Compare Spirit of South America with Galápagos Cruise by Globus vs Peru & Ecuador in 18 days - Incas, Amazon and Galapagos - Charm San Cristobal Island by Exoticca

Day 1: ARRIVE IN RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

Welcome to Rio de Janeiro!
At 3:30 pm, meet your Tour Director for a drive to the base of 1,300-foot-high Sugarloaf Mountain. Ascend by cable car to its summit, where you can take in spectacular vistas of the city. Next, toast the start of a memorable vacation with [LF] caipirinhas, a traditional Brazilian cocktail, from atop Sugarloaf Mountain during a cocktail party.

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES A once-in-a-lifetime experience awaits atop Sugarloaf Mountain overlooking Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Take in the breathtaking panoramic views as you join a private cocktail party with your fellow travel companions. Toast with a traditional caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail, made with fresh lime, cachaça (a distilled sugarcane spirit), and sugar. Deliciosa!

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Day 2: RIO DE JANEIRO

Heavenly Views
The city’s landmark, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, crowns Corcovado Mountain, a rounded peak rising 2,300 feet from the bay below. A scenic ride by cog railway leads to the top, where a breathtaking 360-degree panorama affords sweeping views. From here, proceed to bustling downtown Rio, where modern office towers stand next to relics of the Portuguese colonial past. View the Sambodromo and visit the Cathedral. The afternoon is at leisure for you to experience this vibrant city on your own. Tonight, it’s a fun outing to a churrascaria for a feast of barbecued meats marinated and roasted over charcoal in true Brazilian style. (Breakfast,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE Soar to the summit of Corcovado Mountain by cog railway to reach the site of the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer. This crowning jewel of Rio and Brazil was constructed between 1922 and 1933. The statue of Jesus Christ stands 98 feet high (124 feet including the pedestal) with an arm span of 92 feet wide. Towering over the city, this piece of art is truly an engineering marvel and was voted a New7Wonders of the World.

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Day 3: RIO DE JANEIRO

Beaches, Boutiques & Bites
A full day at leisure to enjoy Rio. Relax on one of the world-famous beaches or take advantage of the world-class shopping or fine dining. (Breakfast)

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE Spend free time in Rio de Janeiro with an optional excursion to Petropolis, (mountain resort and former summer palace of Emperor Dom Pedro II). This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO app.

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Day 4: RIO DE JANEIRO–BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

The Boulevards of Buenos Aires
Fly to Buenos Aires, proud capital of the vast country that occupies most of the southern part of the continent. After arriving at your central hotel, acquaint yourself with the “Paris of South America” and its wide boulevards and outdoor cafés. Spend an evening at leisure. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS Elegant European architecture, epicurean cuisine, and a café culture to rival any rue de Paris, Buenos Aires is a city of leisurely afternoons sipping cortadito or the choicest Argentinian wines.

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Day 5: BUENOS AIRES

Dining, Dancing & Dazzling
Your included sightseeing this morning starts in La Boca, a vibrant district and site of the city’s first port. Take a short walking tour of this unique enclave at the mouth of the river and then on to San Telmo, famous for its late-colonial buildings and as a popular gathering spot for artists. At the Plaza de Mayo, see La Casa Rosada (the President’s Pink House) and the Metropolitan Cathedral, which houses San Martin’s Mausoleum. Drive past the ornate Teatro Colón opera house before reaching Recoleta Cemetery, burial site of Eva Perón. After an afternoon at leisure, top off the evening at a famous Tango club. Start with a [LF] dance lesson, followed by dinner of Argentine steaks and other local specialties, and end with a show featuring flawless performances of Latin America’s most sensuous dance—the Tango! (Breakfast,Dinner)

LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURAL GEMS Like two dancers entwined in perfect sync, the Tango and Argentina go hand in hand. Tonight, feel the passion of this iconic dance at a local milonga (Tango house), where professional tango dancers teach you the traditional techniques of the Argentine Tango. After learning some of the key dance moves, the professionals will delight you in Tango Show featuring the dance as it has evolved through the ages. Plus, dine on Argentine specialties and wine too!

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Day 6: BUENOS AIRES

Argentine Adventures
Today is a full day at leisure. (Breakfast)

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE Discover the timeless traditions of Argentina with an optional excursion to the pampas (grasslands). Experience the atmosphere of Argentine country life as you visit an estancia (ranch). Get acquainted with the lifestyle of the gauchos and enjoy a barbecue lunch and the warm hospitality of your hosts before returning to the city. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.

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Day 7: BUENOS AIRES–IGUASSU FALLS, BRAZIL

What a Rush!
This morning, fly to Iguassu Falls, Argentina. The spectacle of this 2-mile-wide rushing torrent—with some cataracts as high as 250 feet—is nothing short of hypnotic. The clouds of spray, the incessant roar, and the surrounding luxuriant tropical growth make this an unforgettable natural wonder. Upon arrival, journey to the Argentinean side of the falls and take the Ecological Jungle Train for a bird’s-eye view from the catwalks perched over part of the Devil’s Throat, where 14 waterfalls drop more than 300 feet into the Devil’s Gorge below. Later, cross into Brazil via motorcoach for a free evening. (Breakfast,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Visit Iguassu National Park (Argentinian side) to meander along the walkways from atop the falls, and enjoy an exhilarating perspective looking over the precipice of the falls as the water plunges to the rocks below. You will also have the chance to walk through the rainforest on the lower falls trails that will bring you up close to some of the smaller cataracts.

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Day 8: IGUASSU FALLS–LIMA, PERU

Taking the Plunge
Today is dedicated to exploring the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls from a completely different vantage point than in Argentina. A walk along the pathway at the base of the falls takes you into the Devil’s Throat Canyon, with spectacular panoramic views of many of the 275 cataracts that make up Iguassu Falls. Have a late lunch or early dinner before flying to Lima, Peru. (Breakfast,Lunch)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Explore incredible Iguassu National Park (Brazilian side) and walk the pathways skirting Iguassu Falls. Watch for amazing wildlife in this protected area, including toucans, agoutis, giant otters, anteaters, tapir, and even jaguars!

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Day 9: LIMA

Legendary Lima
Your city sightseeing tour focuses on Lima’s rich colonial history as well as the modern city. See the 18th-century San Francisco Monastery with its unique cloisters, Government Palace, and the cathedral situated around the vast Plaza de Armas. Tonight, visit the [LF] Larco Herrera Museum, which houses the largest private collection of Pre-Columbian Peruvian art in the world. Enjoy dinner at the museum’s restaurant. (Breakfast,Dinner)

LOCAL FAVORITE
ART & ARCHITECTURE This evening, an exclusive guided tour of Lima’s Larco Herrera Museum, on the site of a 7th-century pre-Columbian pyramid, introduces you to the world’s largest private collection of pre-Columbian Peruvian art. See 5,000 years of art, artifacts, and archaeological treasures followed by a special dinner in the beautiful Peruvian café here.

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Day 10: LIMA–CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY

Empire of the Andes
Fly to Cusco, the impressive Andean city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Head into the Sacred Valley of the Incas and visit the semi-circular Kenko Amphitheater with its stone altars and labyrinth of passages, and see the ancient site of Puca Pucara. Also, in the Sacred Valley, experience an [LF] El Pago a la Tierra, or Mother Earth Ceremony, performed by a local shaman. Continue to Pisac, an old mountain village, where you will have free time to shop for local wares, such as alpaca sweaters and blankets, jewelry, or hand-painted ornamental dishes and vases at its famous market. Stay in the Sacred Valley tonight, with dinner at the hotel. (Breakfast,Dinner)

LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION Feel the earth, smell the coca leaves, and taste the chicha today as you make payment to Mother Earth. Participate in an El Pago a la Tierra, an ancient ceremony led by a shaman thanking Mother Earth and asking for good health, wealth, and safe travels. These mystical ceremonies have been practiced in Peru since before the arrival of the Incas.

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Day 11: SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHU

Mystery on the Mountain
This morning, visit the Inca Fortress of Ollantaytambo, followed by [LF] a visit to a local home, meet some of the area’s families, and experience their way of life in the Sacred Valley. Then, board the Vistadome train for a scenic journey through the lush Urubamba Valley. Upon arrival, ascend the mountainside to legendary Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.” Your Local Guide will introduce this intact fortress with its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct, and will bring you closer to the mysteries still hidden in these amazing structures. Tonight, learn how to make the perfect Pisco Sour at a Peruvian cooking demonstration before your included dinner. (Breakfast,Dinner)

LOCAL FAVORITE
TIMELESS TRADITIONS Today, you are invited into a local family’s home in the Sacred Valley. Learn about their traditions like weaving that has been passed down for centuries from ancestors. See how they cook, live, sleep, work, and maybe ask about the cuy (guinea pigs), they keep in their house.

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Day 12: MACHU PICCHU–CUSCO

Here Comes the Sun
A morning at leisure in Machu Picchu allows you to wake up early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu with your second included entrance to the ruins. After lunch, return to the Sacred Valley by train and continue to Cusco. (Breakfast,Lunch)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & MYSTERY Staying overnight in Machu Picchu allows you to rise early and experience the ruins at their most pristine before the crowds arrive. Watch as the mist slowly burns off and the sun rays illuminate the ruins. While you are there, you may even want to try and get a selfie with one of the local llamas or alpacas!

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Day 13: CUSCO

Sun Worship & Spanish Conquests
On your guided sightseeing tour of Cusco today, learn more about the Inca and Spanish influence. Begin at the heart of Cusco in the Plaza de Armas (main square), with a visit to the imposing Cathedral, where construction began in 1550 and was finally completed 100 years later. Continue to Koricancha and the Santo Domingo Monastery, and see how the two sites have become one. The Temple of the Sun at Koricancha was once the most important Inca site, dedicated to the worship of the Sun. The walls, altars, and decorations were all said to be covered in gold—until the Spaniards looted the temple and then built the contrasting Baroque Santo Domingo Monastery on top of the temple’s foundations. Also, visit the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, perched on a hillside overlooking Cusco. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore on your own. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (Breakfast,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES Built in the 15th Century by the Incas, the Temple of Sacsayhuaman complex is considered to be one of the Inca’s greatest architectural creation. It is believed the site was originally constructed as a ceremonial site and later a fortress when the Spanish invaded. It remains unfathomable how and when this fortress of gigantic stones—with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons—was built. During your guided tour, learn some of the theories on how the massive stones used were carved, carried, and placed.

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Day 14: CUSCO–LIMA

Hasta Luego, Cusco
A short morning flight returns you to Lima. For a special treat, make a stop at a local [LF] Peruvian food market to get a real taste of the life of the local people. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore on your own. (Breakfast)

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Stop for a real taste of Peru at a local market. Sample some of the local fruits and vegetable that aren’t found in other parts of the world. You can also find spices, meats, seafood, and even a souvenir or two. And, you’ll definitely want to take some photos of the beautiful, brightly hued displays.

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Day 15: LIMA–QUITO, ECUADOR

Welcome to Quito!
Fly to Quito, where you will be met by a Globus representative. Free time this evening. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Centrally located across from the nightly craft market in El Ejido Park and near the Casa de la Cultura Museum, the Hilton Colon Quito is the ideal spot for your time in Quito. Amenities include a fitness facility, spa, pool, 3 restaurants and bars.

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Day 16: QUITO

Quintessential Quito
On an included city tour, see Independence Square with its Cathedral and San Francisco Plaza Church, and the Basilica. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE Ecuador’s capital city of San Francisco de Quito stands on the ruins of an Inca city as one of the largest and best-preserved historic landmarks in the Americas. Here, a monument marks "Mitad del Mundo" (the middle of the world)–very fitting as Ecuador is Spanish for equator. You’ll be in the middle of it all in Independence Square, called Plaza Grande by the locals, in the historic city reaching an altitude of 2,850m in the foothills of the Andes.

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Day 17: QUITO–SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND (EMBARKATION)–CRUISING

Adventure on the Horizon
Take a morning flight to San Cristobal, one of the remote Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival, board the Galápagos Legend for your 4-night cruise. On San Cristobal, visit the Interpretation Center with your Naturalist and learn about ongoing conservation of the archipelago, its history, ecosystems, flora, and. Next, a walk to Tijeretas Hill brings you to a frigatebird nesting colony and beautiful views of the bay below. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

NOTE:
Itinerary in the Galápagos are subject to change.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SHIP SPOTLIGHT The M/V Galapagos Legend, with a capacity for 100 guests, has the charm of The Enchanted Islands. With her three different decks, the Galapagos Legend offers a great variety of comfortable and spacious social areas without losing a sense of intimacy. The ship features a restaurant serving fresh international and local cuisine, outdoor BBQ area, a lounge with full bar, 24-hour snack and coffee station, a pool bar, Jacuzzi, pool, boutique, science corner, fitness facility, auditorium, library, glass bottom boat, kayaks, and doctor’s office. On top of the numerous amenities, the Galapagos Legend has the top Naturalists in the archipelago who will lead you on every excursion and bring the islands to life!

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Day 18: CRUISING: ESPAÑOLA ISLAND

Survival of the Fittest
Join your Naturalist guide for excursions to Gardner Bay and Punta Suárez on Española Island, one of the oldest islands in the archipelago. At Gardner Bay, see one of the most stunning beaches in all of Galapagos that is home to a colony of Galapagos sea lions and offers a great place to snorkel. You will also see the Hood mockingbirds, endemic to this island, along with Darwin Finches. Next, on Punta Suárez, you will find a slew of marine iguanas and sea lions that greet you upon landing. From there, come into close encounters of Nazca and blue-footed boobies, endemic lizards, gulls and even a dramatic blow hole. On this island, it is your only opportunity to see the endemic waved albatross during their breeding season between April and December. With luck, we can watch their complex courtship display. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
WONDERS OF NATURE Española Island is an ecological laboratory all its own as one of the oldest of the Galápagos islands -some 400 million years old. Española is home to a variety of Darwin’s finches here – an inspiration for the scientist’s research into evolution. Nearly identical to mainland finches in every way but their beaks, these tiny birds played an enormous role in Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection, concluding their unique assortments of beaks had adapted over time for the species to survive in this strange landscape.

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Day 19: CRUISING: FLOREANA ISLAND

Kaleidoscope of Life
This morning, visit Post Office Bay, named for the wooden barrel that served as an informal post office for sailors passing through. Here, you may also encounter Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, and lava lizards, and take advantage of another chance to snorkel. This afternoon, visit Cormorant Point to see a brackish lagoon, which usually holds one of the largest flamingo populations in the Galápagos. The trail continues to a beautiful white-sand beach, one of the most important nesting sites of Green Pacific sea turtles. Enjoy a chance to snorkel at Devil’s Crown, an eroded volcanic cone, home to sea turtles, reef fish, spotted eagle rays, sea lions, and even white-tipped reef sharks. You may also see boobies, noddies, tropicbirds and frigates roosting nearby. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL ATTRACTION
Pink flamingos, blue-footed boobies, red-breasted frigate birds, great blue herons, and green sea turtle are just a few of the creatures that make up a kaleidoscope of life along the white and green sands of Floreana’s Cormorant Point. Hike, snorkel, or simply gaze upon this extraordinary island sanctuary.

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Day 20: CRUISING: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

A View from the Top This morning, visit Dragon Hill, where you will find a brackish lagoon frequented by shorebirds, ducks, and flamingos. Further inland, the trail heads up the hill and offers a beautiful view of the archipelago, as well as the chance to see land iguanas. A special treat is in store for you this afternoon at Punta Bowditch. Be one of the first people to visit this new site on Santa Cruz Island! Relax on a powdery beach, snorkel around turquoise water islets and hike beside salt pools and dried white corals. This area is also a common nesting site for marine turtles. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
WHERE NO MAN HAS GONE BEFORE Recently added as a visitor site in the Galápagos archipelago, Punta Bowditch is an undiscovered treasure on Santa Cruz. The white-sand beach is the perfect place to snorkel in search of colourful reef fish, turtles, and much more!

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Day 21: CRUISING: SANTA CRUZ–BALTRA (DISEMBARKATION )–GUAYAQUIL

Gentle Giants Drive to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island and visit the Tortoise Reserve where giant tortoises are found in their natural habitat. See and learn about the conservation and breeding programs to protect the endangered tortoise species found here. Continue to the airport and fly to Guayaquil. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CONSERVATION HEROES Visit the Tortoise Reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to many wild Galápagos giant tortoises. Here, these magnificent creatures wander the pastures in their native habitat. The population is booming mainly because they are completely protected here.

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Day 22: GUAYAQUIL

Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

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Day 1: US - Lima

Arrive at your US departure airport ready to check in for a flight* to Lima. Arrive in Lima, the capital of Peru, situated on the Pacific Coast. Transfer to the hotel*, and spend the rest of the day exploring the city's colonial streets and magical plazas at your leisure. Overnight stay in Lima. *If your flight arrives in Lima in the early hours of the morning, and you wish to have your room available before 2:00 p.m, you can book early check-in in the next step of the booking process. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Lima

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy an informative and interesting city tour of Lima, including its Historic Centre and the Santo Domingo Convent. Start by exploring the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro before heading to the Historic Center. Visit the impressive Convent of Santo Domingo and walk to the Plaza de Armas to admire the exquisite colonial architecture that surrounds it. Stop in the Parque del Amor, from where you can take beautiful photos of the Peruvian coastline. Overnight stay in Lima.

Day 3: Lima - Cuzco - Sacred Valley

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Cuzco. Arrive in Cuzco, the former Inca capital, and transfer to the Sacred Valley, on the way stop at Awanakancha (no guide, only driver) and savour the opportunity to explore this living museum, where ancient customs and traditions have been preserved across the centuries. Watch local communities creating beautiful handmade textiles and soak up the beautiful views, unchanged by time. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, exploring the lively immaculate scenery of this iconic region. Overnight stay in Sacred Valley.

Day 4: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu

Breakfast at the hotel. An exciting visit to Machu Picchu awaits you this morning as you set off for the train station to board the Expedition Train to Aguas Calientes, admiring the landscape along the way. Arrive and transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu*, a true wonder of the world and one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Spend some time discovering the ruins and being amazed by the terraces and enjoying a tour of the different sections of the site. Return to Sacred Valley. Arrive and overnight stay in Sacred Valley. Note: The baggage policy on board the Expedition train is 1 bag or backpack per person weighing a maximum of max. 5kg / 11lb. * Backpacks or bags taken into Machu Picchu must not exceed 40x35x20cms or have a capacity larger than 20Lts and must not contain single-use plastic bottles or bags. Backpacks or bags that exceed the indicated measurements can be left in storage for approx. $2 per bag.

Day 5: Sacred Valley - Cuzco

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off towards Cuzco, with the opportunity to enjoy the optional Sacred Valley excursion along the way, to experience the best of the region.* Arrive in Cuzco and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, enjoying the lively plazas at night. Overnight stay in Cuzco. * Optional Essence of the Sacred Valley Excursion: Visit Chinchero and the PARWA Centre, to appreciate the colourful traditional textiles. Next, visit the church of Chinchero before heading to the Racchi panoramic viewpoint for a fantastic view across the valley. Explore Ollantaytambo and its Inca fortress. Lunch and 'Boleto Turisitco' included granting entrance to the Sacred Valley and surrounding sights.

Day 6: Cuzco

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a fascinating half-day tour of Cuzco. Begin in the iconic Plaza de Armas, and visit the Cathedral. From here, walk to the Koricancha Temple, an impressive ancient Inca palace, in honour of the Sun God. Today, a Dominican church stands on the site. Finally, visit the lively San Blas neighbourhood, known for its artists, shops and artisan workshops. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, soaking up the atmosphere of the city and sampling the local cuisine. Overnight stay in Cuzco.

Day 7: Cuzco - Lima

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Lima. Arrive, transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in Lima.

Day 8: Lima - Quito

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Quito. Arrive in Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a city famed for its high vantage point in the Andean mountains and its ancient Incan significance. Transfer to your hotel and overnight stay in Quito.

Day 9: Quito - Tena - Amazon

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning take a guided Quito city tour to get to know the capital's most emblematic sights. Admire the colonial-era architecture and picturesque plazas and stroll through the narrow streets of the city center. In the afternoon leave Quito behind as you set off into the Ecuadorian highlands and down into the rainforest, headed for Tena, in the Amazon. Continue through verdant landscapes towards the lodge, in the heart of the jungle. Arrive in time for dinner. Overnight in Tena.

Day 10: Amazon

Enjoy an early breakfast before setting off for a wildlife walk through the primary and secondary rainforest of the Amazon. Look out for tropical wildlife and appreciate the sheer scale and beauty of the jungle. Return to the lodge for lunch before enjoying the afternoon at your leisure with the opportunity to join in optional Amazon activities organized at the lodge. Once the sun sets, enjoy a fascinating night walk to admire the nocturnal wildlife as the rainforest comes to life. Dinner and overnight stay in the Amazon.

Day 11: Amazon - Tena - Middle of the World - Quito

After breakfast at the lodge, return to Tena and continue your journey, heading back towards the capital. Along the way, visit the Middle of the World Monument, on the equator, where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere! Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure. Overnight stay in Quito.

Day 12: Quito

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day in Quito at your leisure, exploring the city or simply taking some time to enjoy the beautiful climate and natural environment. We recommend enjoying our excursion to Quilotoa*. Overnight stay in Quito. * Optional Quilotoa Excursion: Set off through the Andean Mountains, passing by the snow-capped peaks of Tungurahua and Chimborazo. Stop at a local market for a taste of the Andean culture and visit Quilotoa Crater Lake, known for its everchanging color, depending on the sun and clouds.

Day 13: Quito - Galapagos (San Cristobal)

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart to the airport this morning for a flight to the Galapagos Islands, a true wonder of nature known for its immense biodiversity! San Cristobal is the easternmost Galapagos island and is home to a rich array of unique wildlife, such as blue and red-footed boobies, marine iguanas and Galapagos sea lions. It's also the island that Charles Darwin first explored during his research into the islands. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and get comfortable before setting off on a brief afternoon tour of Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos Province. Explore this quaint coastal community and get to know its most important sights. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax before your adventure continues tomorrow. Overnight stay in San Cristobal.

Day 14: Galapagos (San Cristobal)

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on a full-day tour of San Cristobal to explore the delights of the island. Visit Galapaguera, home to amazing giant tortoises and observe diverse species of sea birds from Puerto Chino. The white sand here is perfect for a short rest before continuing to La Loberia, home to a large colony of sea lions who can be seen resting on the rocks. Return to your hotel and overnight stay in San Cristobal.

Day 15: Galapagos (San Cristobal)

After breakfast at the hotel, the day is free for you to explore the Galapagos at your own. Overnight stay in San Cristobal.

Day 16: Galapagos (San Cristobal) - Guayaquil

Breakfast at the hotel. Head back to the mainland, with a flight from San Cristobal airport. Arrive in Guayaquil, and join a shared-transfer to your hotel in the city centre. Guayaquil is the largest city in Ecuador and is located on the Pacific Coast. Later, enjoy a walking tour of the city, visiting the Malecon, Paque Iguanas and Las Peñas neighbourhood. Overnight stay in Guayaquil.

Day 17: Guayaquil

Breakfast at the hotel. The day is at your leisure to do some last-minute souvenir shopping, relax in the arty neighbourhood of Santa Ana Hill. Overnight stay in Guayaquil.

Day 18: Guayaquil - Night on board

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Night on board. Please note: Depending on the flight departure time you may arrive back in the US today.

Day 19: US

Arrive in the US and end your trip.