The Andean Highlands & The Galapagos Islands: Aboard Isabela II

Depart from U.S. to Quito, Ecuador. (2 Nights)

Nestled in a high Andean valley 9,350 feet above sea level, Quito is just 14 miles south of the equator and was declared the first “Cultural World Heritage Site” by UNESCO in 1978. City tour of Quito’s wonderfully preserved colonial section, including the graceful plazas and arcades. Then, drive north towards the town of Otavalo in the northern Sierra. Stop at the Equator Monument. Visit one of the most important rose plantations of the area and learn about the cultivation and exportation of roses. Lunch at the rose plantation. Proceed to Hacienda Cusín, a restored, 17th- century estate in the Ecuadorian Sierra. (2 Nights)

Spend the morning at one of South America’s most famous indigenous markets, Otavalo, a market that dates back to pre-Inca times. Later visit the Condor Park, home to the majestic Andean Condor, or saddle up for a horse back-ride amongst the beauty of the Ecuadorian highlands.

Explore the fertile Valley of Otavalo, from its landscapes of mountains, lakes, cornfields, and flower plantations. Visit Cuicocha Crater Lake that lies within a large caldera created by a volcanic eruption. Then visit Indian communities to see artisans at work. Lunch is at the historic 18th century Hacienda Pinsaquí that once hosted such illustrious guests as Simón Bolívar. Continue to Puembo for overnight. (1 Night)

Fly this morning to Baltra Island in the center of the Galápagos Archipelago and board the M/V Isabela II. In the afternoon disembark on North Santa Cruz Island for a great introduction to the Galápagos. (4 Nights)

Land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as an informal post office in the archipelago for over two centuries. Snorkeling is off the beach. At Punta Cormorant, an olivine-crystal beach, observe many bird species including the American flamingo. On the other side of the island, come to a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night to nest.

Outing at Punta Suarez on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the Galápagos albatross, boobies, swallow-tail gulls, mockingbirds, and the famous “blowhole”. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas. Observe Galápagos sea lions, finches, maybe a hawk or just enjoy the white coral beach. There is great snorkeling in this area, or else there’s time to kayak or enjoy the glass-bottom boat.

The trail that ascends from the beach provides spectacular views and is the only site in the Galápagos where the three species of boobies can be found together, joined by the two frigate bird species plus a colony of bachelor sea lions. Opportunities to swim, kayak or snorkel from the beach or hop onto the panga for a ride along the coast. In the afternoon, visit Cerro Brujo’s expansive, white coral lined beach, great for walking, and birdwatching with sea lions also present. These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon back in September 1835.

After breakfast disembark at San Cristóbal Island and transfer to the airport for a flight back to Guayaquil. Afternoon at leisure. Farewell dinner. (1 Night)

Transfer to the Guayaquil Airport for flight to the U.S.

Discover the breathtaking Lost City of the Inca, Machu Picchu. Flight to Cusco, the capital city of the Inca Empire, transfer to the Urubamba Valley for overnight stay. Explore the massive fortress of Sacsayhuamán, and other Inca ruins around Cusco. In the afternoon, stop at the colorful native market in Pisac. The next day a dramatic train ride through the Urubamba Valley takes us to the enchanting and mystical site of Machu Picchu. On the return spend two nights in Cusco. This is a 5-night, 6-day post-trip extension (one night in Lima at the Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Airport hotel and four nights in the highlands.)