Your Itinerary
Welcome to Lima-Cosmopolitan, Colonial, and Pre-Columbian Culture
Peruvian Treasures, Presidential Palaces, and Pizarro's Conquests
CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Lima to see the colonial Old Quarter, Plaza de Armas, the presidential Government Palace, and the Lima Cathedral. Visit San Francisco Monastery to see the famous catacombs followed by the Larco Herrera Museum-with the world's largest private collection of pre-Columbian Peruvian art.
DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a Culinary Experience with an authentic Peruvian welcome dinner in the exquisite, historic mansion-Casa Garcia Alvarado. (B,D)
Alpacas, Llamas, and Ancient Rituals of the Andes
CLASSIC Fly to Cusco, the ancient Andean city and former capital of the Inca Empire. A Guided Excursion into the Sacred Valley reveals the hillside Temple of Sacsayhuaman. Marvel at the remarkable Inca stonework of this 15th-century fortress that was once the site of the largest battle between the Incas and the Spanish. The Spanish were ultimately victorious in 1536, disassembling part of the site to build homes in Cusco and leaving behind the ruins we find today. You will also see the Inca military post of Puca Pucara and visit the ceremonial site of Kenko where ancient Peruvian rituals and sacrifices were performed.
DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour of Awanakancha to encounter llamas, alpacas, vicunas, and guanacos and learn about their vital role in Peruvian culture. Continue to the old mountain village of Pisac. Take time to shop in Pisac's large Indian market for treasures such as alpaca sweaters, woven blankets, and handmade jewelry.
This evening, enjoy dinner featuring Andean and Western dishes with wine. (B,L,D)
Stone Temples and Formidable Fortresses
CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the adobe village of Ollantaytambo this morning to visit the ruins of an Inca fortress. See the massive stones and amazing engineering design, including the Sun Temple and Princess Baths fountain.
DISCOVERY Join an Escorted Visit to a native Incan home to experience the way of life that has endured since the 13th century.
MACHU PICCHU
Andean Heights and Hidden Secrets of the Inca's Lost City
CLASSIC Join a Guided Excursion aboard the 360° Machu Picchu Train boasting spectacular panoramic views of the lush countryside of Urubamba Valley from its panoramic windows and an observation outdoor carriage. Travel by rail to Aguas Calientes to take the winding road to legendary Machu Picchu.
ACTIVE Take a Guided Walk to explore the "Lost City of the Incas" high atop the Andes once overlaid with dense forest. Learn about the lives and mysteries still hidden in this ancient citadel and the amazing structures built by the pre-Columbian masters of this sacred land.
DISCOVERY Enjoy your overnight stay at the foot of the mountain where Machu Picchu is found with a gourmet Peruvian dinner. (B,D)
A Miraculous Sanctuary in a Tropical Mountain Cloud Forest
CLASSIC Take a second included Guided Excursion to Machu Picchu. Set out early to see the sunrise over the ruins, explore the terraces or perhaps venture up to see the Sun Gate, once used as the ancient entrance to the Sanctuary.
After lunch, return to the Sacred Valley by train and then continue to Cusco. (B,L)
Conquistadors, Churches, and the colourful Culture of Peru
CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Cusco and learn about the Inca culture and the Spanish invasion that threatened their way of life and very existence. Visit Santo Domingo Monastery, originally called Koricancha and built by the Incas as a Temple of the Sun with extraordinary engineering and masonry design. Continue to the Plaza de Armas to visit the Cusco Cathedral.
Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore Cusco's colourful culture.
DISCOVERY Tonight, an elegant dinner includes wine and a menu inspired by Peru's eclectic mix of cultures. (B,D)
Day 7 - CUSCO-LIMA-IQUITOS-NAUTA-PERUVIAN AMAZON RIVER (EMBARKATION)
CLASSIC Today, you'll travel by air to Lima and then onto Iquitos to begin your Amazon journey.
Travel to Nauta and embark the luxurious vessel, the Delfin III, to cruise the Peruvian Amazon in comfort and convenience. Settle into your spacious suite before meeting your onboard Naturalist and Cruise Director.
DISCOVERY Attend an onboard Welcome Reception to gain an overview of your upcoming Amazon experience. Your Naturalist Guide will offer information about the animal species of the Amazon ecosystem, the native villagers you'll meet, and the spectacular plant life that thrives in this astonishing environment. See the two powerful Amazon tributaries-the Ucayali and Maranon Rivers-which converge to create the mighty Peruvian Amazon.
Later, on board, enjoy an unforgettable dinner featuring Peruvian cuisine with the freshest local ingredients. (B,L,D)
Spider Monkeys, Pink Dolphins, and Peru's Favourite Cocktail
CLASSIC Rise early this morning for your first glimpse of the majestic Amazon at sunrise to experience the sights and sounds. After breakfast, take a Guided Panga Ride down one of the Amazon's tributaries in search of the incredible wildlife. Your Naturalist Guide helps to spot capuchin, howler, tamarin, and spider monkeys, as well as iguanas, sloths, freshwater pink dolphins, and a stunning array of birdlife. Watch for the extraordinary giant Amazonian water lily.
CLASSIC This afternoon, a Guided Excursion to Pacaya Samiria National Reserve allows you to witness the activity of exotic birds, including trogons, macaws, parrots, falcons, and jacamars.
ACTIVE Take a refreshing Swim in this unique area of the Amazon-with the chance to encounter the Amazon's amazing pink dolphins.
DISCOVERY Join in an onboard Cooking Class to learn about native fruits, vegetables, and fish. You'll learn about local ingredients for delicious recipes. In the evening, enjoy a Mixology Lesson to create Peru's famous cocktail, the Pisco Sour. (B,L,D)
Exotic Birds, Night Creatures, and Natural Remedies
ACTIVE Join a morning Naturalist Guided Walk to explore tropical flora, including epiphytes, orchids, and indigenous jungle vegetation below the rainforest's canopy.
DISCOVERY Attend an onboard Nature Presentation about indigenous and medicinal plants, fruits, and vegetation used in the Amazonian culture for centuries.
CLASSIC This afternoon, a Guided Excursion to the Amazon community of San Francisco introduces you to local villagers who have called Amazonia their home for generations.
ACTIVE Join a Night Safari Excursion to spot nocturnal creatures, including caiman, frogs, bats, and boa constrictors. You will also have the chance to try fishing for piranhas!
DISCOVERY Later tonight, enjoy Live Entertainment by the Delfin III crew of local performers to celebrate your Amazon adventure with music and dance. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - IQUITOS (DISEMBARKATION)
A Manatee Introduction and an Amazon Farewell
DISCOVERY This morning, disembark and bid your ship's crew farewell. On the way to Iquitos, join an Escorted Visit to the Manatee Rescue centre to learn about these endangered Amazon species and the conservation efforts to save these gentle giants before flying to Lima. (B)
Fly from Lima to Quito. Take free time today to relax and prepare for your upcoming Galapagos adventure or walk through the historic city to sample ceviche or helado (Latin-American ice cream). Dine out tonight or ask about the best clubs for music and dancing. (B)
A Gold Altar, Artistic Avenues, and Two Hemispheres in One Day
DISCOVERY Travel through the Tandayapa Valley to the Andean Choco cloud forest and nature reserve. The Alambi Reserve, renowned for bird watching, is home to more than 250 species of birds, including 30 different hummingbirds. While here, visit the hummingbird garden to observe these characteristic birds in their natural habitat.
CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Quito that showcases the colonial city's historic sites, including the impressive Legislative Palace with its enormous, sculpted mural of Ecuadorean history. You'll also see Independence Plaza and visit the 16th-century San Francisco Monastery, and La Compania Church-the exquisite Jesuit cathedral with its spectacular Spanish baroque architecture-more than 160 years in the making.
DISCOVERY Take a Guided Walk down Calle La Ronda-one of Quito's oldest streets-with a wealth of artist's workshops and galleries where you'll meet local artists and learn about their original works. Later, visit a local chocolate factory for a tour and a tasting to discover why Ecuador is one of the world's finest chocolate producers.
CLASSIC Your day in Quito ends with a Guided Excursion to the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo-a monument to the Equator-the "middle of the world." Stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at the same time at the exact location of the Earth's Equator. Observe the equatorial effects of the dual-spiraling directions of water and balancing eggs on end.
This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a famed local restaurant with delicious regional cuisine. (B,D)
Day 13 - BALTRA-GALAPAGOS ISLANDS (EMBARKATION)-SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
The Theory of Evolution-and Giant Babies
This morning, take a flight to the Galapagos Island of Baltra where you'll embark on your five-day cruise aboard the Treasure of Galapagos.
DISCOVERY Join your naturalist on a Guided Excursion to Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station- established to help conserve the Galapagos' natural habitat and protect the famous giant tortoises. While here, learn about the tortoise-rearing program and see many of the various islands' tortoises.
Later on board your ship, join in a briefing of the next day's adventures, and enjoy a Captain's welcome with cocktails and dinner.
Note: The ship's itinerary may vary according to Galapagos National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, and seasonal changes to create the perfect cross-section of sites visited. (B,L,D)
Volcanos, Marine Life, and Lunar Landscapes
DISCOVERY This morning, you will find yourself anchored in the western-central part of the archipelago where volcanoes are still active, attributing to the dramatic scenery. Take a Naturalist Led Excursion of Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island where you will walk on newly-formed (less than 100 years ago) lava flows reminiscent of the lunar landscape. You can catch sight of lava lizards, marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and even the Galapagos penguin.
This afternoon, cruise to Bartolome Island.
BARTOLOME ISLAND
Hike the Summit, Snorkel, and Swim
ACTIVE Take a Guided Hike to Bartolome's 114-meter summit for spectacular panoramic views of the region with two beautiful bays and fascinating formations of lava flows and spatter cones, including the iconic Pinnacle Rock. Later, take a snorkel and swim off the beach here-home to playful sea lions, Pacific green turtles, white tip reef sharks, and Galapagos penguins. (B,L,D)
Day 15 - NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND
Masterful Marine Iguanas and Birds of a Different Colour
CLASSIC Take a Naturalist Led Excursion to see colonies of remarkable bird species, including blue-footed boobies, great frigate birds and magnificent frigate birds-with its inflated red chest and nearly 7-foot wingspread, and gulls and herons of all assortments.
ACTIVE Take a Guided Snorkeling Excursion in the aqua blue waters just off North Seymour Island's shore-teeming with sea lions and amphibious marine iguanas-found only in the Galapagos.
This afternoon, cruise for the sandy island of Mosquera Islet.
MOSQUERA ISLET
A Sea Lion Haven of White Coral Sand
DISCOVERY Take a Guided Walk on the white coral beaches to the islands' largest congregation of Galapagos sea lions. You'll see a wide variety of shore birds reflecting the island's amazing biodiversity-from the deep-gray lava gull to the yellow-crowned night heron. (B,L,D)
Day 16 - SOUTH PLAZA ISLAND
Tracing Darwin's Footsteps and Audubon's Muses
DISCOVERY This morning, take a Naturalist-Led Excursion to South Plaza Island to observe wildlife, including sea lions, land iguanas, marine iguanas, and hybrid iguanas (only found on this island and a result of a cross between land and marine iguanas). You will see blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, frigate birds, swallow-tailed gulls, Audubon's shearwaters, and many other species.
This afternoon, cruise to Cerro Brujo on San Cristobal Island.
SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
Blue Herons, Blue Lagoons, and a Sleeping Lion
ACTIVE Take a Guided Walk at the site where Charles Darwin first visited the Galapagos. See the volcanic remains of magnificent Kicker Rock-also called Leon Dormido (Sleeping Lion). Walk beside one of the island's blue lagoons to see a number of migratory birds, including pelicans and great blue herons. (B,L,D)
Day 17 - GALAPAGOS ISLANDS (DISEMBARKATION)-SAN CRISTOBAL-QUITO
The Geological Genesis of a Magical Archipelago
DISCOVERY This morning, cruise to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno for a Naturalist Guided Tour of the San Cristobal Interpretation centre. You'll learn about the Galapagos' fascinating volcanic origins, remote location, climate, and the arrival of diverse species that inspire both imagination and science.
This afternoon, you'll say farewell to the magical islands of Galapagos and fly to Quito. This evening, spend your free time relaxing or enjoy one of Quito's many fine restaurants. (B)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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