Compare Machu Picchu & Galapagos Cruise by SmarTours vs Ecuador Cuyabeno Adventure 6 Days Tour by Guidecuador

Day 1: Depart USA.

Your exciting expedition to Peru & Ecuador begins this evening as you depart on your overnight flight.

Day 2: Arrive Peru.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay Hotel

Morning arrival in Peru’s capital, Lima. Here, connect for a short flight to Cuzco, the fabled capital of the Inca Empire, perched at about 11,000 feet above sea level. On arrival, journey to the nearby Sacred Valley of the Incas. The valley has amazing landscapes of fertile land, mystical ruins and indigenous villages. Arrive at your hotel located in the quaint village of Yucay and surrounded by lush gardens. This evening your tour director hosts a welcome dinner and orientation.

Day 3: Pisac Market & Sacred Valley Excursion.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

On today’s included excursion journey to the town of Pisac located on the bank of the Urubamba River. Here, visit the bustling and colorful Indian market where many beautiful crafts are traded. After lunch at a charming country estate continue to Ollantaytambo and visit the splendid ruins of this massive ancient fortress. The village below is a fine example of the Incas incredible urban planning skills. Return to Yucay later this afternoon.

Day 4: Machu Picchu.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: El Mapi Hotel

Embark on a two-day expedition to Machu Picchu. Ride aboard the deluxe VistaDome train through the lush Urubamba Valley passing through stunning scenery. Arrive at “The Lost City of the Incas”, rediscovered by accident in 1911 by Hiram Bingham in the foggy mountain jungle. The beauty of its location and the genius construction make Machu Picchu the jewel of all Inca settlements. With a local expert explore the mystery and beauty of this amazing site and learn about the fascinating story of Machu Picchu. While most visitors leave Machu Picchu in the afternoon you’ll stay in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes and enjoy some free time to further discover the mystical ruins and absorb the beauty of this enchanting site. Enjoy an included dinner tonight at the hotel.

Day 5: Machu Picchu/Cuzco.

Accommodation: Novotel Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Today you may return to Machu Picchu to explore and photograph at your own pace. To this day nobody can explain how the Incas managed to transport the huge blocks of limestone for the city’s construction onto the mountain top. You’ll also visit quaint Aguas Calientes before your afternoon train ride back to Ollantaytambo Station. Arrive in Cuzco this evening and transfer to your hotel, superbly located in the heart of the old town.

Day 6: Cuzco

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Cuzco is a vibrant town, dotted with archaeological sites. On a guided morning tour visit the main Inca and Colonial monuments. See the Plaza de Armas, center of the Inca Empire and the impressive 16th century cathedral, built on the ruins of the Inca Palace. You’ll also see the exceptionally crafted and most sumptuous temple in the Inca Empire, the Temple of the Sun in Koricancha. In the old town view magnificently restored colonial buildings. The afternoon at leisure to explore at your own pace. Tonight savor dinner complete with a colorful folklore show.

Day 7: Cuzco/Lima.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Casa Andina Select Miraflores Hotel or similar

Today board a short morning flight to Lima, known as the City of Kings and the center of the Spanish Empire in the New World for three centuries after Pizarro’s conquest. Today, Lima is Peru’s capital. After checking into your upscale hotel enjoy a guided afternoon tour of both colonial and modern Lima, founded in 1535 and later dominated by the Inca nation. See the historical center and the San Francisco Church as well as Plaza de Armas and the Government Palace. Later, see the fashionable districts of San Isidro and Miraflores with their beautiful parks and elegant residences facing the ocean.

Day 8: Lima/Quito (Ecuador).

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hilton Colon Hotel

This morning, transfer to the airport and fly to Quito, the colonial capital of Ecuador, located just 15 miles from the equator and surrounded by ice-capped volcanoes. Enjoy a brief orientation tour en route to your deluxe, conveniently located hotel.

Day 9: Quito.

Meals: Breakfast

On a guided morning tour of Quito learn about its colonial past, history and culture. Visit the old town and see the Church of San Francisco, the first religious building constructed in South America by the Spanish. See the facade of La Compania, the city’s most ornate church. Admire the spectacular views of the Valley of Tumbaco. On a clear day, you’ll see the impressive volcanoes surrounding the city. Afterwards, drive north to the Equatorial Line Monument where you’ll have fun straddling the hemispheres in the middle of the world. The balance of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 10: Quito/ Galapagos Cruise: Las Bachas, Santa Cruz Island

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After an early breakfast, fly to the island of Baltra, one of the gateways to the islands. Over the next five days cruise along and visit the enchanted Galapagos Islands, where you’ll see a variety of exotic wildlife. Board your upscale cruise boat, your base while exploring the islands and enjoy a welcome lunch onboard. This afternoon, enjoy a guided shore excursion of Las Bachas, a wet landing on a white-sanded beach backed by a saltwater lagoon, located at the northern coastline of Santa Cruz Island. Here, you will encounter an amazing variety of sea birds, marine iguanas, and turtles. Later, you’ll have a chance to swim and snorkel at the nearby white-sand beach. Reboard the ship and enjoy dinner onboard. MV Santa Cruz II (Cruise)

Day 11: Galapagos Cruise: Santiago Island

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, disembark your ship near Santiago Island, a spectacular island consisting of two overlapping volcanoes. Begin by exploring Buccaneer Cove, a popular site for pirates, sailors, and whalers in the 17th and 18th centuries. Buccaneer Cove is known for its impressive 50 meter tuff cliffs, a dramatic landscape made even more impressive by hundreds of seabirds perched on top of the cliffs. Two of the more recognizable rock formations are known as “The Bishop” and “Elephant Rock.”  You’ll have the opportunity to snorkel or take a boat ride, but don’t forget to keep an eye out for the many sea lions relaxing by the beach.

 Later in the day, you’ll visit Puerto Egas, a black sand beach with spectacular rock formations in the background. Walk along a trail that crosses the dry interior where marine iguanas are scattered around and the remains of a salt-mining enterprise can still be seen. Continuing down the trail will lead you to the Fur Seal Grotto, one of the few places in the Galapagos where fur seals can be seen. Later, you can swim and snorkel in search of octopuses, sea horses, starfish and other magnificent sea life.

Day 12: Galapagos Cruise: Rabida Island/Bartholomew Island

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This morning, explore the spectacular Rabida Island, home to the largest variety of lava types in the Galapagos and known for its high cliff along the north coast and its long sandy beaches. Follow a trail into the interior of the island that provides the occasional flamingo and leads you to a saltwater lagoon in the dry zone of the island. Along the beaches and lagoons, savor the views of the volcanic peaks and the clear waters or observe the sea lions and pelicans in their natural habitats. You’ll have the opportunity to snorkel, or if you’d like, enjoy a ride on a glass bottom boat.

 In the afternoon, make your way to the breathtaking Bartholomew Island, a volcanic island where black lava fields contrast with lush green vegetation and spectacular white sand beaches. Enjoy the beautiful beach or hike to the summit of the island where you’ll enjoy an impressive view of the surrounding islands. During the hike, you will pass by marine iguanas, lava lizards, and more. At the summit, marvel at Pinnacle Rock, the remains of an eroded tuff cone, leans into Bartholomew’s northern bay and provides one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Galapagos Islands. You will also encounter small, friendly companions: the Galapagos penguin, the only existing species of penguin in the equator area.

Day 13: Galapagos Cruise: Genovesa Island

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today you will visit Genovesa Island, a horse-shoe shaped island located in the northeastern region of the archipelago. It is the only island north of the equator open to tourists, and it is the best place to see red-footed boobies and the great frigate birds.  In the morning, you can hike on “Prince Philip’s Steps”, an extraordinary path that leads through a seabird colony full of Nazca and red-footed boobies. After reaching the plateau, the trail continues inland and passes more nesting booby colonies in the thin Palo Santo forest. Towards the end of the trail, you’ll look over a rocky lava plain where wedge-rumped storm petrels fly in all directions.

Later, visit Darwin Bay, a spectacular byproduct of a submerged crater surrounded by steep cliffs. Here you will observe hundreds of birds, mainly great frigate birds, red-footed and masked boobies, lava gulls, herons, finches, and mockingbirds. Hike along a magnificent trail, enjoy the beach, or snorkel along the cliffs while looking for colorful tropical fish, golden rays, and perhaps even hammerhead or Galapagos sharks.

Day 14: Galapagos Cruise: San Cristobal Island/Guayaquil

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Wyndham Guayaquil

This morning, bid farewell to your ship and explore San Cristobal Island, the easternmost island in the Galapagos archipelago. As soon as you dock, you’ll be greeted by sea lions, and then you will make your way to the “Galapaguera,” where giant tortoises are brought from their natural habitats in order to breed and raise their young in a controlled environment. Here you will enjoy beautiful vegetation, and of course, both giant and baby tortoises. Afterwards, transfer to the airport of San Cristobal for a domestic flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city and main seaport, renowned for its “Caribbean soul”. En route to your centrally located hotel, you’ll tour the most interesting parts of this tropical metropolis, highlighted by Parque Bolivar (also known as Parque Seminario), Palacio Municipal and La Rotonda dedicated to Simon Bolivar and San Martin. This evening, you’ll enjoy a farewell dinner with your group.

Day 15: Depart Guayaquil/Arrive USA.

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, say “adios” to Ecuador and transfer to the airport for your return flight to Miami.

Day 1

TRANSPORTATION TO CUYABENO LODGE

This journey starts early in the morning in Quito with a bus ride for 6 hours towards Lago Agrio. Our private bus will pick you up and you will make a 2 hour journey to the town of ‘Tierras Orientales’. This is where the rainforest begins. Here you will be provided with a nice Box lunch.

After lunch, you will step into our motorized canoe for a 2.5 hour journey to Waita lodge. This will be your first opportunity to spot animals such as monkeys, birds, pink dolphins, and much more! You will also enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Cuyabeno.

After your arrival at Waita Lodge, you will have time to unpack and relax. After a delicious dinner, our local guide from the Cuyabeno will share the program of the next days with you. He will give an informative talk about the activities of our tour. Then, you will have to grab your flashlight because our guide will take you on your first night walk! You will be on the look-out for insects, spiders, snakes, and many other animals.

Accomodation at Waita Lodge
Meals: Lunch-Dinner

Day 2

BIRDWATCHING & JUNGLE EXPLORATIONS

Our second day starts with an early activity of birdwatching. We will take our rowing canoe to enjoy the sunrise and incredible landscapes of the Cuyabeno rainforest. We will visit small lakes near Waita lodge to observe different species of birds and mammals. Then, we return to the lodge for a well-deserved breakfast.

After a short rest, our guide will take you on a deep jungle walk of 3 hours. He will explain everything there is to know about the Cuyabeno. This interesting information will give you new insights about living in the jungle. After this wonderful walk, we will return to Waita lodge to enjoy a nice lunch.

In the afternoon at 4:30 pm, we will again take our rowing canoe to the forest flooded by black water. This is a unique place to see microscopic animals and many species of birds. We will then row to a narrow white water river where we can observe birds that can’t be found on the big rivers of the Cuyabeno. When the night begins to fall, we will head back to Waita lodge. However, on our venture downstream, we will take the opportunity to search for caimans and other nocturnal animals such as fishing bats, tree boas, and birds.

Accomodation at Waita Lodge
Meals: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner

Day 3

BIRDWATCHING, OBSERVATION TOWER - JUNGLE EXPLORATIONS

It’s time to enjoy the Cuyabeno rainforest and its animal life before dawn. At 05:30 am, we will take our motorized canoe for a 1.5 hour trip down the Cuyabeno river. We will enjoy birdwatching and animals spotting. At 07:00 am we will stop at a special place on the river to enjoy the morning rituals of 5 species of parrots and parakeets. After this breath-taking tour, we will head back Waita lodge for a nice breakfast.

After resting, we will take the motorized canoe again to visit the place where 2 rivers meet. This is the perfect place to spot dolphins and once again enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Cuyabeno rainforest. Then, we will return to the lodge for a delicious lunch.

At 04:00 pm, we start our next adventure. We will take our canoe to visit to the Bird Observation Tower. This tower of more than 28 meters high was built around one of the largest trees in the area. Here, you will enjoy a beautiful view of the jungle canopy and observe a great diversity of animal life.

Before returning to our lodge, we will make a short night walk around the tower in search of new species of insects. Then, a delicious dinner will be waiting for us at the lodge.

Accomodation at Waita Lodge
Meals: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner

Day 4

FULL EXCURSION INTO THE JUNGLE

After an early breakfast at 07:00 a.m, we will take the rowing canoe to add more species to our “check list”. We will row down the narrow white-water river, home to uncommon species, and will try to spot different species of animals.

After a Box lunch, we will enjoy a 3 hours deep jungle walk on the trail of Terra Firme. Our local guide will share more knowledge about the Cuyabeno rainforest, and you will be able to spot more wildlife.

After an exciting day, we will return to our lodge at approximately 16h30. The rest of the night you will enjoy a well-deserved dinner and rest.

Accomodation at Waita Lodge
Meals: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner

Day 5

TRANSPORTATION TO LAGO AGRIO

On our last day we will take you on our last early activity. This will be a brief excursion into the rainforest or in our canoe to enjoy the awakening of nature. Again, this is a wonderful time for birdwatching and enjoying the final day in the beautiful Cuyabeno jungle.

After breakfast, you will prepare your luggage for the return trip. For the final moments, you will enjoy a 3.5 hour canoe ride back to Tierras Orientales. Here our private bus will take us to the next hotel in Lago Agrio.

Accomodation at Lago Agrio
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6

GETTING TO QUITO

Due to the road permanent damages, we are now recomending all clients to fly back to Quito (EXTRA COST) otherwise the bus ride is 10 hours to Quito Hotel NOT included.
END OF THE SERVICES

Meals: Breakfast