THIS IS A SAMPLE ITINERARY. HOTELS AND GALAPAGOS SHIP CHOICE WILL DEPEND ON YOUR TRAVEL STYLE AND BUDGET.
Upon arrival in Lima , you will be met at the airport outside the arrivals area by a local representative holding a Premier Tours sign. You’ll be assisted with your luggage and transferred to your accommodations for the evening. PLEASE DO NOT MOVE BEYOND THE GATED INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS AREA. STAY IN FRONT OF THE MAIN FLIGHT SCREEN AND DO NOT EXIT THE BUILDING.
Our local representatives will provide entrance tickets and transportation details during your itinerary.
PPRO TIP: LUGGAGE WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS FOR PERU RAIL TRAINS TO MACHU PICCHU: Updated Sep 2023
When traveling to Machu Picchu on the Belmond Hiram Bingham, PeruRail Vistadome, or PeruRail Expedition: one bag or backpack (carry-on luggage) with a maximum weight of 11 lb., measuring no more than 62 linear inches/157 linear cm (height + length + width). Please coordinate luggage storage / options with your guide, who will assist with arrangements.
PRO TIP: HOTEL PICK-UP TIMES FOR PRIVATE GUIDED TOURS
Your local guides will coordinate all your transfers for flights and daily excursions with you upon arrival. Private morning tours generally start between 8:30 - 9:00 AM, and afternoon tours tend to start at 2:00 PM unless otherwise requested.
None
A local guide will assist you in the transfer from your hotel to the airport for the hour-long flight to Cusco.
Once you arrive in Cusco, exit the airport and look for a local representative holding a Premier Tours sign with your last name on it.
To help you acclimate to the altitude, you'll head directly to the Sacred Valley which is lower in elevation.
From Cusco, it’s roughly a two-hour drive to the Sacred Valley. Your guide will share his wealth of information about the lives and history and culture of the Incans, including geography, architecture, legends and mysteries about these ancient people. You are dropping in elevation to about 9,000 feet once you are in the valley.
En route to the Sacred Valley, you’ll stop at Awana Kancha, a community-run textile initiative. More than 400 families contribute their ancestral knowledge of weaving. Here you’ll find beautifully crafted blankets, hats and textiles coveted the world over in traditional bright reds, oranges and yellow colors. You’ll also find four members of the cameloid family (the llama, alpaca, vicuna and guanaco). Llamas are the most recognizable species, but alpacas have the most commonly used thick wool, while the vicunas are much smaller in size. Their fur is considered the finest.
The Indian markets in the Sacred Valley are a photographer’s dream. You’ll visit Pisaq, located about an hour outside of Cusco, where you can easily barter and shop for souvenirs. Among the popular items you’ll find are locally made pottery, handicrafts, wool products, hats, weavings, jewelry, toys, textiles, beads and even antiques. Farmers come down from the highlands to sell their vegetables as well. You’ll often find open air grills with roasted cuye (guinea pig) on the menu! Nearby ruins are an added attraction, including 17th century churches and plazas, Inca terraces and walls. Pisaq Market is open daily. You can walk or drive up to the nearby ruins of a citadel which overlook stunning vistas.
The rest of the afternoon is at leisure for you to acclimate.
PRO TIP: Local “mate” tea is found everywhere and is a natural herbal alternative to help you adjust to the Andean high altitude (11,300’ above sea level in Cusco). We recommend that you keep hydrated and drink lots of water (“sin gas” refers to non-carbonated water, “con gas” refers to carbonated or still water), limit your physical activity, and avoid smoking and alcohol if possible for the first 24 hours in the Andes.
Breakfast, Lunch
For a more in-depth understanding of the Sacred Valley, it’s worth visiting Maras and Moray, two sites that are often missed by travellers on a fast track to Machu Picchu. Famous for its salt evaporation ponds, Maras is found down a canyon that descends to the Rio Vilcanota. The view from above the terraced ponds are incredible. All of the ponds are polygon shaped with the flow of water carefully controlled and monitored by the workers. Shared maintenance is split among villagers.
In Moray, the deep bowl-shaped hollows here look like a Roman amphitheater. They are circular in shape and have stairlike terraces climbing up to the valley floor above. The full purpose behind these concentric terraces isn’t fully known. However, it is widely believed that the ruins were once an agricultural laboratory used by the Incas. The circular terraces that lie here are thought to have been used as an agricultural research station. Their depth, design, and their orientation with regard to the sun and wind are all telltale signs that they have a specific purpose. Because of the different conditions at each level of the terraces there is a difference in temperature of 15 °C (27°F) from the top to the bottom. For many, it’s considered a sacred site.
Picnic lunch included.
In Ollantaytambo, the elevation is about 9100 feet above sea level. The town, dating back to the 15th century, was used by the Incas for ceremonies while Spanish conquistadors claimed it as their headquarters. Look at the nearby cliffs where you will find the carved images of pre-Incan gods held sacred by villagers.
Private transfer to train station, private afternoon guided tour of Machu Picchu with lunch at legendary Sanctuary Lodge
* Your guide will coordinate storage of the rest of your luggage while you overnight at Machu Picchu. You will need to pack only a small overnight bag or backpack.
* Please have your passport ready today as you will need to show it to board your train to Machu Picchu, for the shuttle ride to the ruins, and then to enter the ruins.
Morning transfer to the train station for the nearly two hour ride aboard the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu. A light snack and small drink is provided on board. The route follows the Urubamba River gorge to the hilltop village of Aguas Calientes, located at the foot of Machu Picchu.
The scenery is stunning, and your guide will share amazing information about this area.
Disembark from the train with your guide for the short walk to where shuttle buses depart for the ruins, known as the famous Lost City of the Incas. Hotel porters will be waiting to collect your overnight bag as you exit the train to bring directly to your hotel. It will be waiting for you there when you return at the end of the day.
The ride up to the ruins follows a one of a kind, zig zag route that takes about half an hour.
Your guide will take you on a guided hike along the many trails in one of the Seven Wonders of The World. You’ll find llamas wandering through the citadel – a terrific photo op! From the view at 7900 feet above sea level, the world is at your feet. For hundreds of years, until the American archaeologist Hiram Bingham stumbled upon it in 1911, the abandoned citadel’s existence was a secret known only to peasants living in the region. The site stretches over an impressive 5-mile distance, featuring more than 3,000 stone steps that link its many different levels. There is so much to explore.
Return with your guide to Aguas Caliente (now known as Pueblo Town) using one of the shuttle buses later this afternoon.
Those on private tours will lunch at the legendary Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel at the foot of the citadel.
PRO TIP: LUGGAGE WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS FOR PERU RAIL TRAINS TO MACHU PICCHU: Updated Sep 2023
When traveling to Machu Picchu on the Belmond Hiram Bingham, PeruRail Vistadome, or PeruRail Expedition: one bag or backpack (carry-on luggage) with a maximum weight of 5.0 kg/11 lb., measuring no more than 62 linear inches/157 linear cm (height + length + width). Make sure it is locked and has your contact information on it.
PRO TIP: There are bathrooms located outside the Machu Picchu entry point (cost is a few soles, the local currency). There are NO BATHROOMS once you enter the ruins.
Single entry into Machu Picchu only and circuits are one way only. You are not allowed to enter the ruins, exit, and return into the ruins again.
Walking sticks are allowed inside the ruins ONLY if they are rubber-tipped.
No food is allowed inside Machu Picchu. We recommend bringing a small water bottle for the hike.
Breakfast, Lunch
* Please have your passport ready today as you will need to show it to board your train for the shuttle ride to the ruins, to enter the ruins, and to board the return train to the Sacred Valley.
Today you'll be accompanied by your private guide as we include your shuttle ride, entrance fee and hiking permit to a second Machu Picchu circuit trail. Keep in mind that hiking the trails can take up to two hours or more, so plan your day accordingly. Lunch will be included in town before boarding the Sacred Valley train.
Your luggage will be delivered from the hotel to the train station in time for your scheduled Vistadome train departure to Ollantaytambo (1.5 hr ride with beautiful vistas). A light snack and small drink will be provided on board. Your driver will be waiting at the train station with the rest of your luggage for the drive to Cusco (approximately 1.5 hr drive).
Estimated arrival into Cusco is very late afternoon.
Breakfast, Lunch
Today you'll enjoy a private city tour (2-3 hrs) to several ruins as well as the Cathedral of Cusco. Among the highlights will be many of Cusco’s ruins scattered about the cobblestone streets, churches, plazas and Incan walls. Most likely you will visit Sacsayhuaman (pronounced almost like “Sexy Woman” and means “satisfied falcon in the Quechua language), which rests on a mountaintop overlooking the valley, and consists of three outer lines of gargantuan walls, 1,500 ft long and 54 ft wide, surrounding a paved area containing a circular stone structure believed to be a solar calendar. The ruins also include a 500,000 gallon water reservoir, storage cisterns, ramps, citadels and underground chambers. The 'fortress' is composed of three large terraced walls, which are said to represent the 'Teeth of the Jaguar' (the original city of Cusco was said to have been in the shape of a jaguar). Above the magnificent terraces are the remains of circular structure called Muyuqmarka.
Tambo Machay is situated on a hillside 5.6 miles from Cusco. The Incas may have used this complex for religious ceremonies for worshipping water or for other rituals that included the use of flowing water. Specialists called it a "royal bath." Incan rulers stayed here only with the most loyal of followers, family members and personal guards while the rest of the people would stay at the nearby Puca Pucara (included if time permits).
Kenko (“zig zag” in Quechua) is an archaeological about 4 miles north east of Cusco. It is one of the largest huacas (holy places) in the Cusco Region. Many huacas were based on naturally occurring rock formations. It was believed to be a place where sacrifices and mummification took place.
Koricancha (Temple of the Sun) is built with many construction mechanisms used by the Incas, such as the vertical inclination of walls, trapezoidal shape of the structures, irregular shapes and rounded edges. Increased breadth on the bottom coupled with ~ 3-5 degree inclination gives the walls remarkable stability that has withstood centuries of earthquakes, which are common to the area. The staggered and mortar free assemblage of the stones also makes them seismically resistant in strong earthquakes because the stones are able to wiggle in place, thereby releasing the seismic stresses, settle back into position and then lock after earthquakes. These combined methods make the structures basically earthquake proof.
Afternoon at leisure.
Breakfast
Private transfer from your hotel to the Cusco airport, where you'll connect with your international flight to Quito.
Upon arrival in Quito, you will be met at the airport outside the arrivals area by a local representative holding a sign with your name on it. You’ll be assisted with your luggage and transferred to your accommodations for the evening.
IN QUITO, ECUADOR: If you don't connect with the local rep within 10-15 minutes, then head to the INFORMATION CENTER (look for the red letter I; the stand is located between both international exit doors). Please do not move beyond the international arrivals area. Do not exit the building.
WELCOME LETTER AND DAILY PICK UP TIMES AND TRANSFERS
At the hotel, you’ll receive a welcome envelope including important information about airport transfers and daily pick up times for your excursions and important emergency contact details during your stay. PLEASE LOOK FOR THIS LETTER AT THE HOTEL AND KEEP IT WITH YOU.
Our partners in Ecuador will be assisting you throughout your stay on the mainland not only to help you enjoy your adventure, but also to step in and assist with any problems you might encounter. Feel comfortable knowing you’ll be well looked after.
Welcome to Ecuador!
* All internal flights booked by Premier Tours are E-tickets; our partner in Quito will confirm flights for you and assist with boarding passes. You will just need to show your passports at the ticket counter.
Breakfast
Overnights at Casa El Eden
FULL-DAY EXCURSION WITH PRIVATE GUIDE AND LUNCH.
REMINDER: ALL PICK UP AND TRANSFER TIMES ARE PROVIDED IN YOUR WELCOME LETTER DELIVERED TO YOUR HOTEL UPON ARRIVAL.
The breathtaking city of Quito is located about 9,300 – 10,000 feet altitude. Nestled in an Andean valley of volcanoes, the capital of Ecuador is considered one of the most beautiful in South America and in 1978, was the world’s first city to be declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. On your private city tour, you’ll wander among cobblestone streets and stop at several of Old Town’s gold-encrusted colonial 16th century churches and monasteries (nearly 90 dot the city). Overall, the city’s amazing blend of Spanish, Moorish and Flemish architecture is a pleasure to explore.
We've added a ride on Quito's teleferico (cable car), which runs from the edge of the city center up the east side of Pichincha Volcano to the Cruz Loma Lookout. It is one of the highest aerial lifts in the world, rising from 3,117 m (10,226 ft) to 3,945 m (12,943 ft). The ascent takes about twenty minutes, traveling 2237 linear metres. On a clear day, the views will be spectacular.
At the Equator, just 13 miles from the city, you’ll straddle the Northern and Southern hemispheres and learn about the geographical and astronomical importance of “El Mitad del Mundo.”
Breakfast, Lunch
Private transfer provided to the Quito airport. Most cruises have a representative waiting for you at the airline counter to assist you with luggage and both your flight and cruise check-ins. Migration cards and Galapagos National Park fees have been pre-paid on your behalf, unless you are doing a land-based itinerary.
You'll have a brief layover in Guayaquil (do not disembark) before continuing on to the Galapagos (90 minute flight).
* PLEASE NOTE THAT GALAPAGOS FLIGHT TIMES CHANGE FREQUENTLY. OUR LOCAL PARTNER WILL CHECK SCHEDULES PRIOR TO YOUR DEPARTURE IN ORDER TO PROVIDE TIMELY TRANSFERS.
All Galapagos cruise passengers must have their luggage x-rayed and hand inspected before boarding the flight to the islands.
Upon arrival in the Galapagos, please enter the designated lines for “Pre-Paid Galapagos National Park Fees.” Your name will be on a master list of all travelers arriving that day who have already paid this fee.
Your carry-on luggage will be hand inspected and then you can proceed to pick up your luggage. Outside the small airport, your naturalist guide(s) will be waiting to welcome you to the islands. Each guide wears a uniform designating which ship they represent. You and your luggage will be transferred to the ship.
After lunch and a safety briefing, your first excursion will be this afternoon.
PRO TIP: The Galapagos Islands is one hour behind mainland Ecuador, though not all ships choose to honor this.
After lunch and a safety briefing, your first excursion will be this afternoon. Every evening, before dinner, your naturalist guide will hold a helpful update about the next day's activity - the schedule, activities, weather, what to pack and what to expect - so you'll be fully prepared.
Links to your ship THE OCEAN SPRAY and 5-Day / 4-Night sailing itinerary B :
https://www.oceanspraygalapagoscruise.com/
https://www.oceanspraygalapagoscruise.com/itineraries/
All meals and snorkeling activities included on board your ship
Exploring the Galapagos – all meals and activities included while you are on board.
Exploring the Galapagos – all meals and activities included while you are on board.
Exploring the Galapagos.
All meals and activities included while you are on board.
Transfer from your Galapagos ship to the local airport will be provided by the ship crew. After a short layover in Guayaquil (do not disembark), your flight continues to Quito.
GALAPAGOS FLIGHT: To be advised
Transfer provided to the nearby airport hotel where you can relax and catch up on the rest of the world tonight.
Breakfast
Overnight at the Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel
Your private airport shuttle service is provided by the hotel. Please check in with the front desk five minutes before your scheduled departure time (noted in your welcome letter).
* After you check into your international flight, there is a VIP Lounge inside the terminal that you can use for approximately $40 per person.
Buen retorno! (Safe travels home)!
Breakfast
