The Best of the Galápagos and Peru: From Enchanted Islands to Machu Picchu

At leisure. Settle in and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

At the hotel.

Orientation at 8:00 a.m. We will meet our Quito group leader and fellow Road Scholar participants during a welcome and introduction session at the hotel. We will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Periods labeled “Free Time” and “At Leisure” offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable while going out to explore on your own, engaging in available activities independently, making new friends among fellow Road Scholars, or simply relaxing. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Meals on our program feature local cuisine. In many cases, they will be plated and served set meals; in others, we will have buffets with multiple options. Beverages include coffee, tea, water; other beverages are usually available for purchase. Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. At the hotel we'll board a bus and ride to the center of the city for an orientation to Ecuador’s capital. We'll accompany the Group Leader in a walking exploration of the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site, learning about Quito's history from pre-Hispanic times, through the Colonial Period, to the Republican Era. The architecture found in Quito’s historical center is a great example of the Baroque style which is a fusion of Spanish, Moorish, Flemish and Indigenous art. Our field trip will include visits to the Museo Casa del Alabado, La Compañia Church, San Francisco Church and Convent, and the Plaza Grande.

At a local restaurant including an introduction to Ecuadorian food products and typical Ecuadorian cuisine. As a treat, we will learn how to make the city's signature canelazo drink.

After lunch we will walk a couple of blocks to the Escuela de Arte Quiteño (Quito Art School). The school aims to preserve, through hands-on classes, the artistic techniques and traditions of the Quito School established during the colonial era. During our visit we will learn from a school instructor about the art techniques and theory behind the use of gold leaf before we try our hands at creating our own gilded artwork. In the mid-16th century, Roman Catholic monks began teaching indigenous artisans in Quito the artistic techniques needed to illuminate manuscripts and create religious sculptures, paintings, and other decorative elements that would eventually adorn the city’s many impressive churches and stately homes. While initial efforts attempted to replicate the Baroque styles brought from Spain and Italy, it soon evolved into something uniquely Quiteño; a style that incorporated indigenous imagery and artistic elements pointing to Flemish, Spanish, Italian, and even Moorish aesthetic influences. Late afternoon we’ll ride back to our hotel and attend an expert presentation about Andean culture and European and Indigenous syncretism.

At the hotel.

Prepare for an early check out and flight tomorrow. There is a 50 lb weight limit for checked luggage on the flights to the islands. Please pack accordingly.

Early, at the hotel.

Hotel check out. After boarding the bus we will transfer to the airport in preparation for our flight to the Galapagos Islands. Our Quito Group Leader will assist us with check-in procedures and bid us farewell as we proceed through security and get ready to embark on our flight. Upon arrival to the Galápagos Islands we'll deplane and walk across the tarmac to the airport building and follow the arrival signs to Immigration. With passport in hand we will stop at the Immigration counter for an inspection of our travel documents before we can proceed to the baggage claim area. After collecting our luggage, we will meet our naturalist Galápagos Group Leader and board a bus that will drive us to the pier, followed by a short panga ride to the boat. Once on board, we'll take part in a welcome orientation and a safety drill as we sail to our first visitor site in the Galápagos.

Aboard the yacht.

Wet landing at Playa las Bachas for a field trip to a flamingo lagoon. Apart from being an important nesting site for sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), Playa las Bachas is also a great location for viewing migratory and aquatic birds. The name of this location dates back to WWII, when the U.S. army abandoned two barges on the beach. Locals found it hard to pronounce the word "barges" in English; over time, the common mispronunciation of the word became the norm, resulting in the name Playa las Bachas. Opportunity for snorkeling and/or swimming before returning to our vessel.

Aboard the yacht, after enjoying a welcome cocktail with the crew.

Orientation to the next day's activities.

Aboard the yacht.

After a panga ride and wet landing, we will accompany our naturalist leader on a walking exploration of Darwin Bay in search of pelagic species. The island's volcanic sea cliffs and salt bush offer a prime habitat for the birds of the Galápagos. In March and April, male frigate birds begin courtship rituals, showing off their inflated red pouches. By August, the island is full of Nazca Boobies (Masked Boobies) and Red-footed Boobies, and Swallow-tailed Gulls can be found nesting. Darwin Bay is the caldera of an extinct volcano which has been partially eroded and offers superb swimming and snorkeling. Opportunity for swimming, snorkeling and/or kayaking before returning to the yacht.

Aboard the yacht.

Dry landing at Prince Phillip's Steps (a.k.a. El Barranco). After climbing the stone steps we will walk on local trails in search of local birds. The Prince Phillip's Steps visitor site includes a steep stone staircase and a rocky trail that extends for approximately 1 mile through squadrons of frigate birds and Red-billed Tropicbirds. Red-footed Boobies perch on the branches of Palo Santo trees and Storm Petrels, which serve as prey for Short-eared Owls, are found in the open lava fields at the end of the trail. We'll return to the yacht in time for dinner.

Aboard the yacht.

Lecture and orientation to the next day's activities. (Please note that the day/time of lectures is subject to change)

Aboard the yacht.

Following our dry landing on Plaza Sur (South Plaza) Island we will embark on a walking field trip on rocky trails in search of local flora and fauna. As we follow the trail to a cactus forest, we hope to get a closer look at land iguanas and their habitat before moving on in search of local sea lion colonies. Sea lions usually give birth from August - November and females begin mating within weeks of having their young. South Plaza is also a great place for viewing seabirds in flight including Red-billed Tropicbirds, frigatebirds, pelicans, Swallow-tailed Gulls, and other pelagic species.

Aboard the yacht.

Wet landing on a small beach on Santa Fe Island; a favorite sea lion hangout. We'll walk along a short looping trail that runs close to the beach. On the trail we will have the opportunity to get close-up views of the large Santa Fe Opuntia cactus while we look for Santa Fe land iguanas and Galapagos hawks. Opportunity for swimming, snorkeling and/or kayaking before returning to the yacht.

Aboard the yacht.

Orientation to the next day's activities.

Aboard the yacht.

We will tender ashore to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, then we'll board a bus and ride to the highlands. Our naturalist will lead us on a walking field trip on local trails and lightly wooded areas to view native forests and the Twin Craters. Then we'll drive to a nearby farm and walk on grassy trails in search of giant tortoises living in the wild. We'll learn more about their diet, breeding habits and overall biology as we observe them in their natural habitat. In addition to giant tortoises, Santa Cruz is home to several species of Darwin's finches as well as Yellow Warblers, Galápagos Rails and Paint-billed Crakes. A dramatic change in vegetation zones can be seen as one travels into the highland region of the island.

At a local ranch in the highlands.

Our bus will deliver us back to Puerto Ayora in preparation for our field trip to the Charles Darwin Research Station and Interpretation Center Fausto Llerena. Our naturalist will lead us on foot through the facility and introduce us to the station's mission and its tortoise breeding projects. The Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) is a biological research station based on Santa Cruz Island and operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation. The organization plays an important role in scientific research, environmental education, and conservation efforts in the islands. The station conducts its projects with the help of a large team of scientists, educators, volunteers, research students and support staff from all over the world. Late afternoon return to the yacht.

Aboard the yacht.

Lecture and orientation to the next day's activities. (Please note that the day/time of lectures is subject to change)

Aboard the yacht.

After a wet landing at Post Office Bay, we’ll walk along a sandy path to a historic spot once used by whalers to "mail" their correspondence. Sailors ingeniously used a barrel as a makeshift postbox, and held letters from sailors across the globe. If a passing ship happened to be heading where the mail was addressed to, the captain would collect and deliver it. Although the barrel is no longer the original one, the system still works since visitors continue to collect and drop off their letters and postcards. Then we'll hike on an uphill trail to the lookout point known as Mirador de la Baronesa. The location was named after one of Floreana's early residents, the Baroness Eloisa Von Wagner. We'll stop at the mirador for a chance to enjoy the stunning views of the bay before continuing on to the ruins of her home and learn about the island's early settlers. Return to the yacht.

Aboard the yacht.

We'll navigate to Champion Islet and then make a wet landing on the green beach at Punta Cormorant, Floreana. During our walking explorations we hope to observe shorebirds and flamingos at the local lagoon and spot endemic plants such as Scalesia vellosa and Lecocarpus pinaffitidus. We will most likely have the chance to spot sea lions lounging lazily on the beach. The beach's unusual color is a result of the olivine crystals present in the sand. From here, a trail leads us to a lagoon where flamingos can be found wading with other birds such as oystercatchers, and Black-necked Stilt. A white sandy beach near the lagoon is good for swimming and is a known nesting site for green sea turtles. Around January, pregnant females come ashore at night to dig nests and lay eggs (between 75-100 eggs per nest) before returning to sea. The eggs begin hatching in April and May. Opportunity to swim and snorkel before returning to the yacht.

Aboard the yacht.

Orientation to the next day's activities.

Aboard the yacht.

We'll make a dry landing at Punta Suarez this morning in preparation for our approximately 2 hour hike. Our walking exploration will take us over loose boulders and challenging rocky ground as we make our way to view nesting boobies and the famous blowhole. Punta Suarez is home to the Galápagos Hawk and the red form of the marine iguana. In January, the iguanas change color, adopting bright hues that are attractive to potential mates. Visitors have a good chance of seeing Blue-footed Booby chicks around October. Española is also the breeding site of most of the archipelago's Waved Albatrosses, so be on the lookout for these large and graceful flyers! Albatrosses display courtship behavior in April, nest and lay eggs in May, and by December the young fledge and leave for a few months before returning in March. A panga will take us back to the yacht in time for lunch.

Aboard the yacht.

Following a panga ride to Española we will make a wet landing at the white sand beach in Gardner Bay. A short walk and swimming/snorkeling activities off the beach will give us the opportunity to relax in one of the islands' most beautiful locations. Gardner Bay's white beach is usually dotted with large quantities of sunbathing sea lions, especially during breeding season which takes place from May through January. This is also an important nesting site for sea turtles! In January, green sea turtles steal ashore under cover of night to dig pits and lay eggs before making their way back to sea. Eggs hatch from April to May. After our visit to Gardner Bay we will enjoy a panga ride around Osborn and Gardner Islets before returning to the yacht.

Aboard the yacht.

Orientation to the next day's activities.

Aboard the yacht.

We'll navigate around Leon Dormido (a.k.a. Kicker Rock) to get a closer look at the iconic stone formation and search for nesting sea birds. The tuff-rock, which rises almost 500 feet from the ocean, has eroded to give it the shape seen as a shoe or sleeping lion. We will be on the lookout for Blue-footed Boobies, Masked Boobies, and frigatebirds dotting its cliffs. Then we will make a wet landing at Cerro Brujo and begin walking on a white sand beach that is often frequented by lively sea lions. Return to the yacht.

Aboard the yacht.

In the afternoon, we will visit Isla Lobos, where we will have the opportunity to enjoy a panga ride and go snorkeling while enjoying the stunning views of blue-footed boobies, frigates, sea birds, rays, and sea lions. After that, we will Dry landing on San Cristobal, where we'll have the opportunity to explore the town. Return to the yacht.

Aboard the yacht.

Orientation to the next day's activities. Prepare luggage for final disembarkation.

Aboard the boat.

Early this morning we will navigate by panga to Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz Island to observe its rich marine life. As we maneuver around the inlet and into the cove we'll shut down the engines and quietly glide along the mangroves, looking for birds and marine life. The experience will be enhanced by our naturalist's expert commentary and spotting skills. If lucky, we might get to see white-tipped sharks, sea turtles and a variety of rays. Return to the yacht and gather your personal belongings in preparation for final disembarkation. Bid farewell to your Galapagos Group Leader and transfer to the airport.

On your own. The airport offers a variety of food options like sandwiches and empanadas.

Upon arrival to mainland, late in the afternoon, we will collect our luggage and check-in for our flight to Lima, Peru. A Road Scholar representative will assist us with the connecting flight.

At the airport. Please note that depending on flight times, the meal locations and times might change. The Road Scholar representative will advise at the site.

Upon arrival in Lima meet the Road Scholar representative and transfer to the hotel.

At the hotel.

After breakfast, we will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. At the hotel, we’ll learn about Peru’s ancient cultures during an introductory presentation by a local archeologist. Then we will board a bus and ride to the Larco Museum to delve deeper into the ancient civilizations discussed during our lecture. After we disembark we’ll set off on foot with a local expert who will lead us through the exhibits and provide historical insights. The privately funded Larco Museum, also known as Museo Rafael Larco Herrera, holds one of the world’s largest collections of Peruvian pre-Colombian artifacts and showcases pieces from lesser known Peruvian cultures such as the Moche, Chimú, and Nazca, as well as the famous Inca. Its name honors the founder’s father, Don Rafael Larco Herrera, a well-known collector of pre-Columbian artifacts and archaeology aficionado. The museum is housed in an 18th century mansion in the Pueblo Libre District of Lima and has 6 exhibit halls, 11 storage rooms, a vault for gold and silver exhibits, a terrace with large stone displays, and a garden with a patio.

Welcome lunch at local restaurant including a Peruvian Food presentation.

We’ll climb aboard the bus and ride to Miraflores to explore the Malecon and enjoy some typical Peruvian snacks, including the deliciously fruity and refreshing cremolada. At Miraflores we will participate in a favorite Limeño pastime as we walk along the landscaped coastal paths of the Malecon and pause to soak up the ocean breeze and beautiful clifftop views. Then we will hop back on the bus and ride to Kennedy Park, known for its great street food, to sample some more local treats such as picarones (picarón, singular). Peruvians’ beloved fried pastry is made with sweet potato and/or pumpkin, then deep fried and topped with chancaca syrup. At the end of our explorations we will climb aboard the bus and ride back to the hotel.

On your own to explore the local fare.

At leisure. Prepare luggage for check out the following morning.

At the hotel.

We’ll check out and depart to the airport for our morning flight to Cusco. Traditional Inca welcome with coca tea upon arrival at the Cusco airport. Then, we'll board the bus and begin our transfer to the Sacred Valley with an en route visit to the Awanakancha Alpaca Center. The Awankancha Alpaca Center is a living museum where visitors can see llamas, alpacas and vicuna. A demonstration will show how the wool from these South American animals is used to make woven textiles.

At a local restaurant en route.

We'll ride to Pisac for a field trip to its market. The rustic Andean village grew up at the foot of the original Inca settlement and has since become known for its market and nearby ruins. The artisan market hosts hundreds of vendors offering ceramics, clothing and knitted goods including those made of alpaca, jewelry, scarves, and trinkets of many kinds. We will return to our bus and ride to the hotel for check in.

At the hotel.

Time at leisure to enjoy the grounds and gardens of this former monastery.

At the hotel.

We will ride to the town of Ollantaytambo in preparation for a field trip to its Inca ruins. Our Group Leader will provide historical context while we walk through the town and examine its ancient ruins. We’ll learn about the engineering genius of the Inca demonstrated by the extensive terracing and irrigation present at the site. Running water still flows through the town in ancient aqueducts. The Inca emperor Pachacuti built Ollantaytambo in the 15th century as part of his royal estate. This is where the Inca retreated to make their last stand in the highlands against the Spanish.

At a local restaurant.

Next, we will ride to Chinchero town and visit a weaving cooperative. Here we will meet with locals and learn about traditional weaving styles and techniques. Weaving is a way of life in Chinchero, as important for preserving ancient traditions as it is for earning a livelihood. Located in the Peruvian Andes on the Inca road between Cusco and Machu Picchu, Chinchero was an early Inca center built by Emperor Tupa Inca as his country estate. During Inca reign, textiles were woven and offered to mark special occasions, from peace treaties and sacrifices to marriage ceremonies and puberty rites. In Chinchero, children grow up playing with their mother's spindle and loom. By age six or seven, most children learn to weave by watching their elders. They begin by weaving jakimas, or narrow ribbons, before moving on to more complicated pieces. On our way back to the hotel, we'll pay special attention to the ancient terraces and other evidences of highland farming seen on the way, as we learn from a local expert about the agricultural practices of the Incas.

At the hotel.

At leisure. Prepare for check out and transfer tomorrow morning. There is a weight limit of for luggage on the Peru Rail transfer to Machu Picchu. Plan to pack an overnight bag for one night in the Machu Picchu area. This bag must weigh no more than 11 pounds and measure no more than 62 inches /157 cm (length, plus height, plus width). Excess luggage can be left with the Road Scholar driver and vehicle, and will be secured until your return to Cusco.

Early, at the hotel.

Early morning we will ride to the Ollantaytambo train station and board a train to Aguas Calientes Station en route to Machu Picchu. This scenic journey by rail follows the meandering path of the Urubamba River and provides spectacular views of the snowcapped Andes. We will disembark at Aguas Calientes Station (6,693 feet elevation). Shortly thereafter, we will board a bus that will take us up the mountain to the Machu Picchu ruins. NOTE: Seating on the buses is on a “first come, first served” basis. We do not have a set departure time and will wait in line to board the bus.

At a local restaurant near the ruins.

We will spend the afternoon at Machu Picchu, exploring in and around the ruins with a local expert. The modern day discovery of this ancient and incredible Inca city is credited to Hiram Bingham, a Yale graduate and former U.S. senator who was fascinated with Inca archaeology. While he was searching for Vilcabamba and Vitcos, Bingham “found” Machu Picchu with the help of a local farmer who knew about the ruins. Bingham hypothesized that the site was a “citadel” existing for strategic and defense purposes. He also speculated that the site was a refuge for Cusco’s Virgins of the Sun, based upon the finding of skulls there, although not scientifically classified as female. Breakthroughs in archaeology since 1985 have largely supported the emerging view of Machu Picchu as a royal estate. Archaeologists believe the site was built around 1450-1460 at the orders of Inca ruler Pachacutec Inca Yupanqui. It is estimated that the ruler lived here with more than 750 laborers, servants, family and relatives, and priests. Machu Picchu was built, flourished, and fell into demise within a period of only 100 years. The reason for its disuse remains a mystery, although archaeologists speculate it may have had to do with the Spanish conquest. We will ride back to Aguas Calientes and then walk to our hotel.

On your own for a chance to explore local fare.

Time at leisure to explore the town and local craft market.

At the hotel.

We'll accompany our Group Leader on an exploratory walk around the town of Aguas Calientes. Next, we'll visit the local market.

At a local restaurant.

Transfer by bus to the train station to board the early afternoon train to Ollantaytambo Station. Arriving at the Ollantaytambo Station, we'll board a bus and transfer to Cusco. Once in Cusco we'll check in at the hotel. The rest of the day will be free to enjoy Cusco at your own pace.

On your own for a chance to explore local fare

At leisure and to perhaps enjoy a walk around the main square of historic Cusco, the Plaza de Armas.

At the hotel.

We’ll board the bus and ride to the Sacsayhuaman Ruins. Once there, we’ll accompany our Group Leader on an exploratory walk through the historic site. The fortress of Sacsayhuaman forms the head of the Puma design of old Cusco. It is a wonder of technical achievement and a testament to human will. It is a mystery how it was constructed, since the stones are not found in the region, and most of the blocks weigh more than a ton. The largest rock weighs more than 300 tons. Sacsayhuaman is constructed of huge polygonal blocks which interlock with one another. The stones are so precisely placed that a knife blade cannot be inserted between them. Some sections of the ruins were built by the Killke culture which occupied the region from 900 to 1200 A.D. and was expanded and added to with the arrival of the Incas. We will reboard the bus and ride back to Cusco in preparation for a walking exploration of the city center. Cusco is a city of great historical value as is noted in its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site: “The City of Cuzco provides a unique testimony to the urban and architectural achievements of important political, economic and cultural settlements during the pre-Columbian era in South America. It is a representative and exceptional example of the confluence of two distinct cultures; Inca and Hispanic, which through the centuries produced an outstanding cultural syncretism and configured a unique urban structure and architectural form.”

On your own.

Enjoy some free time to explore Cusco before reconvening at the appointed time for a pre-dinner presentation by a local expert on the history of Inca and Andean musical instruments.

Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

Independent exploration; time at leisure to rest or explore Sol Avenue or the historic Plaza de Armas. The center of Cusco is a history lesson where modern and colonial buildings were built on top of Inca foundations and colonial churches dominate the central square.

At a café in the main plaza where you can enjoy the colonial architecture of the city.

We will transfer to the airport for our flight to Lima and say goodbye to our group leader. Upon arrival to Lima we will connect with our evening flights out of Jorge Chávez International Airport to the U.S. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

On your own.