Fantastic treasures await you on this river cruise vacation to Peru and the Galápagos Islands. Enjoy a walking tour of Lima; guided sightseeing in Quito, where you can have your photo taken at the "Center of the World," and also in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire; and an excursion to Otavalo’s famous Indian market, where you can shop for beautiful textiles, artwork, and other unique souvenirs. Also, visit the fascinating Inca constructions of ancient Puca Pucara, which translates ...

Fantastic treasures await you on this river cruise vacation to Peru and the Galápagos Islands. Enjoy a walking tour of Lima; guided sightseeing in Quito, where you can have your photo taken at the "Center of the World," and also in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire; and an excursion to Otavalo’s famous Indian market, where you can shop for beautiful textiles, artwork, and other unique souvenirs. Also, visit the fascinating Inca constructions of ancient Puca Pucara, which translates to "Red Fortress," the magnificent Temple of Sacsayhuaman, which overlooks the city of Cusco, the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, and mystical Machu Picchu. Then, fly to San Cristobal Island for a fantastic 4-night Galápagos Islands cruise onboard the recently refurbished Treasure of Galápagos. In the company of a local Naturalist, you’ll encounter indigenous plants and animals found only in the Galápagos Islands, such as giant tortoises, Galápagos fur sea lions, and marine iguanas-just to name a few. Also, enjoy an amazing opportunity to snorkel in the turquoise waters and see the colorful fish, sea lions, and perhaps a penguin or shark!

Next, fly to Coca, where you’ll travel by canoe to your lodge in the Amazon Jungle. Spend three nights here and enjoy a rainforest canopy walk, guided night tour to see the wildlife that comes out at night, cruises through the flooded forest, and spend time with the natives on a visit to a local village and school. Ancient ruins, spectacular scenery, an amazing variety of animals in their natural environment, and historic buildings-this cruise vacation has it all!

Included Features:

Day 1 Arrive Lima, Peru: welcome to Lima

Day 2 Lima: walking tour; visit San Francisco Monastery; Larco Herrera Museum and welcome dinner

Day 3 Lima–Cusco–Sacred Valley: visit Awanakancha to see various camelids from the region, and explore Pisac Market

Day 4 Sacred Valley–Machu Picchu: visit the Ollantaytambo ruins; Take the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu; walking tour of Machu Picchu

Day 5 Machu Picchu–Cusco: enjoy a second included entrance to Machu Picchu; return on the Vistadome train to the Sacred Valley and continue to Cusco

Day 6 Cusco: walking tour of Cusco, visit Santo Domingo Monastery, the Cathedral, and the ruins of Sacsayhuaman

Day 7 Cusco–Quito, Ecuador: fly to Quito via Lima

Day 8 Quito: excursion to Otavalo’s Indian market and Peguche; Hacienda lunch

Day 9 Quito: walking tour, visit San Francisco Monastery, La Compania Church, La Ronda Street, a Chocolate factory, and the Equatorial Monument

Day 10 Quito–San Cristobal–Galápagos Islands (Embarkation): fly to the Galápagos Islands; embark Treasure of Galápagos; visit Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve on San Cristobal Island

Day 11 Galápagos Islands Cruising: Española Island: Naturalist-guided walks; snorkeling

Day 12 Galápagos Islands Cruising: Floreana Island: Naturalist-guided walks; snorkeling

Day 13 Galápagos Islands Cruising: Santa Fé & Santa Cruz Islands: Naturalist-guided walks on each island; snorkeling

Day 14 Galápagos Islands (Disembarkation)–Santa Cruz Island–Quito: disembark Treasure of Galápagos; visit EL Chato Tortoise Reserve; fly to Quito

Day 15 Quito: full day at leisure

Day16 Quito–Coca–Amazon: fly to Coca; travel by boat and dugout canoe to your Amazon lodge

Day 17 Amazon: visit a parrot clay lick; guided walk through the jungle; night walk or canoe ride

Day 18 Amazon: cruise on the Napo through the flooded forest; visit a local community, school, and village

Day 19 Amazon–Coca–Quito: return to Coca; fly to Quito

Day 20 Quito: your vacation ends this morning

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