which the structure of time was divided: the infra-world beneath the earth or Pachamama where the energy lives, the earthly world where plants, animals and persons live, and the celestial, sacred, supra-world. A snack is offered at the nearby Tianguez on Plaza de San Francisco, before proceeding to one of the jewels of the American baroque – the Jesuit church of La Compañía- a magnificent example of the extraordinary artistic ability of Ecuadorian artisans, which can be seen in the intricately carved altars completely covered with gold leaf, paintings and sculptures of the famous School of Art of Quito. This is one of the richest and most magnificent temples of South America. Lunch is included at one of the outstanding restaurants in Quito. In the afternoon, a short drive to the more modern side of Quito, takes us up a hill to the Chapel of Man, a creation of the Ecuadorian painter Oswaldo Guayasamín (1919-1999), considered one of the most renown artists in Latin America, part of whose work is on display. The lower floor of the Chapel of Man is a homage to humanity with the forceful expressionist art of Guayasamín showing the odyssey of Latin American Man. **Dress in layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, coat). Take a sweater even if the day is warm and sunny. Rain protection advised in the afternoon. This tour includes walking at an altitude of 2800 meters (9200 feet) and climbing stairs. Sun protection (SPF 40). Good walking shoes.**
Overnight in Quito
3 Star: Dann Carlton or similar
4 Star: Hilton Colon or similar
5 Star: Swissotel Quito or similar

DAY 8

Quito/ M/V Santa Cruz (B,L,D)
Today you will take an escorted transfer between the hotel and Quito Airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands.
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal [Chatham] Island
Eastern Islands – Friday to Wednesday
On arrival into San Cristobal Island you will be transferred to the MV SANTA CRUZ, which is anchored at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital of the Galápagos Islands. After embarkation you will be assigned your cabin prior to lunch. After lunch there will be an introductory welcome talk and boat drill.
Interpretation Centre and Cerro Tijeretas (San Cristóbal Island)
In the afternoon, disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (dry landing) and visit the Interpretation Centre where visitors will acquire a greater understanding of Galápagos’ uniqueness throughout informative visual aids. From the Interpretation Centre, we stroll along an easy boardwalk to the north shore of San Cristóbal, to the site considered as the spot where Darwin set foot for first time on Galápagos in 1835. A bust of the naturalist was placed there to commemorate this event. This area is teeming with life: Darwin finches, San Cristóbal mockingbirds, marine iguanas, sea lions, etc. Hills frame this turquoise bay, home to two species of frigates. A staircase leads to the top of Cerro Tijeretas, from where a good portion of northern San Cristóbal is visible: Wreck Bay, Lobos Islet, Punta Carola and the impressive Kicker Rock. Return on board. Welcome cocktail, expedition plan for Saturday and dinner.

DAY 9

Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal Island) (B,L,D)
A dinghy ride along the shores will bring us to Cerro Brujo’s white coraline beach where there will be a wet landing. The island is home to seabirds like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds, and some shore birds . Also, look out for Galapagos sea lions. The beach is a great open walking area, with rewarding birdwatching. Highlights while you are ashore include the Chatham (San Cristobal) Mockingbird, Chatham Lava Lizard; both species are endemic to this island, and seen nowhere else in the Galapagos. Cerro Brujo is an excellent site for acquainting oneself with snorkelling gear and techniques. Back on board for lunch.
Punta Pitt (San Cristóbal Island)
In the afternoon, disembark (wet landing) on the eastern tip of the island. Pitt Point is an eroded tuff cone; the trail that ascends from the beach provides spectacular views of the shoreline. This is the only site in the Galápagos where the three species of boobies can be found together, as well as the two frigate species, plus a colony of bachelor sea lions along the beach. After the walk, if conditions are favourable, there is a chance to swim from the beach or snorkel at the nearby islets. Back on board for the expedition plan for Sunday and dinner.

DAY 10

M/V Santa Cruz (B,L,D)
Santa Fe Island
After breakfast, a wet landing on a sandy white beach with many sea lion harems. Bulls vie for the right to be "Beach Master", while smaller males masquerading as females make stealthy mating moves. Galápagos hawks are often easily observed, perched atop salt bushes. The giant prickly pear cactus found here live up to their name with tree-sized trunks! The endemic land iguana, unique to this island, may be spotted during the afternoon walk. Snorkelling and swimming from the beach rounds off the rewarding experience, or if guests prefer, the glass bottom boat for non-snorkellers. Lunch on board.
South Plaza Island
Disembark (dry landing) in the channel between North and South Plaza Islands, where the island tilts toward the water, the approach makes for a lavishly colourful sight! The turquoise waters of the channel contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline. The rocks have grown thick with green seaweed in places, speckled with bright orange ’Sally Lightfoot’ crabs. Further up the shore a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus. Yellow-grey land iguanas sit beneath these, waiting patiently for pears to drop. Along the coastline one finds sea lion colonies, while frigates, swallow-tailed gulls and shearwaters glide playing with the thermals that form along the cliffs of this small but amazing island. Back on board for the expedition plan for Monday and dinner.

DAY 11

M/V Santa Cruz (B,L,D)
Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)
Morning disembarkation (dry landing) visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens, including tortoise celebrities like "Lonesome George" within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. Lunch at the poolside of the Finch Bay Eco Hotel.
Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
After lunch, visit the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, with their impressive Scalesia forest and the geological formation of the twin pit craters known as Los Gemelos. From December to mid-April a visit to see the giant tortoises in the wild may be included, if weather conditions are good. Return to Puerto Ayora and embark on the M/V Santa Cruz for Tuesday’s expedition plan and dinner.

DAY 12

M/V Santa Cruz (B,L,D)
Punta Suarez (Española (Hood) Island)
This morning a trip to Punta Suarez (dry landing) for an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April - December), Nazca (masked boobies), blue-footed boobies, swallow-tail gulls, and the famous blowhole. Among its landbirds, the Hood island mockingbird, and three species of Darwin’s finches are common highlights. Also, look out for red-green-black marine iguanas, and of course a rookery of sea lions right at the landing site. Back on board for lunch.
Gardner Bay (Española Island)
In the afternoon, disembark (wet landing) at a white coral beach for a short walk to observe the sea lions, mockingbirds, finches or enjoy the beach. There is great snorkelling in this area, or a ride aboard the glass-bottom boat. This evening there will be a departure briefing before the farewell Cocktail reception and dinner.

DAY 13

M/V Santa Cruz-Guayaquil (B)
Baltra Island
This morning you will disembark at Baltra Island for your transfer to the airport to take the flight back to Guayaquil. Overnight in Guayaquil.
3 Star:Hampton Inn
4 Star: Hotel Oro Verde Guayaquil
5 Star: Hilton Colon Guayaquil

DAY 14

Guayaquil/Lima (B) This morning you will have an escorted transfer to Guayaquil Airport for your flight to Lima.
Upon arrival into Lima International Airport, you will be met by a representative and escorted to your hotel, assisted with check-in procedures, and provided with a detailed itinerary. You will also be provided with vouchers covering all the services included in your tour and additional information on the Peru portion of your trip. You will receive a contact information sheet with all the hotel details as well as our office contact information for each city and a 24-hour emergency number.
Overnight in Lima
Costa del Sol Ramada or similar

DAY 15

Lima / Cusco (B)
After breakfast you will be escorted to Lima airport for your flight to the city of Cusco.
Upon arrival at Cusco you will be met by a representative who will assist you with your luggage and drive you to the hotel for your check-in. Morning at leisure to rest in your hotel, which is recommended in order to avoid altitude sickness.
PM: Half day City tour of Cusco and the surrounding ruins.
You will be taken on a private escorted sightseeing tour of the city of Cusco, archaeological capital of South America. Cusco also has the finest examples of Inca history and architecture. You will visit the city’s most important historical monuments, The Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the Koricancha Temple, and a visit to the surrounding ruins of the Kenko Amphitheater, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, and Sacsayhuaman Fortress. Afterwards you will be driven back to your hotel.
Overnight in Cusco
3 Star: Casa Andina Classic Cusco San Blas or similar
4 Star: Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco or similar
5 Star: Monasterio or similar

DAY 16

Cusco / Sacred Valley / Cusco (B,L)
Today you have a full day excursion to Pisac Market & Ollantaytambo Fortress incl. lunch (shared)
En route towards the Urubamba Valley, we will visit Pisac Market where we will have the chance to interact with the local folk and even barter with the merchants. After having lunch at a local countryside restaurant, we will end the day with a visit to the Incan fortress and citadel of Ollantaytambo. This fortress was constructed in order to guard the entrance to this part of the valley and protect it from possible invasions of tribes from the jungle lowlands, and was later the scene of Incan resistance in 1537, when Manco Inca’s forces faced Hernando Pizarro’s troops. Afterwards you will return to your hotel.
Overnight in Cusco
3 Star: Casa Andina Classic Cusco San Blas or similar
4 Star: Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco or similar
5 Star: Monasterio or similar

DAY 17

Cusco / Machu Picchu (B,L,D) Full day excursion to Machu Picchu via the Vistadome train (shared)
This morning you will be transferred to the train station for an amazing journey to the famous Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, the great mountain-top city abandoned by the Inca Empire, reclaimed by the jungle and lost to humanity until its rediscovery in 1911. The legendary ’Lost City’ is without a doubt one of the world’s most impressive archaeological sites.
Built by the Incas on the summit of "Machu Picchu" (old peak), overlooking the deep canyon of the Urubamba river, it sits on a mountain site of extraordinary beauty, in the middle of a tropical mountain forest. Machu Picchu was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height, with its giant walls, terraces and ramps, which appear as though they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments. Machu Picchu is also one of the Inca’s best kept secrets, since they did not leave written records and Spanish chronicles make no mention of the citadel and it remains a mystery. Along the way you will enjoy the changing landscape as you travel from Andean highlands to the beginnings of the jungle (“eyebrow of the jungle”), before finally arriving at the town of Aguas Calientes. It is here we will board the bus that will take you on a 20 minute ride up to the citadel of Machu Picchu, or Lost City of the Incas, which sits upon the summit bearing the same name, and is one of the most representative and recognized examples of Incan architecture.
A guided tour of the Citadel includes the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sun Dial, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and various burial grounds.
Buffet lunch at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge is included. In the afternoon we return to Aguas Calientes town.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes
3 Star: El Mapi or similar
4 Star: Inkaterra Machu Picchu or similar
5 Star: Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge or similar

DAY 18

Machu Picchu / Cusco (B) Day at leisure
Excellent opportunity to wake up early and enjoy a beautiful sunrise as well as stroll around the Town of Aguas Calientes and visit its Hot Springs Thermal waters. You will also have time to perform some of the following suggested activities: (Not included in the overall price): 1. Visit the Citadel of Machu Picchu for a second time. 2. For active or more adventurous people, we suggest to climb up the Huayna Picchu (Depending on weather conditions) from where you can appreciate the immensity of Machu Picchu, even more amazing being so high and distant.
In the afternoon, you will return to Cusco by train, and upon arrival you will be met by a representative and driver for your private transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Cusco
3 Star: Casa Andina Classic Cusco San Blas or similar
4 Star: Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco or similar
5 Star: Monasterio or similar

DAY 19

Cusco / Lima / …(B)
Transfer Hotel / Airport (private)
After breakfast you will be transferred to Cusco Airport to board your flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, you will be assisted with all departure formalities for your international homebound flight.

DAY 20

Arrive UK


Please Note

Galapagos Islands:

The itineraries and programme are subject to change without prior notice, due mainly to adjustments in the policies and regulations of the Galápagos National Park, weather conditions, seasonal changes and safety reasons.

Dry landing: guests step from the dinghy onto rocks or a dock.
Wet landing: as the dinghy edges onto a sandy beach, guests step into knee-deep water and wade ashore

There is also a Western Islands Itinerary. Please ask for details.


Please note: The maximum altitide on this tour is 11,155 ft.