This extraordinary journey begins in Quito, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands and continues on to Peru's most stunning sites including Cuzco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. This is the perfect trip for individuals who want to combine natural history with Andean cultural heritage. You will begin with a day of cultural discovery in Quito where you will visit a number of heritage sites, dine with locals and enjoy Ecuadorian specialties. The following day, you will set out to explore the Galapagos Islands in the Lili Marleen luxury yacht. Your English-speaking naturalist guide will make your experience both fun and educational since you will have ample time to learn about the evolutionary and geological significance of the islands while still having the opportunity to relax, enjoy the warm Ecuadorian sun, and snorkel and swim in the pristine turquoise waters. During this once-in-a-life-time experience you will have the opportunity to view extraordinary wild life, many of them endemic, including species such as: the marine iguana, 7 species of lava lizards, two species of land iguanas, Galapagos sea lion, giant tortoise, Galapagos Fur Seal, Pacific green sea turtle, bottlenose dolphin, and over 100 species of birds. Some of the bird species include the blue-footed booby, brown pelican, masked booby, red-footed booby, frigate birds, Galapagos Hawk, lava gull, Galapagos dove and thirteen finch species made famous by Charles Darwin. Marine life is also abundant and those interested in snorkeling can view numerous species of fish and mammals including Galapagos fur seals, tropical fish, and manta rays. Since much of the islands existence has to do with relatively recent volcanic activity, visitors can have the opportunity to witness the slow creation of these islands and to observe lava flows as recent as 100 years.

The second portion of your journey will begin in Lima where you will visit the historical sites and the home of international renown "retablo" artist. The next day you fly to Cuzco, the heart of Tahuantinsuyo, Peru's pre-Colombian Empire where you will retrace the history of the longest inhabited city in the Americas with its magnificent churches and Inca temples like Coricancha and Sacsayhuman. You will have time to discover the Sacred Valley and see the town of Ollantaytambo where the inhabitants still live much the same way as the Quechuas did during the Inca times. You will travel by train following the course of the mighty Urubamba River and spend two magical days exploring Machu Picchu and its surrounding areas. The complex was so well hidden by the towering jungle covered ramparts of the Cordillera Vilcabamba that it was never discovered by the Spaniards. Machu Picchu preserves the most perfect picture of what the Inca world must have been like. However, much of its origins and purpose are lost in time.

DAY 02
QUITO: CULTURAL EXPLORATION AND TRADITIONAL CUISINE
Travel through spectacular mountain landscapes to experience the morning action at a weekly market of the highland Indians a traditional gathering of sights, sounds and colors. Share in the excitement. Photograph the people with rare fruits and herbs, and take back baskets, wooden spoons, brightly dyed sisal rope, pottery, ponchos and other handcrafts hard to pass up. Lunch at a typical restaurant and afternoon return to Quito.

For dinner enjoy real Ecuadorian cooking at a private residence. Your gracious hosts will be interested in knowing about you, exchanging ideas, or listening to local music while savoring delicious food and local drinks. Overnight in Quito. B,L,D

DAY 03
QUITO - GALAPAGOS (BALTRA)
The flight from Quito (via Guayaquil) to the Galapagos is approximately 2 hours on a Boeing 727. Upon arrival at Baltra travelers pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands and to pay the park entrance fee of $100 (unless prepaid). Guides will meet you, collect your luggage and escort you on the short bus ride to the harbor. Motorized rafts, called 'Pangas' will transport you to the Lili Marleen luxury yacht and our crew will welcome you onboard. After departure and lunch, you will visit the first island.

AFTERNOON: NORTH SEYMOUR (SEYMOUR NORTE) ISLAND
North Seymour is an uplifted (as opposed to volcanic) island and so is generally flat and strewn with boulders. There are good nesting sites here for a large population of magnificent frigate birds. Blue-footed boobies perform their courtship dance in the more open areas and swallow-tailed gulls perch on the cliff edges. Despite the tremendous surf that can pound the outer shore, sea lions drag themselves out of the sea onto the beach and can be found together with marine iguanas. BLD

Note: Each evening your naturalist guide will give a briefing on all aspects of the Galapagos and the next day's activity schedule.

DAY 04
MORNING: SAINTIAGO (SAN SALVADOR, JAMES) ISLAND SULLIVAN BAY
Sullivan Bay is a large area of pahoehoe (ropey) lava flows dating from an eruption in 1897. A walk over this glazed black rock gives the impression of still-molten lava, as every ripple, swirl, and bubble in its surface has been preserved. Only the occasional pioneering Mollugo plant gives a clue of the time needed for species to colonize such a landscape.

AFTERNOON: BARTOLOME (BARTHOLOMEW) ISLAND
Bartolome is a small island that has beautiful white sand beaches, luxuriant green mangroves and a colony of penguins. Activities will include swimming and snorkeling and a climb to the summit of the island for one of the most breathtaking views in all the Galapagos. From the summit you will have the best view of the often-photographed Pinnacle Rock. BLD

DAY 05
MORNING: ISABELA (ALBEMARLE) ISLAND URBINA BAY
Urbina Bay is an easy wet landing on a gentle sloping beach. This area is very interesting in that it is a perfect example of the geological activity of the islands. In 1954 over 3 miles (5 kilometers) of the marine reef at the edge of the shore were uplifted by 13 feet (4 meters).

AFTERNOON: FERNANDINA (NARBOROUGH) ISLAND PUNTA ESPINOSA
Fernandina is the youngest and most active volcano in the Galapagos with eruptions taking place every few years. The flat lava of Punta Espinosa offers a stark and barren landscape, but here flightless cormorants build their nests on the point, sea lions sprawl on the beach or play in the tide pools and marine iguanas dot the sand. BLD

DAY 06
MORNING: ISABELA (ALBEMARLE) ISLAND ELIZABETH BAY
At Elizabeth Bay enjoy a panga ride through the mangrove area to see the rays, turtles, sea lions, and, circling overhead, Galapagos hawks. A colony of penguins inhabit a rocky islet at the entrance to Elizabeth Bay.

AFTERNOON: ISABELA (ALBEMARLE) ISLAND PUNTA MORENO
Punta Moreno affords visitors the opportunity to see impressive 200 year old lava flows along with a small lagoons with bird life, such as flamingoes, frigates and pelicans. Sometimes in a panga ride along the shoreline it is possible to observe birds and marine iguanas. BLD

DAY 07
SANTA CRUZ (INDEFATIGABLE) ISLAND PUERTO AYORA TOWN
Santa Cruz and Floreana (see below) are the only inhabited island to be visited during this Galapagos cruise. Puerto Ayora, the main city on Santa Cruz with a population of about 10,000 people is the location of the Charles Darwin Research Station, world famous for its tortoise breeding programs. After touring the Station, journey by bus into the highlands to Los Gemelos the two deep pit craters situated in the Scalesia forest with lots of interesting bird life. Go for a walk through the giant lava tubes, visit the Tortoise Reserve to search for giant tortoises in their natural surroundings. There will be some free time to explore the town of Puerto Ayora on your own. BLD

DAY 08
MORNING: FLOREANA (SANTA MARIA,, CHARLES) ISLAND PUNTA CORMORANT
Punta Cormorant offers two highly contrasting beaches; the landing beach is of volcanic origin and is composed of olivine crystals, giving it a greenish tinge. At the end of the short trail is a carbonate beach of very fine white sand, formed by the erosion of coral skeletons; it is a nesting site for green sea turtles. Between these two beaches is a salt lagoon frequented by flamingoes, pintails, stilts, and other wading birds. An old eroded volcanic cone called Devil's Crown is a popular roosting site for seabirds such as boobies, pelicans, and frigates and it is not uncommon to see red-billed tropicbirds in rocky crevices. The center of the crown is an outstanding snorkeling spot full of sea lions and colorful fish.

AFTERNOON: FLOREANA (SANTA MARIA, CHARLES) ISLAND - POST OFFICE BAY
Floreana with its population of about 30 people has a colorful history of buccaneers, pirates, whalers, convicts, and colonists. In 1793 British whalers set up the Post Office barrel to send letters to and from England, and this tradition has continued over the years. BLD

DAY 09
MORNING: HOOD (ESPANOLA) ISLAND - GARDNER BAY
One of the oldest of the islands, Hood is small and flat with no visible volcanic crater or vent. Gardner Bay is on the eastern shore and has a magnificent beach. This beach is frequented by a transient colony of sea lions, and is a major nesting site for marine turtles. Around the small islets nearby, snorkelers will find lots of fish and sometimes turtles and sharks. On a trail leading to the western tip of the island you'll pass the only nesting sites in the Galapagos of the waved albatross, huge birds with a 6-foot wingspan. These huge birds nest here from April to December and represent the majority of the world's population of this species.

AFTERNOON: HOOD (ESPA OLA) ISLAND - PUNTA SUAREZ
Punta Suarez is one of the most outstanding wildlife areas of the archipelago, with a long list of species found along its cliffs and sand or pebble beaches. In addition to five species of nesting seabirds there are the curious and bold Hood Island mockingbirds, Galapagos doves and Galapagos hawks. Several types of reptiles, including the brilliantly colored marine iguana and the oversized lava lizard, are unique to this island. When heavy swells are running, Punta Suarez is also the site of a spectacular blowhole, with thundering spray shooting 30 yards into the air. BLD

DAY 10
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND - BLACK TURTLE COVE - BALTRA - GUAYAQUIL
The panga will take you into a tidal lagoon to see three kinds of mangrove plants, red, white and black. White-tipped sharks, spotted rays, mustard rays and Pacific marine turtles frequent the waters here.

Return to Baltra for flight out to Guayaquil. Transfer to hotel. Free afternoon and evening to relax, do laundry and pack for your second part of your journey. Overnight in Guayaquil. B

DAY 11
GUAYAQUIL - LIMA
Morning transfer to the airport for flight out. Arrive in Lima and transfer to hotel. Our welcoming lunch will be at the famous Senorio de Sulco, located in the Miraflores district. After lunch, you will visit the parks along the Barranco and Miraflores coast for a chance to photograph the coastline and the "Limeno" residents visiting the parks.

Later in the afternoon, you will visit the home of international renown "retablo" artists. Retablo is a sophisticated Andean folk art in the form of portable boxes filled with brightly colored figurines arranged into intricate narrative scenes. From the 16th to the 19th centuries, retablos were carried through the mountains by Spanish priests as portable religious shrines. Later, the retablos were adapted by the indigenous people to include their own deities and mythologies. Late afternoon return to hotel for overnight. BL

DAY 12
LIMA - CUZCO
Morning flight from Lima to Cuzco. Meet ARE representative and transfer to hotel to relax and acclimatize to altitude. At 11,200 feet above sea level, Cuzco is the heart of Tahuantinsuyo, Peru's pre- Colombian Empire. Cuzco today is the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America, a fascinating and colorful paradox of the past and the present. After lunch you will have a guided city tour.

Some of the sites you will visit in Cuzco include:

Santo Domingo.- This church is built over what once was the most magnificent temple in the Americas, Coricancha or Temple of the Sun. Its courtyards were filled with life-sized gold and silver representations of all the flora and fauna of the Empire. Pizarro's men looted the temple as part of Inca Atahualpa royal ransom who was held prisoner in Cajamarca by the Spaniards and later killed. An earthquake destroyed the Santo Domingo church in 1950 revealing the Inca walls that were hidden or plastered over. These walls of the Temple of the Sun are the finest example of Inca stonework in existence.

The Cathedral.- The church is located in the northeast side of the Plaza de Armas, built in 1550. It contains over four hundred XII century paintings done by the members of the renowned Cusco School. The Lord of the Earthquakes altar weights over 52 pounds and is made of solid gold and studded with precious stones. The main altar is covered with sheets of silver.

Plaza de Armas.- Called Huacaypata by the Quechuas, signifies cry or moan, and originated in the expressions of reverence and submission with which the religious or military ceremonies were carried out in this place. Colonial arcades, remains of ancient Inca temples and churches, today surround the plaza.

Sacsayhuaman.- Located two kilometers from the city of Cuzco, the immense walls of the complex made up of huge stones distributed in a zigzag pattern in three platforms with an average of 1,181ft in length. These platforms are connected by flights of stairs and doorways also in stone; one of these is 29 feet tall and 15 feet wide and weighs more than 100 tons. The largest stone block found in Sacsayhuaman stands 27.88 feet high and weighs 361 tons. Inca Pachacuti employed 20,000 men for the construction of the complex and it took approximately 50 years to complete. You will also visit the sites of Qenco and Tambomachay. Overnight at hotel in Cuzco. BD

DAY 13
PISAQ - OLLANTAYTAMBO
In the morning you will drive to the village of Pisaq located 20 miles from Cuzco and on the banks of the Vilcanota River. Pisaq is a very picturesque town famous for it's Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday indigenous market. You will have a chance to visit with locals, take photos, do some shopping or just take in this memorable experience. Later in the day, you will travel to the ruins of Pisaq. These ruins are located on a mountain top, 2 1/2 miles away from town and are surrounded by some of the most impressive Inca terraces in all of Peru. The terraces are still being used for farming today. In the afternoon, you will travel to Ollantaytambo. The most fascinating aspect of this town is visitors have the opportunity to see how the Quechuas lived their lives during the Inca times. The walls, homes, canals and streets have survived intact despite the rigors of time and the Spanish conquest. To reach the fortress overlooking the town, one must walk up some very steep steps (over 200) that make up part of the fortified terracing used for the protection of the complex. The Spaniards lost a battle here and never conquered this area in battle. The most magnificent aspect of this ruins are the six huge stones located at the top of the complex in the Temple of the Sun. This site was never completed. Afternoon drive back to Cuzco for overnight. BL

DAY 14
Machu Picchu
Early morning transfer from hotel to train station to board the train to Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is located in the highland jungle of the Urubamba River. The complex is so well hidden by the towering jungle covered ramparts of the Cordillera Vilcabamba that it was never discovered by the Spaniards. Machu Picchu preserves the most perfect picture of what the Inca world must have been like. Its origins and purpose are lost in time. Overnight at hotel in Aguas Calientes. BL

DAY 15
MACHU PICCHU - CUZCO
Morning spent around Aguas Calientes to photograph the market and town or back up at the ruins, continuing your exploration of the forests around the famous complex. You will have the option of retracing the Inca Trail for as far as you like in order to photograph the cloud forest surrounding the complex of Machu Picchu from a high vantage point. After lunch, the you will retrace your route to Urubamba Valley by train and travel to the city of Cuzco. Overnight at hotel in Cuzco. B

DAY 16
Cuzco - Lima - USA
Morning transfer to airport for flight to Lima. Transfer to hotel and day room. Farewell lunch and last minute shopping. Evening transfer to airport for flight out. End of services. B,L

Cost per person
High Season - Call for pricing
Low Season - Call for pricing
Call for pricing for suites and deluxe cabins on the Lili Marleen.

High Season
Jan 01-May 04
June 16-Aug 31
Nov 01-Nov 30
Dec 16-Dec 31

Low Season
May 05-June 15
Sept 01-Oct 31
Dec 01-Dec 15

TRIP DIFFICULTY: Journey requires moderate walking along trails and sufficient mobility to board small boats in variable land and sea conditions. In the Galapagos several islands require "wet landings" meaning passengers must step out of a small zodiac in shallow water in order to reach the beach. Passengers are not required to go out on every outing and have the option to remain on board the large boat to relax. Travelers with heart conditions and high blood pressure should consult their physician before traveling at high altitude (Cuzco and Sacred Valley).

INCLUDES: All hotel accommodations based on double occupancy. Meals as specified in the itinerary, entrance fees, transfers, and English speaking guides. B=Breakfast; L= Lunch; D=Dinner.

NOT INCLUDED: Does not include International airfares, airfare to Galapagos (approx. $390), Peru domestic airfare (approx. $180), Galapagos park fee ($100) airport departure taxes or visa fees, meals not specified, tips and gratuities, excess baggage charges, alcoholic beverages, insurance of any kind.

INSURANCE: ARE highly recommends that our travelers take out insurance. We offer travel insurance to our clients.