Your Itinerary
Welcome to Lima!
Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers today.
Legendary Lima
Today, your Local Guide focuses on the city’s colonial heritage during a walking tour. Start at the Plaza de Armas to see the Government Palace and the cathedral. From here, stroll to the venerable San Francisco Monastery with its splendid 17th-century cloister murals. For a special treat, [LF] stop at a local food market to get a real taste of life for the local people. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow traveling companions at one of Lima’s finest historic homes, Casa Garcia Alvarado. (B,D) LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Stop for a real taste of Peru at a local market. Sample some of the local fruits and vegetable that aren’t found in other parts of the world. You can also find spices, meats, seafood, and even a souvenir or two. And you’ll definitely want to take some photos of the beautiful, brightly hued displays.
Empire of the Andes
Fly to Cusco, the impressive Andean city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Head into the Sacred Valley of the Incas where you will enjoy a special lunch prepared exclusively for Globus guests at a private location. Here, experience an [LF] El Pago a la Tierra, or Mother Earth Ceremony, performed by a local shaman. Continue to Pisaq, an old mountain village, where you will have free time to shop for local wares, such as alpaca sweaters and blankets, jewelry, or Hand-painted ornamental dishes and vases at its famous market. Stay in the Sacred Valley tonight, with dinner at the hotel. (B,L,D)LOCAL FAVORITECULTURE & TRADITION Feel the earth, smell the coca leaves, and taste the chicha today as you make payment to Mother Earth. Participate in an El Pago a la Tierra, an ancient ceremony led by a shaman thanking Mother Earth and asking for good health, wealth, and safe travels. These mystical ceremonies have been practiced in Peru since before the arrival of the Incas.
SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHU
Mystery on the Mountain
This morning, visit the Inca Fortress of Ollantaytambo, followed by [LF] a visit to a local home, meet some of the area’s families, and experience their way of life in the Sacred Valley. Then, board the Vistadome train for a scenic journey through the lush Urubamba Valley. Upon arrival, ascend the mountainside to legendary Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.” Your Local Guide will introduce this intact fortress with its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct, and will bring you closer to the mysteries still hidden in these amazing structures. Tonight, learn how to make the perfect Pisco Sour at a Peruvian cooking demonstration before your included dinner. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITE TIMELESS TRADITIONS Today, you are invited into a local family’s home in the Sacred Valley. Learn about their traditions like weaving that has been passed down for centuries from ancestors. See how they cook, live, sleep, work, and maybe ask about the cuy (guinea pigs), they keep in their house. TOUR HIGHLIGHT ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT The Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, named one of South America’s best hotels and the recipient of the Rainforest Alliance sustainability certification is located at the foot of the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu near the beautiful Vilcanota River, and offers impressive views of the mountains and landscapes. A hotel with a contemporary Andean style inspired by the ancient Peruvian cultures, offering personalized luxury service and innovative Peruvian cuisine. Offering regional gastronomy experiences, the Sumaq uses local ingredients in partnership with communities located high in the Andes, such as Quishuarcancha, Parcaraqui, and Huatata in Chinchero, as well as the small community of Ccorca that is home to fewer than 200 people.
Here Comes the Sun
A morning at leisure in Machu Picchu allows you to wake up early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu with your second included entrance to the ruins. After lunch, return to the Sacred Valley by train and continue to Cusco. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORY & MYSTERY Staying overnight in Machu Picchu allows you to get up early and experience the ruins at their most pristine before the crowds arrive. Watch as the mist slowly burns off and the sun rays illuminate the ruins. While you are there, you may even want to try and get a selfie with one of the local llamas or alpacas!
Sun Worship & Spanish Conquests
On your guided sightseeing tour of Cusco today, learn more about the Inca and Spanish influence. Begin at the heart of Cusco in the Plaza de Armas (main square), with a visit to the imposing Cathedral, where construction began in 1550 and was finally completed 100 years later. During your city tour, you will be greeted by an Inca king, so have your cameras ready! Continue to Koricancha and the Santo Domingo Monastery, where the two sites have become one. See the ancient site of Puca Pucara before the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, perched on a hillside overlooking Cusco. The remainder of your day is free to explore at your leisure. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC PASSAGES The Temple of the Sun at Koricancha was once the most important Inca site, dedicated to the worship of the Sun. The walls, altars, and decorations were all said to be covered in gold—until the Spaniards looted the temple and then built the contrasting Baroque Santo Domingo Monastery on top of the temple’s foundations. Also visit the semi-circular Kenko Temple with its stone altars and labyrinth of passages.TOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDARY LIVES Built in the 15th century by the Incas, the Temple of Sacsayhuaman complex is considered to be one of the Inca’s greatest architectural creations. It is believed the site was originally constructed as a ceremonial site and later a fortress when the Spanish invaded. It remains unfathomable how and when this fortress of gigantic stones—with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons—was built. During your guided tour, learn some of the theories on how the massive stones used were carved, carried, and placed.
CUSCO–SILLUSTANI–JULIACA–PUNO (LAKE TITICACA)
Ruins & Real Life in Peru
Board a flight to Juliaca, where you will continue to the ruins of Sillustani en route. At this pre-Incan burial ground, see where the ancient Aymaras buried their high priests in chullpas—above-ground, cylinder-shaped tombs dating back to the 1400s. While here, [LF] spend some time with the Locals at home and gain a better understanding of their lives. Continue to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world at 12,500 feet and is located in both Peru and Bolivia. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITECULTURE & TRADITION Get an authentic look at the lives of locals in Juliaca. Visit a family home where they share traditions in cooking, working, and living in the tradition of Peruvian generations. TOUR HIGHLIGHTTIMELESS TRADITIONS Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world at 12,500 feet and is located in both Peru and Bolivia. The indigenous people who live here still practice ancient ways of life.
PUNO. EXCURSION TO LAKE TITICACA
Life on the Lake
Today, take a motorboat trip to some of the more unique islands of Lake Titicaca. Start with Taquile Island, which was once part of the Inca Empire and was one of the last areas of Peru to be conquered by Spain in the 16th century. The Spanish banned traditional dress on the island, which is why the Spanish peasant dress can still be found today. Next, travel to the fascinating Uros Islands, home to the Uros Indians, who were forced to live on the lake as the Inca Indians pushed farther into their territory. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEMS The manmade Uros Islands are found floating in the middle of the lake are completely made by totora reeds and are continually added to as they disintegrate to the bottom of the lake. During your visit here, see the locals' boats and homes which are also made from reed. Over 1000 Uros still live on the 100 plus islands that remain to this day.
Hasta Luego, Lake Titicaca
Depart for Juliaca this morning for a return flight to Lima. (B)
LIMA–PARACAS. BALLESTAS ISLANDS CRUISE & NAZCA LINES
Islands & Enigmas
Enjoy a scenic drive south along the Pan-American Highway to the Bay of Paracas. Embark on a cruise out to the Ballestas Islands, which are inhabited by a wide variety of sea mammals and exotic birds, including blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and Humboldt penguins. The huge Candelabro, a candelabra-shaped etching on the Paracas cliffside, can also be seen as you cruise back to shore. Continue to the town of Pisco, the wine capital of Peru. Have your camera handy today as you board your aircraft for flightseeing over the Nazca plains, which can only be appreciated by air. Dating back to 500 BC, these geoglyphs etched into the ground consist of over 10,000 lines depicting plants and animals Enjoy dinner this evening at your hotel. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDS & LORE Take a flight above the plains for a bird’s-eye-view of the Nazca Lines. Your pilot will point out these mysterious markings, a series of drawings of animals and geometric figures etched into the parched soil—some up to 1,000 feet long! Theories vary, but the most accepted belongs to German mathematician Maria Reiche, who dubbed the land the “astronomical calendar” of the ancient Peruvians.
Fond Farewells
After some free time in Paracas, return to Lima today. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a memorable farewell dinner with your travel companions at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Quintessential Quito
Fly to Quito, via Lima, where you will be met by a Globus representative and transferred to your hotel. Free time this evening. (B) Please note: The Tour Director does not accompany guests on extensions. Guided service is as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary. TOUR HIGHLIGHTACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Centrally located across from the nightly craft market in El Ejido Park and near the Casa de la Cultura Museum, the Hilton Colon Quito is the ideal spot for your time in Quito. Amenities include a fitness facility, spa, pool, 3 restaurants and bars.
Imaginary Lines
On an included guided city tour, see Independence Square with its Cathedral and San Francisco Plaza Church, and the Basilica. Return to your hotel for a free afternoon and evening to explore Quito at leisure. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTART & ARCHITECTURE Ecuador’s capital city of San Francisco de Quito stands on the ruins of an Inca city as one of the largest and best-preserved historic landmarks in the Americas. Here, a monument marks "Mitad del Mundo" (the middle of the world)—very fitting as Ecuador is Spanish for equator and the country straddles this invisible line on the west coast of South America. You’ll be in the middle of it all in Independence Square, called Plaza Grande by the locals, in the historic city reaching an altitude of 2,850m in the foothills of the Andes.
QUITO–SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND (EMBARKATION)–GALÁPAGOS CRUISING
Adventure on the Horizon
Fly to San Cristobal and embark the Seaman Journey for a 4-night cruise. This afternoon, visit the Galápagos Darwin Interpretation Center with your expert Naturalist and learn about ongoing conservation of the archipelago, its history, ecosystems, flora, and fauna. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT SHIP SPOTLIGHT The boutique Seaman Journey catamaran offers an intimate experience with space for 16 passengers. Relax on the spacious sundecks, explore the waters by kayak, or sit back in the lounge with a cool drink during a Naturalist lecture. Each of the air-conditioned cabins feature private baths, free use of snorkel equipment, and all meals.
CRUISING: SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
Gentle Giants
Visit Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve and learn about the island’s giant tortoise population and the measures taken to help preserve and breed these endangered species. The reserve includes a large corral, breeding facility, and interpretative trail, where it is possible to see different species of native and endemic plants as well as birds, such as the San Cristobal mockingbird, yellow warblers, many species of finch, and the Galápagos flycatcher. This afternoon, explore Cerro Brujo, offering beautiful views of Kicker Rock and famous for being the first place Charles Darwin visited in the archipelago. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTWONDERS OF NATURE On the lava landscape of Cerro Brujo where Charles Darwin first explored the islands, you’ll find the remarkable blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds, and other shore birds. Visit a lagoon, home to many migratory bird species, such as black-necked stilts, ruddy turnstones, whimbrels, and white-cheeked pintails. Feel free to don a snorkel and swim with the sea lions, turtles, and other beautiful marine life here.
CRUISING: ESPAÑOLA ISLAND
Survival of the Fittest
Join your Naturalist guide for excursions to Gardner Bay and Punta Suárez on Española Island, one of the oldest islands in the archipelago. At Gardner Bay, this is the one place you can see three species of Darwin finches. It’s also a great spot to snorkel or kayak. At Punta Suárez, you will see the famous blowhole, as well as unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April-December), Nazca and blue-footed boobies, and Darwin’s finches. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTWONDERS OF NATURE Española Island is an ecological laboratory all its own as one of the oldest of the Galápagos islands - some 400 million years old. In addition to the endangered wave Albatross and boobies, Española is home to a variety of Darwin’s finches here – an inspiration for Darwin’s research into evolution. Nearly identical to mainland finches in every way but their beaks, these tiny birds played an enormous role in Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection, concluding their unique assortments of beaks had adapted over time to survive in this strange landscape.
CRUISING: FLOREANA ISLAND
Kaleidoscope of Life
Visit Cormorant Point to see a brackish lagoon, which usually holds one of the largest flamingo populations in the Galápagos. The trail continues to a beautiful white-sand beach, one of the most important nesting sites of green Pacific sea turtles. Enjoy a chance to snorkel among sea turtles, reef fish, sea lions, and even white-tipped reef sharks. This afternoon, visit Post Office Bay, named for the wooden barrel that served as an informal post office for sailors passing through. Here, you may also encounter Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, and lava lizards, and take advantage of another great place to snorkel. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL ATTRACTION Pink flamingos, blue-footed boobies, red-breasted frigate birds, great blue herons, and green sea turtle are just a few of the creatures that make up a kaleidoscope of life along the white and green sands of Floreana’s Cormorant Point. Hike, snorkel, or simply gaze upon this extraordinary island sanctuary.
CRUISING: SANTA CRUZ (DISEMBARKATION)–BALTRA–GUAYAQUIL
Hatching a Plan
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to visit the Galápagos giant tortoise breeding facility at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Fly to Guayaquil and transfer to the hotel for a free evening. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCONSERVATION HEROES Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, home of the Galápagos giant tortoise breeding program. Here, these magnificent creatures are nurtured from eggs retrieved from the nearby Galápagos Islands, artificially incubated, and born as galápaguitos (little turtles). At the age of five, these future giants are released to their native habitats in an effort to preserve the fragile Galápagos environment.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)