Discover one of South America's most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites recently declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Few places can compare to the 'Lost City of the Incas', one of the most beautiful and enigmatic sites in the world. Visit the Inca's breath-taking 'Citadel in the Clouds' ringed by green-clad mountain peaks.
The adventure continues with a three-night stay in the Galápagos Islands - an open-air wildlife museum that stirs the explorer within everyone. The archipelago, located about 600 miles west of mainland Ecuador, is home to an astonishing variety of endemic species — enough to inspire a theory that would change the world — and proves an irresistible destination for adventurers and nature-lovers to this day.
Special Note: As this is an active program that takes place at high altitudes and we strongly recommend that all guests should consult with their physician regarding their ability to participate prior to signing up.
DAY 1 - Saturday, March 18th, 2023
Following disembarkation from the ship in Pisco, transfer to the airport for a flight to Cusco. A box lunch is included for approximate 5-hour journey.
Upon arrival in Cusco, enjoy a panoramic tour of the first capital of the Inca Empire. Pass the sacred site of Koricancha. Here, the Dominican Convent of Santo Domingo was built on the foundations of the Temple of the Sun; possibly the most sacred site of the Inca Empire. The curved, mortar-less masonry wall at the west end of the church is considered to be one of the greatest existing examples of Inca stonework.
You will also see the Cusco Cathedral. One of the finest examples of Spanish colonial churches in the Americas, the Baroque style church was built during the late-16th century and took 100 years to complete.
Dinner and overnight at the J.W. Marriott El Convento Hotel.
NOTE: All of the rooms at the J.W. Marriott have an oxygen enriched system to help you acclimate to the altitude. This upgrade service has been included in this package.
DAY 2 – Sunday, March 19th, 2023
After breakfast, drive to the train station and board the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes. This comfortable train features large panoramic windows for excellent viewing of the passing landscape.
Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, drive to the entrance of Machu Picchu and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Then explore the famous “Lost City of the Incas". Constructed under the direction of the Inca emperor Pachacuti in the 15th century, Machu Picchu was abandoned less than 100 years later, its population probably devastated by smallpox. Because the Spanish conquistadors never found this hidden city, Bingham found it largely intact.
Once inside the citadel, architectural highlights include the Temple of the Sun, designed much like the one in Cusco, several other temples, hundreds of terraces, and a mysterious carved stone situated on a raised platform that towers above the plaza. The stone may have been used for astronomical observations, but no one knows for certain. The Inca had no written language, so there is no record of Machu Picchu’s ultimate purpose. Scholars are still striving to uncover clues as to its mysteries.
After visiting Machu Picchu, board the Vistadome Train back towards Cusco. Upon arriving in Ollantaytambo, return to your hotel for the evening and dinner on your own.
DAY 3 – Monday, March 20th, 2023
After breakfast, transfer to the Cusco airport for a flight to Guayaquil via Lima. Access to the VIP Lounge in the Lima Airport is included.
Upon pick up at the airport, enjoy a panoramic tour of Guayaquil passing some of its more important highlights such as “Malecon 2000”, “Parque Bolivar”, “La Rotonda”, “Cerro Santa Ana” and “Las Peñas”.
Located on the banks of the Guayas River, Guayaquil is Ecuador’s commercial and industrial center and its second largest city, with about 3 million inhabitants. Its strong culture and traditions stand in amazing contrast to the modernity of its new constructions while its harbor, “Puerto Maritimo”, is the main seaport of the country and is where 80% of the country’s imports and more than 50% of its exports are handled.
Dinner is included at your hotel.
DAY 4 –Tuesday, March 21st, 2023
After enjoying breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Galapagos.
Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, a Galapagos Naturalist Guide will welcome the group and help with luggage and guidance towards a public bus that will drive towards the Itabaca Channel. Next board a public ferry for a 5-minute crossing of the azure waters of the channel towards Santa Cruz. On Santa Cruz, board a private vehicle to transfer to Puerto Ayora on the other side of the island. Driving through the rural areas of the island, you will experience the agriculture of the archipelago as well as the diversity of its flora. Surrounded by wild landscapes and different species, keep a lookout for the finches that are famous for being the basis of Darwin´s theory of evolution.
Lunch will be served at a local venue in the highlands.
During your visit to the Santa Cruz Highlands, watch the famous Galapagos land tortoises in their natural environment and learn how the private ranches aid to protect these special animals. You can hear their sounds while they are trying to eat the leaves of the trees or crashing through the undergrowth. Tortoises of all different ages and sizes gather here: small young ones with shining carapaces, and older ones which are a little bit more laggard and cracks in their shells showing evidence of a long life. While seeking the giant tortoises, your local guide will share the story of the origin the lava tunnels located at this area. Formed by the lava floods of the volcanoes, they range from the highlands down to the sea level.
Next, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and its famous residents within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation, and the National Park administration in the islands.
Gain insight into the huge efforts being made by scientists, guides, rangers and park managers to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Charles Darwin Research Station is also part of the "Centro de Crianza Fausto Llerena" which is the breeding center for the tortoises. Tortoises are raised here in the care of researchers and then when ready re-introduced into their natural environment.
Continue to your hotel for check-in and dinner.
DAY 5 –Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023
Today take a full day boat tour to one of the nearby Islands. The island chosen for the day is subject to confirmation by Galapagos National Park Management much closer to the program operation date. This government institution assigns the island tours based on technical ecological analysis and is dependent on the number of groups visiting the area at the same time. Oceania Cruises nor our local ground operator can control which programs are chosen for each day. Start times vary from 6:00am – 8:30am depending on the program.
Island Tours:
BARTOLOME:
Experience a day in paradise with beautiful white beaches, outer space ambient, clear water, and observe as many native animals start their day.
On the two-hour boat trip breakfast is served while watching the sunrise at sea. There may be an opportunity to observe dolphins and other marine residents very close to the boat in the early hours.
Landing in Bartolome, approximately 300 steps lead up through the moon-like landscape to the highest point of the island. The reward is an amazing view over the islands Santiago, North Seymour, Baltra, Santa Cruz and Rábida. Also in view is Chinese Hat Island, as well as the well-known Pinnacle Rock, which is all that remains of an ancient volcano. The rock is home to a large quantity of sea birds and is the most photographed landscape in the Galapagos Islands.
After changing clothes for a beach visit, board the dinghy-ride for a short ride to Sullivan Bay for snorkeling. Those who don't wish to snorkel may stay on the dinghy to search among the rocks for the diminutive Galapagos Penguin. Back at the beach enjoy some time to relax or swim. The shallow sea invites you to go swimming and snorkeling while we search for Galapagos penguins, sharks, starfish, rays, sea turtles and other exotic and colorful fish. Enjoy the diversity of native residents such as marine iguanas, sea lions, pelicans, and more. After this amazing adventure, lunch is served on the return journey.
SEYMOUR AND BACHAS:
This tour offers the golden chance to get to know Seymour Island and Bachas beach. During the 1-hour boat navigation to Seymour Island, observe the slow awakening of the archipelago as the day begins.
Disembark your boat and board a dinghy for a ride along the rocky coast near a small forest consisting of gray and silver Palo Santo (Holy Stick) trees, which are without leaves for most of the year. Seymour is famous for its large colonies of birds. The unique male frigate birds with their inflated red pouches attract females during breeding season, and the famous Galapagos blue-footed boobies can be observed as well. Other highlights of this excursion are a beach with small cliffs, seagulls, many sea lions, marine iguanas and pelicans, most only an arm's length away.
A freshly cooked lunch consists of two courses and is served on the boat. After lunch, your boat navigates to Bachas beach along the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. Take a short hike to the flamingo pond just behind the beach, and afterwards refresh with swimming and snorkeling at this isolated paradise beach with white sand and turquoise waters. Sea lions, rays, sea turtles, and tropical fish may join in our underwater experience!
PLAZAS AND PUNTA CARRION:
Board a boat and cruise to South Plaza Island. The island welcomes travelers with a bright colorful red and green carpet of sesuvio, an endemic plant, spread over the Island, as well as the loud, friendly barking of several sea lion families which have settled down on the shore of the channel between North and South Plaza Islands where your boat anchors. The turquoise water of the ocean juxtaposes perfectly with the white shining beaches and the black lava rocks of the coast.
The hike is easy and goes alongside relaxing sea lions and land iguanas which can be found on most parts of the island. The trail leads to the highest cliff where swallow-tailed gulls cross the air screaming. Here lie the sea lions which could not persist against their competitors climbing up the almost vertical wall. At the same time, tropical birds, blue-footed boobies, and other marine frigate birds glide gently in the wind. We suggest guests bring along binoculars in order to get an extraordinary close view of these animals, as well as the other marine life. The view from the highest point over the ocean and the powerful waves breaking at the cliffs is an experience that visitors will not forget.
Afterwards, the trip continues to Punta Carrion, where lunch is served on board the boat. This is a great spot to snorkel and swim among rays, sharks, and hundreds of colorful tropic fish.
SANTA FE:
Formed by uplifting, rather than by a volcano, Santa Fe is known for having one of the most beautiful coves in all the Galapagos. Some of the island’s endemic species include the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, land iguanas, various types of finches, and the Galapagos mockingbird. The visit includes a hike on a trail past salt bushes where Galapagos hawks as well as the Santa Fe land iguanas tend to roam. Playful sea lions will usually accompany swimmers and snorkelers during beach time.
FLOREANA:
Navigate to the small town of Puerto Velasco Ibarra located on the Floreana Island (approximately 2.5 hours from Santa Cruz). Upon arrival, take local transportation known as “Chiva” to start a 30-minute ride up to the highlands of Floreana Island. The chiva will ascend a dirt road surrounded by typical dry vegetation which transforms into a lush, green vegetation as you gain elevation. In this area, you will also find some farms with banana, coffee, cacao, and other tropical plantations. The short drive will end at the “pampada” from where you will start a beautiful walk to observe the typical flora of the area. Along the way you will also encounter some giant Galapagos tortoises. Continue to the place known as “Asilo de la Paz” (Peace Asylum), a historical place where the German Wittmer family settled down when they arrived to Floreana in 1932. Observe the caves used as their home before moving to the place which is now known as Puerto Velasco Ibarra. Back in town, enjoy lunch prepared in a small, local restaurant.
Next, walk to “La Loberia”, a beautiful bay. The main attraction is the presence of a small colony of sea lions. There is also a great chance to observe marine iguanas resting on the rocks, and in the waters of the bay we may be able to see marine turtles.
ISABELA:
This morning, sail to the town of Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island (approximately 3 hours from Santa Cruz). Upon arrival, visit the Isabela Tortoise Breading and Interpretation Center where your guide will explain the different activities developed by the National Park to protect the fragile environment. Here, you will also find Giant Galapagos Tortoises of different species and sizes.
Afterwards, walk to the place known as “Humedales” (Wetlands). The walk follows a well-maintained path from which you can observe this beautiful place composed by lagoons and rocks and surrounded by four species of mangroves and typical trees of the area. In the lagoons you can observe flamingos and migratory birds.
After lunch at a local restaurant, visit "Las Tintoreras”, a scenic area where you will find colonies of marine iguanas, sea lions, and many sharks known as Tintoreras (White-tipped sharks) resting in the channels formed by lava flows. Later, you can do some snorkeling, perhaps in the company of sea lions, penguins and marine turtles.
Regardless of the program selected for the day, your trip ends with a late afternoon return and dinner at your hotel.
Please Note:
Boat tours may be shared with independent guests
Boat sailing during the navigable day tour is usually rough and due to sea conditions, may take longer than 2 hours. The islands to be visited are determined at the sole discretion of the Galapagos National Park Management.
DAY 6 –Thursday, March 23rd, 2023
This day will be similar to Day 2 but with a different island visited. As with Day 2, the island visited is subject to confirmation closer to program operation.
Your day trip ends with a late afternoon return and dinner at your hotel.
DAY 7 –Friday, March 24th, 2023
After breakfast, transfer to the Baltra airport for a flight to Guayaquil. On the way to the airport, make a short stop to see the Twin Craters.
Upon arrival to the Guayaquil airport, transfer to Manta and the ship. A box lunch is provided for the journey.
Land Program Step by Step:
Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1
9:25am Transfer to the airport (We suggest flying with a carry-on only). Box lunch en route
2:25pm Arrive to the airport and check-in
4:25pm Flight (Airline and flight number TBA and subject to change) to Cusco
5:46pm Arrive to Cusco
6:15pm Panoramic tour of Cusco by night
6:45pm Check in to the hotel
Dinner and overnight at the J.W. Marriott El Convento or similar hotel
DAY 2
5:50am Buffet breakfast at the hotel
6:35am Drive to the train station to board train to Aquas Calientes
8:20am Board Vistadome Train (time subject to change)
8:53am Vistadome Train to Aguas Calientes
10:29am Walk to bus station
10:45am Bus drive to Machu Picchu Citadel
11:15am Lunch at local restaurant
12:30pm Guided visit of the Citadel
3:15pm Bus drive back to Aguas Calientes
3:45pm Walk to train station
4:22pm Vistadome Train return trip (time subject to change)
6:00pm Drive back to the hotel
8:10pm Arrive to the hotel. Remainder of the evening is at leisure (dinner on your own)
Overnight at the J.W. Marriott El Convento or similar hotel
DAY 3
5:35am Buffet breakfast at the hotel
6:35am Drive to the Cusco Airport
6:53am Arrive to the airport and check-in
8:53am Flight (Airline and flight number TBA and subject to change) to Lima
10:20am Arrive to the Lima Airport (access to VIP Lounge)
12:50pm Flight (Airline and flight number TBA and subject to change) to Guayaquil
3:05pm Arrive to Guayaquil
3:45pm Panoramic tour of Guayaquil
Dinner and overnight at the Hilton Colon or similar hotel
DAY 4
6:30am Breakfast at the hotel
7:15am Transfer to the Guayaquil Airport
7:30am Arrive to the airport and check in
9:24am Flight to Baltra (Airline and flight number TBA and subject to change)
10:21am Arrive to Baltra and transfer to Santa Cruz Island
12:00pm Lunch and visit the highlands of Santa Cruz Island
3:30pm Transfer to the Charles Darwin Research Station
4:30pm Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station
5:30pm Transfer to the hotel and check in
Dinner and overnight at the Finch Bay Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 5
7:00am Breakfast at the hotel or onboard the boat (depending on the navigable tour)
7:30am Transfer to the dock
8:30am Navigable tour
1:00pm Lunch onboard or in a seated venue (depends on the visited island)
3:30pm Navigate back to the dock and transfer to the hotel
Dinner and overnight at the Finch Bay Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 6
7:00am Breakfast at the hotel or onboard the boat (depending on the navigable tour)
7:30am Transfer to the dock
8:30am Navigable tour
1:00pm Lunch onboard or in a seated venue (depends on the visited island)
3:30pm Navigate back to the dock and transfer to the hotel
Dinner and overnight at the Finch Bay Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 7
6:30am Breakfast at the hotel
7:00am Transfer to the airport with a short stop at the Twin Craters
7:45am Visit the Twin Craters
9:00am Arrive to the Baltra Airport and check in
10:03am Flight to Guayaquil (Airline and flight number TBA and subject to change)
12:56pm Arrive to the Guayaquil Airport
1:30pm Transfer to Manta (box lunch)
5:00pm Arrive to the port of Manta and re-embark the ship
Expected Weather: Average temperature in the highlands is 65ºF (18°C) max /43ºF (6°C) min while in Lima it is 80ºF (26°C) max/68ºF (20°C) min.
The Galapagos Islands have a subtropical climate regulated by the cold Humboldt Current and the warm El Nino current. Weather varies during the year. From December until May temperatures range from the low 80°s (26 C°) to the high 90°s (32°) (with possibilities of rain). From June to September temperatures vary from the low 60°s (15 C°) to the high 70°s (21°). This is the garua season (mist in the mornings). From October until December temperatures range from the 70°s (15 C°) to the 80°s (26 C°) (dry season).
What to Bring:
MACHU PICCHU
• Bring comfortable, casual clothing in natural, “breathable” fabrics. Temperatures will change as altitudes and the time changes, so it’s best to bring shorts, as well as long trousers and layered clothing. Religious sites require conservative dress. Both males and females should cover their arms, legs and shoulders.
• Local standards dictate a neat, clean outfit for dining in restaurants and touring urban areas. For men: long trousers and a shirt with a collar. For ladies: trousers or a knee-length (or longer) skirt with a modest top. Formal clothing is not necessary.
• A sweater or lightweight jacket for the cooler evening temperatures.
• A lightweight (preferably non-plastic) raincoat or poncho, and an umbrella.
• Comfortable walking shoes with low or no heels. Sandals may not be comfortable for some sightseeing activities.
• Sunglasses with a strap, sun block, a sunhat, and insect repellent.
• Walking sticks are prohibited in Machu Picchu except for passengers with mobility problems.
GALAPAGOS
It is not necessary to carry much to the Galapagos, pack light and pack smart. Lightweight, fast drying materials are recommended (many synthetics; merino wool – consult your local outdoor gear shop)
•Cotton pants
•Shorts
•T-shirts
•Long sleeved shirt
•A windbreaker or light sweater for evening or early morning
•Hat: preferably that cover the ears
•Lots of sunscreen lotion
•Shoes: you will have dry landings (step directly from the dinghy onto dry land) and wet landings (wade to shore from the dinghy through shallow water). You can either bring one pair of “hybrid” shoes that are good for walking and getting wet (Keens are great; Chacos and Tevas work as well), or one set of footwear for getting wet (sandals or water shoes) and one pair to bring ashore in a backpack for hiking (light hikers or sneakers)
•Sunglasses (with strap)
•An extra pair of prescription glasses (if needed)
•Small backpack to carry on land visits for your camera and water)
•Plastic bag to keep your camera or photographic equipment dry
•Snorkeling gear (not essential)
•Wetsuit (not essential – maybe provided by boat or can be rented in the islands)
•Rash guard
•Medications (anything you might be using while your cruise)
•Trasderm scoop or tablets (if you are prone to sea sickness)
•with your physician
•Binoculars
•If you wear glasses, it is a good idea to bring contact lenses for diving and snorkeling
•Insect repellent
•On board the ships snorkeling gear will be available for all passengers. If you use a fin size smaller than 6-7 or bigger than 10-11, please inquire in advance.
Local Currency:
Peru’s currency is the Sol (S/.). The exchange rate with the U.S. dollar varies, although the current exchange rate is approximately S/. 3.30 per 1 US dollar. Some venues accepted U.S. dollars.
Ecuador’s local currency is the US Dollar
Electricity:
Peru: The current is 220 volts AC. In most hotel bathrooms, there is an electrical outlet with 110 volts for electric shavers, but this should not be used for travel irons or hair dryers. Most hotel rooms are equipped with hairdryers and adaptors.
Ecuador: Ecuador uses 110-volt, 60 cycle electricity, same as the US. Plugs are typically the 2-pronged flat type so US travelers will not typically need a converter or adapter. In case needed, hotels can provide adaptors.
Luggage information:
On all flights you may check one piece of luggage weighing 23Kg (50 pounds) per person and one carry-on of 7Kg (15 pounds) per person. Excess luggage will be subject to fees imposed by the airline and will be the responsibility of each guest – payable to the airline when checking in for your flights.
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)
1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)
3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via the Reservations Team at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which the cruise line nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
Please note that passport holders are responsible for obtaining the required documentation applicable for entry. Passports must be valid for at least six (6) months after completion of your journey and should also have sufficient blank pages for visas and immigrations stamps. Guests should check with their local Embassy for any Visa stipulations for their nationality and ensure that proper documentation is obtained if necessary.
VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.
Failure to have the required documents ahead of time or incorrect names on flight tickets will result in either denial of travel or ticket re-purchase and guests will be responsible for any fees incurred.
Hotel addresses:
J.W. Marriott El Convento Hotel
Esquina de la Calle Ruinas 432 y San Agustín, Cusco, Peru
Phone: +51 84 582200
Hilton Colon Guayaquil
Av. Francisco de Orellana Mz. 111, Guayaquil 090512
Finch Bay Hotel Galapagos
Barrio Punta Estrada, Puerto Ayora
Program Includes for guests:
•2 nights in a Classic Inca room with oxygen enriched system at JW Marriott Hotel in Cusco on a bed & breakfast basis
•1 night in a Deluxe Room at Hilton Colon Hotel in Guayaquil on a bed & breakfast basis
•3 nights in a Finch Bay Room at the Finch Bay Hotel a full board basis (from dinner on the first day in the Galapagos until breakfast on the last day in the Galapagos)
•English-speaking licensed guides
•Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
•Round Trip Vistadome Train Ollantaytambo / Machu Picchu / Ollantaytambo
•Gratuities for luggage porterage and restaurants
•Meals as described in the itinerary
•1 glass of local wine or beer, 1 water or soft drink, and 1 hot beverage with lunches and dinners (excepting boxed meals)
•Bottled water on coaches
•Airport transfers
•Economy class Domestic and International flights per the itinerary
•Galapagos National Park taxes and entrance fees
Program Excludes for guests:
•Drinks and meals not mentioned above
•Personal expenses and hotel incidentals such as laundry, room service, phone calls, and minibar
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Excess or overweight luggage fees
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.
Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability.
