When you arrive, a guide who speaks English will be there to meet you outside of Customs. They will have a sign with your name on it. The guide will show you where to go to meet your private driver and vehicle. They will also go with you to your accommodation to help you check in.

Quito, a city with narrow cobblestone streets and whitewashed walls, is home to numerous historic churches and boasts one of the best-preserved colonial centers in South America. In 1978, the United Nations declared it a World Cultural Heritage Site, ensuring the preservation of this fascinating city. Discover the city's Main Plaza with a private guide and see the Government Palace, the breathtaking gilded church of La Compañía, and other important churches from the 16th and 17th centuries, such as the San Francisco Monastery. Explore La Ronda, a famous colonial street, to learn about traditional jobs in colonial Quito. Your final destination is Panecillo, a hill that divides the city into north and south. Here, admire the renowned statue Our Lady of the Panecillo, created by Bernardo de Legarda, while taking in the magnificent views of the city. After a lunch break in the emblematic neighborhood of La Ronda, indulge in a chocolate sampling experience. Begin with a guided tour that delves into the history of cocoa in Ecuador. Cocoa has been highly regarded in Latin America for millennia, earning the title "Food of the Gods" from Spanish explorers who greatly valued it. Learn about Republica del Cacao, a company dedicated to producing authentic chocolate and developing sustainable fine cocoa production practices. This day of exploration concludes with a private transfer back to your hotel.

Your private driver and English-speaking guide will transfer you to Quito Airport. From there, board a flight to Baltra Island, with a connection in Guayaquil. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 30 minutes. It is important to note that flight rates and availability are subject to change until booking.

The mandatory Galapagos tourist transit card and Galapagos National Park entrance fee are both included in your itinerary. However, please be aware that all Galapagos excursions are subject to change based on National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, safety precautions, and wildlife encounters. Additionally, a fuel surcharge applies to all Galapagos cruises and flights, which has already been included in your trip price. Please note that fuel surcharges are subject to change without notice, and there may be additional fees at the time of travel.

All guests visiting the Galapagos Islands must have medical travel insurance. Proof of insurance is required upon entry, and it must be valid for the duration of your stay. You can purchase medical travel insurance through Kensington Tours or independently. For flights to the Galapagos, airline tickets will be provided to you at the airport on the day of departure by a local representative. The luggage allowance for Galapagos flights is 20 kg (44 lbs) per person.

Upon arrival at Baltra Island Airport, go through immigration and baggage control. A representative of the M/Y Grand Majestic will greet you just beyond Customs and guide you to a coach that will transfer you to the ship. Once on board, settle into your stateroom, enjoy a delicious lunch, and participate in a welcome briefing.

Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, where you can observe turtles of varying sizes and interact with them. Many of the older turtles are accustomed to humans and may even pose for photos. The center also cares for baby turtles until they are ready to be released into the wild. After this experience, you will be taken back to the M/Y Grand Majestic.

El Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip's Steps, is a steep, rocky path that leads up a high cliff-face. The walk is moderately arduous but offers a marvelous view. Naturalists and wildlife lovers will find the site interesting due to the presence of Palo Santo vegetation and various bird species such as red-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls, Galapagos swallows, storm-petrels, and Galapagos doves. After a dry landing, a one-mile hike awaits for an invigorating challenge.

For a wet landing, start with an easy stroll on the white sand and coral beach of Darwin Bay. A half-mile trail winds through mangroves, where various land birds like Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls are often seen. Further along, tidal pools offer playful sea lions swimming, sometimes accompanied by circling hammerhead sharks and colorful reef fish. The end of the trail offers spectacular cliff-side views. Snorkeling and kayaking opportunities are abundant, allowing for a range of excursion choices from leisurely and relaxing to active and adventurous.

Rabida Island, also known as Jervis Island, offers a plethora of attractions. It is renowned for its vibrant colors, diverse landscapes, and abundant wildlife. The island boasts a maroon sandy beach, breathtaking lookout points, and a remarkable variety of rare bird species. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling in the area, as well as embark on a short hike that spans just over half a mile. This makes for a relatively effortless morning adventure.

Located near the southeast coast of Santiago Island, Chinese Hat Island derives its name from the distinctive shape of its summit. This small islet is a paradise for those interested in geology. It features various geological formations such as lava tubes and lava flows. Upon arrival, visitors can choose to partake in a leisurely hike to explore the volcanic landscape or opt for an underwater exploration with snorkeling gear. A wet landing marks the beginning of this exciting experience.

One of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos is Witch Hill, located on the northern coast. The area boasts white sandy shores and a wide variety of animals including sea turtles, mockingbirds, coral, rays, and booby birds. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking in the clear water.

Lobos Island, also known as Sea Lion Island, is a must-see for nature enthusiasts. This island is home to lively and playful sea lions who will warmly greet you. Snorkeling is a popular activity on Lobos Island, and visitors may also spot blue-footed and Nazca boobies. After arriving at the island, take a short hike to explore the surroundings or opt for a leisurely dinghy ride or a refreshing swim in the azure waters.

Start your five-day adventure by visiting the Interpretation Center on San Cristobal Island after breakfast on board the M/Y Grand Majestic. There, you will learn about the history of the islands and local conservation efforts. After the visit, you will be transferred to San Cristobal Airport along with other guests. Pack your luggage the night before as the crew will take care of transporting it to the airport.

Take a two-hour flight from San Cristobal Island to Guayaquil. Please be aware that flight rates may change unexpectedly.

From Guayaquil, board a two-hour flight to Lima, Peru.

Upon arrival in Lima, you will be greeted by an English-speaking assistant who will guide you to your transportation and accompany you to your hotel for check-in. A welcome package with a city map, tour vouchers, and other useful information will be waiting for you at the hotel.

Lima, founded in 1535 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991, has a fascinating and tumultuous history. Experience this history firsthand with a private guide and driver. Begin with a visit to the Larco Herrera Museum, which houses the most comprehensive collection of pre-Columbian art in the world. Take a curated tour with an associate scholar of the museum and view ceremonial masks, busts, headdresses, and earthenware. Enjoy lunch at the Larco Museum Café. Next, explore Lima's historical center and admire centuries-old buildings such as the Government Palace and City Hall in Plaza Mayor. Visit the San Francisco Convent, an impressive example of Spanish Baroque architecture, and explore its catacombs. End the day by visiting the trendy neighborhoods of Barranco and Miraflores, known for their modern architecture, restaurants, museums, and cafés. Please note that the tour of the Larco Herrera Museum will be led by an associate scholar and your guide will not be present.

Lima offers a vibrant gastronomic scene, with a variety of cuisines to choose from. Tonight, experience this scene firsthand. Reservations will be made for you at the restaurant of your choice, and you will be provided with round-trip transportation in a private vehicle. Our top recommendations for fine dining in Lima include Maido, Central, Astrid y Gaston, Nobu, Rafael, and Chez Wong. Please note that your meal is not included and will be paid for on location. Reservations are confirmed at the time of booking and are subject to availability.

A professional driver and an English-speaking representative will provide a private transfer between your hotel and Jorge Chávez International Airport. The flight from Lima to Cusco takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes.

The tourist ticket, which is required for exploring the Sacred Valley and its surroundings, is included and valid for the duration of your stay in the region.

Upon arrival in Cusco, a local representative will meet you for a two-hour transfer to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. This transfer will be conducted in a private vehicle with a professional driver.

As the effects of high altitude can vary from person to person, it is important to take some time to rest and allow your body to adjust to the change in environment. While some travelers may experience no discomfort, others may find acclimatization more challenging. This will ensure a pleasant experience in the coming days.

Chinchero, an idyllic town surrounded by snow-capped peaks, stands out from other Andean villages due to its bustling open-air market in the main square. This famous fair operates all week and is the best place in the country to barter for hand-woven dresses and trinkets. Chinchero also boasts the remains of an Inca wall and an impressive fresco on the nearby colonial church. Both will be visited with your private guide.
Next, visit Maras, where a single mountainside is covered in hundreds of multi-colored salt ponds. These reservoirs, used since Inca times, provide salt to Peru's best restaurants. A short drive away, you'll find Moray, a series of stone-walled terraces that descend ten stories. Shaped like an amphitheater, Moray was believed to test crop growth in different conditions. These monuments showcase ancient agricultural practices rooted in empirical thought.
Today's adventure includes lunch at Wayra, located at Sacred Valley's Sol y Luna Lodge. Indulge in sensational fare featuring Andean ingredients grown by local farmers, highlighting the valley's rich flavors.

Leave the Sacred Valley and head to Ollantaytambo Train Station with a private driver and local representative. Explore the town before boarding the Vistadome train. Enjoy the scenic views as you travel along the Urubamba River towards Machu Picchu. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, meet your local guide who will assist with transferring your luggage to your hotel.

Please note that there are strict luggage restrictions on the Vistadome train. You are only allowed one piece of hand luggage weighing a maximum of 11 lbs (5 kgs) and not larger than 62 linear inches. Speak to your Destination Expert for more information.

Your primary luggage will be transported back to Cusco by your private guide and driver from the Sacred Valley. You will only need to bring a personal overnight bag on the train to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, your Machu Picchu guide will ensure that your overnight bag is transferred to your hotel.

Take a shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, which takes approximately 30 minutes. The bus departs frequently, with departures every 30 minutes.

Machu Picchu is a captivating ancient citadel that was discovered in 1911. Explore the site with a private guide who will provide a historical and architectural overview. Marvel at the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Urubamba River. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge before or after your tour.

Take a shuttle bus back to Aguas Calientes from the entrance of Machu Picchu, which also takes approximately 30 minutes. The buses depart frequently, with departures every 30 minutes.

Experience a more in-depth exploration of the breathtaking Inca citadel, Machu Picchu. Your private guide will accompany you as you discover the incredible ruins, terraces, and photogenic alpacas. Admire the stunning backdrop of Huayna Picchu Mountain and drink in the majesty of the citadel from its highest point. Unravel the mysteries and astonishing history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site with the help of your knowledgeable guide.

Take a shuttle bus back to nearby Aguas Calientes, which departs every 30 minutes from the entrance of Machu Picchu. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.

After your fascinating experience in the heart of the ancient Inca world, it is time to depart for Cusco, their imperial city. Board the Hiram Bingham train in Aguas Calientes for a relaxing four-hour journey to Poroy Train Station near Cusco. Enjoy a gourmet lunch in the elegant dining car as you travel through the beautiful Peruvian countryside. Visit the observatory car for a refreshing cocktail and lively local music. Soon, you will arrive at Poroy Station near Cusco.

Enjoy a private transfer between your hotel and Poroy Train Station with a professional driver and an English-speaking representative.

Embark on a guided tour to learn about the traditions, history, and mysteries surrounding Cusco and its nearby ruins. Your private guide will take you to the Koricancha Temple, once adorned with gold and boasting solid gold statues in its courtyard. Today, the Church of Santo Domingo stands on the temple's site, offering insights into both Inca and Spanish cultures. Continue your exploration by visiting the Plaza de Armas, the vibrant heart of Cusco. Marvel at the Cusco Cathedral and its impressive collection of colonial art. Afterward, delve into the enigmatic historic sites surrounding Cusco, such as Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay, where unanswered questions abound. Conclude your adventure with a delicious lunch at Incanto, known for its Mediterranean-Andean fusion cuisine. In the evening, savor a dinner at Cicciolina Tapas Bar, a renowned restaurant offering a variety of local and international dishes. Please note that dinner is not included and must be paid for separately. Reservations are subject to availability and will be arranged in advance.

Experience a private transfer from your hotel to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, accompanied by a skilled driver and an English-speaking representative. Take a flight from Cusco to Lima, with a duration of approximately one hour and 25 minutes.