Day 2 - Day 2 - Explore Lima
| After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning to rest or explore a bit at your own pace. Then join your guide for a sightseeing tour of the capital including the fine Colonial-era landmarks of Lima's historic city center. In the lively district of Barranco, popular with city residents for its Bohemian ambience, you'll find that many of its handsome historic buildings have been splendidly restored and are now home to inviting boutiques and cafes. You'll also visit the highly regarded Larco Herrera Museum, located in a lovely Vice Royal's mansion of the 18th century. The extensive pre-Columbian collection of this world-famous museum, including ancient gold and silver objects, offers an excellent introduction to the history and cultures you'll explore throughout your exploration of Peru. Meals B |
Day 3 - Day 3 - Fly to Cuzco
| Fly to Cuzco where you’ll be warmly greeted by your Andean Trip Leader, Yakelin Huaman. Known as Yaki by her friends (and General Tours travelers!), Ms. Huaman is a Cuzco native who traces her passion for Inca history to early childhood trips to Machu Picchu and the years she spent working there with the resident archaeologist. You’ll be impressed by her deep knowledge and capacity to inform and enliven your exploration. In her engaging company, you’ll enjoy a walking tour in this handsome high-mountain town and a fascinating visit to the Casa Concha Museum. Located in a fine Colonial-era house, this museum offers an impressive exhibit of artifacts found at Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham. They were on display for decades at Yale University and were returned to Peru after an extended controversy that lasted nearly 100 years. It’s a well-curated collection that will enrich tomorrow’s visit to the legendary Lost City of the Inca! Overnight at the Aranwa Hotel. Meals B |
Day 4 - Day 4 - Through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
| Step aboard the Vistadome Train for an unforgettable journey into the Sacred Valley. As you travel along the Urubamba River, the scenery is spectacular... snow-capped Andean peaks, Indian villages and terraced fields. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, ascend to Machu Picchu to explore its extensive ruins as Yaki sheds light on the Inca, their once-great Empire and this fabled Lost City. A tranquil overnight awaits you at the Inkaterra El Pueblo Hotel. General Tours deluxe resort enjoys a privileged location at the base of Machu Picchu in an Andean cloud forest along the banks of the fast-flowing Urubamba River. Meals B,L,D |
Day 5 - Day 5 - Sunrise at Machu Picchu for early risers
| Enjoy the luxury of a second guided visit through the fabled Lost City of the Inca. Arriving early as the softer morning light breaks over the mountain peaks to fall upon these ancient stones, you’ll have the unforgettable opportunity to experience the majesty and power of Machu Picchu before the day visitors arrive by train! Please note that caution is required as the stones and paths can be quite slippery with morning dew. Take the afternoon train back to Cuzco and transfer once again to the exceptional Aranwa Hotel. Meals B,L |
Day 6 - Day 6 - In-depth sightseeing in Cuzco
| Today's sightseeing with Yaki reveals the Colonial splendors and Inca treasures of this charming high-mountain town. Admire the Renaissance-style Cathedral that graces the Plaza de Armas; it's built on the site of an ancient Inca palace and has been splendidly restored. Visit the Temple of the Sun and the Convent of Santo Domingo, perhaps the most architecturally fascinating site in Cuzco. Then head into the mountains outside of town to explore the amazing Inca site of Sacsayhuaman, famed for its impressive masonry and great views over the city. Finish your exploration at the San Pedro Market and Almudena Cemetery. Here at these seemingly quotidian sites, Yaki offers fascinating insight into how ancient traditions - many dating back to Inca times - still endure in the daily life of local residents. Meals B |
Day 7 - Day 7 - Onward to Quito , Ecuador
| Transfer to the airport for your included flight to Quito. Upon arrival you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to the Plaza Grande, General Tours deluxe boutique hotel in the historic heart of town. On your sightseeing tour, you’ll have a chance to admire many of the city’s most significant Colonial-era landmarks including San Francisco Church. Built in 1534, it’s one of the oldest churches in South America. You’ll also explore the hilly narrow streets that surround Plaza de la Independencia in the heart of Old Quito, home to other historic landmarks including the Archbishop’s Palace, Government Palace and Metropolitan Cathedral. Tonight’s dinner atop Itchimbia Hill offers memorable views of Quito and the surrounding mountains. Meals B,D |
Day 8 - Day 8 - Excursion to Otavalo - Ecuador's Andean Colors
| Travel into the picturesque highlands of Ecuador and along the impressive Avenue of Volcanoes to the charming mountain town of Otavalo, nestled in a peaceful valley under the watchful gaze of two mighty volcanic peaks. In the main square, you'll have time to explore Otavalo's famed Indian market, where residents and nearby villagers (many dressed in traditional clothing) come to sell their finely made handicrafts… woven rugs, jewelry, clothing, stone carvings, paintings, musical instruments, pottery and more. After lunch visit a family-run rose farm where General Tours explore the fields, greenhouses and processing plant learning the intricate method of classifying, cutting and shipping roses. Return to Quito where the evening is at leisure. Meals B,L |
Day 9 - Day 9 - Begin your Galapagos Voyage
| Transfer to the airport for you included flight to the Galapagos. After arriving on Baltra Island, you’ll cross the Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island by ferry. After lunch, continue with your naturalist guide into the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to observe the rare giant Galapagos tortoise in its native habitat. The area also has a number of unusual lava tubes. Continue down to Puerto Ayora to board your intimate ship, La Pinta. Dinner onboard is followed by a briefing from the ship’s engaging staff of experienced naturalists. Each night you can attend these talks previewing the next day’s activities. Meals B,L,D |
Day 10 - Day 10 - Santa Cruz Island and Chinese Hat Islet
A morning excursion in the ship’s Panga boat takes us to Eden Islet just off the coast of Santa Cruz Island where General Tours can observe Blue-footed boobies and Frigate birds as well as Reef sharks swimming in the clear waters. As sea conditions permit, this is a great place to snorkel or take a ride in the glass-bottom boat.
This afternoon’s landing on Chinese Hat Islet, one of the least visited sites in the archipelago, offers a chance to espy marine iguanas, lava lizards, Galapagos penguins, sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and other indigenous species. With a lovely crescent-shaped, white sand beach, the small island’s tranquil cove is also a rewarding spot for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking or even a glass-bottom boat ride. Meals B,L,D |
Day 11 - Day 11 - Bartolomé and James Islands
Bartolomé is famous for its dramatic geological formations, including Pinnacle Rock. A short hike brings you to the summit for a panoramic view. Afterwards, you'll have time to take a Panga cruise around Pinnacle Rock followed by time to enjoy the beach and some snorkeling. In addition to its distinctive geological landscapes, Bartolomé Island and its surrounding waters are home to Galapagos penguins, pelicans, Galapagos hawks, sea turtles, reef sharks and sea lions.
After lunch onboard, you'll visit Sullivan Bay on James Island where you'll make landing on a white coral sand beach that's great for more swimming and snorkeling. Here you can also embark on a naturalist-guided walk across a lava field that flowed less than 100 years ago! It's quite thrilling to imagine how this lava flowed down to the sea, engulfing everything it its way. This is a great place to learn about the volcanic origins of the archipelago and to observe the wildlife that inhabits this unusual environment. Meals B,L,D |
Day 12 - Day 12 - Two landings on Genovesa Island
| After breakfast, you'll step off ship with General Tours naturalists to explore Darwin Bay. A pleasant guided stroll in this lovely setting offers the chance to see frigate birds and their bustling activity. Along the trail are pairs of swallow-tail gulls, the only nocturnal gulls in the world, and red-footed boobies with their contrasting red feet and blue bills. Lava and yellow-crowned herons, whimbrels and other birds feed near the shores of a tidal lagoon just beyond the rocky edge that faces the bay. After this morning's wall, there'll be free time to swim and snorkel or you can continue with your naturalist on a more adventurous guided hike across lava fields offering dramatic views. After lunch onboard, you'll ascend Prince Philip's Steps and continue across Genovesa Island on a guided 1-mile nature walk to observe large colonies of Nazca boobies and Frigate birds. Meals B,L,D |
Day 13 - Day 13 - Back to the Mainland
| Disembark your ship on Baltra Island and transfer to the airport for your included flight to the bustling Pacific port city of Guayaquil. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and escorted to the deluxe Oro Verde Hotel. Or if you prefer, you may fly back to Quito and overnight at General Tours charming inn close to the airport. Meals B |
Day 14 - Day 14 - Farewell Ecuador
| Your tour with us finishes this morning. Meals B |
Day 1 - Day 1 - Welcome to Lima
| You’ll be met on arrival and escorted to the deluxe JW Marriott Hotel. |
Day 2 - Day 2 - Explore Lima
| Explore Lima’s Colonial past and lively Barranco. Enjoy a tour and welcome dinner at the Larco Herrera Museum. meals b+d |
Day 3 - Day 3 - Fly to Cuzco
| Tour Cuzco’s Colonial-era landmarks and see an exhibit of Machu Picchu artifacts returned by Yale University. Overnight in a specially oxygenated room at the JW Marriott. meals b |
Day 4 - Day 4 - The Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
| Inspiring scenery highlights your rail journey to Machu Picchu with Yaki, General Tours expert Trip Leader. Tour the Lost City as she illuminates the history of the Inca. Retreat to the enchanting Inkaterra El Pueblo Hotel. meals b+l+d |