The Mystical World of South America

This tour offers a unique combination of the remote islands of South America and the mystical world of the Inca civilization. Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin on a 5-day cruise to the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands, explore the world famous Inca ruins at Machu Picchu and uncover the mysteries of the remote Easter Island.

TRAVELOGUE

Day 1, Monday: Quito
Arrival and transfer to your centrally located hotel.

Day 2, Tuesday:Quito
Explore the highlights of Quito on a city tour. Visit the capital that straddles the equator and learn more about its exciting history. The historic colonial center has been designated a UNESCO world heritage site; visit the Plaza de la Independencia and the Panecillo for its fabulous views. In the afternoon you visit the Equator monument north of the city.

Day 3, Wednesday:Quito - Galápagos
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the first highlight of the trip: the Galapagos Islands, one of the largest wildlife refuges on earth. Transfer to your yacht for a 4-day cruise through this amazing archipelago.

Days 3-7, Wednesday-Sunday:Galapagos Cruise
Enjoy this 4-day nature experience and learn more about the unforgettable wildlife on the Galapagos, where giant turtles, blue-footed boobies and penguins roam freely. Overnight accommodations onboard a very comfortable ship.

Day 7, Sunday:Galapagos - Guayaquil - Lima
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil, on the Ecuadorian mainland. Continue to Lima. Overnight stay at a hotel near the airport.

Day 8, Monday:Lima - Cuzco
Morning flight to Cuzco, followed by a city tour and visit to the nearby ruins.

Day 9, Tuesday: Cuzco
City tour including a visit to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay, Pukapukara und Q‘enqo.

Day 10, Wednesday:Cuzco - Machu Picchu - Cuzco
Full day excursion by train to the large ruin complex of Machu Picchu, only first discovered in 1922. Lunch included. Return to Cuzco in the early evening.

Day 11, Thursday:Cuzco - Santiago de Chile
Transfer to the airport in Cuzco for your flight to Santiago de Chile, via Lima. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel.

Day 12, Friday:Santiago de Chile
Today you visit the main attractions of the Chilean capital. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own.

Day 13, Saturday:Santiago de Chile -Easter Island
Flight from Santiago to the Easter Island. Your local travel guide will meet you upon arrival and transfer you to your hotel.

Days 13-15,Saturday-Monday:Easter Island
During your stay at ”Rapa Nui”, as the locals call their island, you learn more about the Moais, the mysterious stone statues. Visit unique sites such as the Rano-Raraku crater with its stone bridge, the only palm beach on the island, the crater of the Rano Kau volcano, the monuments at Orongo and the Ana Tapahu caves.

Day 15, Monday:Easter Islands - Santiago de Chile
Flight back to Santiago de Chile and transfer to your hotel.

Day 16, Tuesday:Santiago de Chile
Transfer to the airport. You may also extend your stay in Chile and book any of our additional trip components.

Single accommodations on the Galapagos cruise are in half a double cabin. Single cabin upon request!

The Galapagos itinerary may be subject to change because of weather or sea conditions or vary according to the national park destinations. We always put the safety and the interests of our passengers first.

Special booking conditions for the Galapagos Islands Cruise: Full payment due upon reservation

INCLUDED ITEMS

All regional flights within South America as mentioned/Economy Class

Accommodations in good mid-class hotels, breakfast included

5-day Galapagos cruise onboard a mid-class yacht. Full American Plan

English-speaking naturalist and guide

NOT INCLUDED

National and international airport fees, approx. US$ 70

Galápagos National Park fee approx. US$ 110

Tips, drinks and personal expenses