NOTE: High Altitude. This journey spends three nights in Cuzco at over 10,000 feet, and three nights in Quito at over 9,200 feet. These high altitudes will affect your blood pressure and breathing. Caution must be observed.

DAYS 1 – 3

Set in a valley ringed by snowcapped volcanoes, Quito welcomes you. Explore its many colonial churches, monasteries and museums, and visit the Equatorial Monument. Tour a rose plantation and visit the owner’s family home and private chapel. Visit the famous Otavalo market to admire the handcrafted textiles of the local, indigenous people. In the small town of Peguche — Ecuador’s center of weaving — enjoy strolling through the town’s narrow streets where quaint shops abound.

Plaza Grande, Quito

DAYS 4 – 7

The M/V Galápagos Explorer II awaits you for a 5-day cruise of the living laboratory where Charles Darwin studied and collected samples of the flora and fauna. His observations on the islands’ diverse species would later become the basis for the Theory of Evolution. You’ll explore the islands by Zodiacs and find opportunities to hike along scenic pathways, swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters.

M/V Galápagos Explorer II

DAYS 8 & 9

Those with limited time may leave this journey on Day 8, fly to Quayaquil for an overnight stay at Hotel Oro Verde, Guayaquil and then return home on Day 9.

DAYS 8 & 9

Explore the sights of colonial Lima with a visit to the San Francisco Monastery and the Plaza de Armas Square. View the world’s largest private collection of Peruvian pre-Columbian art at the Larco-Herrera Museum. Enjoy a private lunch in Casa Aliaga, the oldest private mansion in continuous use in the western hemisphere. You’ll also visit Enrico Poli’s private collection of rare Peruvian and pre-Columbian crafts.

Miraflores Park Hotel, Lima

DAYS 10 & 11

Your time in the Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, helps to acclimatize with the high altitude by ascending it gradually. During your stay in the Urubamba Valley — the Sacred Valley of the Incas — you’ll visit the artisan market of Pisac and explore the lovely Andean village of Chinchero. Enjoy a visit to the Willoq community, where you can learn about their culture from the children at the local school.

Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa, Urubamba Valley

DAY 12

Board the scenic Vistadome train to Machu Picchu, the last bastion of the Inca Empire. The photos of this spectacular citadel perched high in the mountains hardly convey the awe-inspiring feeling of being here. You’ll have the opportunity to witness a sunrise over the ruins — an unforgettable experience.

Sanctuary Lodge, Machu Picchu

DAYS 13 & 14

High in the Andes, more than 10,000 feet above sea level, Cuzco was founded in the 15th century by the Incas and was later conquered by the Spanish. You’ll explore the Convent of Santo Domingo, known as Korikancha to the Incas, a temple devoted to worship of the sun, and tour the countryside to see the National Archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman.

Hotel Monasterio, Cuzco

DAYS 15 & 16

Return to Lima for an afternoon at leisure before your evening flight home on Day 15, arriving home the following day.

Miraflores Park Hotel (day room), Lima

Package price is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Intra-tour air pricing is subject to change. International airfare is additional. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for complete journey details.

NOTE: High Altitude. This journey spends three nights in Cuzco at over 10,000 feet, and three nights in Quito at over 9,200 feet. These high altitudes will affect your blood pressure and breathing. Caution must be observed.

DAYS 1 – 3

Set in a valley ringed by snowcapped volcanoes, Quito welcomes you. Explore its many colonial churches, monasteries and museums, and visit the Equatorial Monument. Visit the famous tavalo market and admire the handcrafted textiles of the local, indigenous people. In the small town of Cotacachi — Ecuador’s center of leatherworks — enjoy strolling through the town’s narrow streets where quaint shops abound. 
Plaza Grande, Quito

DAYS 4 – 7

The M/V Galápagos Explorer II awaits you for a five-day cruise of the living laboratory where Charles Darwin studied and collected samples of the flora and fauna. His observations on the islands’ diverse species would later become the basis for the Theory of Evolution. You’ll explore the islands by Zodiacs and find opportunities to hike along scenic pathways and swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters. 
M/V Galápagos Explorer II

DAYS 8 & 9

Explore the sights of colonial Lima with a visit to the San Francisco Monastery and the Plaza de Armas Square. View the world’s largest private collection of Peruvian pre-Columbian art at the Larco-Herrera Museum. You’ll also visit Enrico Poli’s private collection of rare Peruvian and pre-Columbian crafts. 
Miraflores Park Hotel, Lima

DAYS 10 & 11

During your stay in the Urubamba Valley — the Sacred Valley of the Incas — you’ll visit the artisan market of Pisac and explore the lovely Andean village of Chinchero. Enjoy a visit to the Willoq community, where you can learn about their culture from the children at the local school. 
Sol y Luna Lodge, Urubamba Valley

DAY 12

Board the scenic Vistadome train to Machu Picchu, the last bastion of the Inca Empire. The photos of this spectacular citadel perched high in the mountains hardly convey the awe-inspiring feeling of being here. You’ll have the opportunity to witness a sunrise over the ruins — an unforgettable experience. 
Sanctuary Lodge

DAYS 13 & 14

High in the Andes, more than 10,000 feet above sea level, Cuzco was founded in the 15th century by the Incas and was later conquered by the Spanish. You’ll explore the Convent of Santo Domingo, known as Korikancha to the Incas, a temple devoted to worship of the sun, and tour the countryside to see the National Archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman. 
Hotel Monasterio, Cuzco

DAYS 15 & 16

Return to Lima and enjoy your private farewell lunch in Casa Aliaga, the oldest private mansion in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere. Depart Lima on Day 16. 
Miraflores Park Hotel, Lima

Package price is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Intra-tour air pricing is subject to change. International airfare is additional. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for complete journey details.

Plaza Grande
Quito, Ecuador

The Hotel Plaza Grande rises above the central square, known as the Plaza de la Independencia. It was one of the first hotels ever constructed in the capital, located in what was originally the home of Juan Díaz de Hidalgo, one of the Spanish conquerors who founded the city of Quito at the beginning of the sixteenth century. The hotel has been extensively renovated and remodeled and is now the finest boutique hotel in the city.

Offering only 15 suites, this accommodation is luxurious in the personal care and attention guest receive. Hotel features and services include a gym, sauna and massage room, 24-hour room service. There are three restaurants offering both national and international cuisine.

Each suite is furnished with pieces in noble woods and following standards of the Spanish colonial era, and includes every detail that a modern five‐star hotel could require, including air conditioning, cable TV, wireless internet, mini bar and a hair dryer.

M/V Galápagos Explorer II
The Galápagos Islands

The M/V Galápagos Explorer II is the most elegant vessel cruising the Galápagos’ waters. It is designed to provide both comfort and scientific information to 100 passengers visiting the Galápagos National Park. The itineraries emphasize the best of this pristine paradise and expert naturalist guides offer an environmentally friendly and educational cruise focused in the Natural History of the Galápagos. The M/V Galápagos Explorer II was built in 1990 as part of the Renaissance Cruise Line and has operated in the Galápagos Islands since February 1998. It has an overall length of 293 feet and reaches 17 knots. The vessel is adapted to eco-tourism operations.

Facilities on board include a boutique, library, conference room, restaurant, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, bar and karaoke bar, coffee/tea/snack station and 24-hour doctor.

All of the spacious suites offer outside views and are fully air-conditioned. They are equipped with marble bathroom, hair dryer, closed-circuit TV, mini bar and satellite telephone. Travcoa features Classic or Premium Suites aboard the ship. Upgrades are available for suites on higher decks or with a balcony. Prices and availability vary per departure. Please ask your Travcoa Journey Consultant for the specific availability and prices on your desired departure date.

Classic Category – Columbus Deck, 240 sq.ft.
Premium Category – Marco Polo Deck, 235 sq.ft.
Deluxe Category – Erickson Deck, 215 sq.ft. with a balcony
Renaissance Category – Erickson or Explorer Deck, 284 sq.ft. with a panoramic view or balcony.

Miraflores Park Hotel
Lima, Peru

Located in Malecon de la Reserva, an exclusive residential area with a spectacular ocean view, Miraflores Park Plaza Hotel is a relaxing, comfortable oasis.

Your ocean view guestroom features an ample private bathroom in marble and granite, comfortable king-sized bed, air-conditioning, heating, spacious closets, a sitting area equipped with the best in communications technology—fax machine, two phone lines, data port. Access to the Internet and personal computers are available upon request.

Sol y Luna Lodge
Urumbamba Valley, Peru

Located in the peaceful surrounding of the Urubamba Valley, the lodge is like a little village or hacienda with a hotel (including the individual bungalows) and a ranch. There are gardens that extend throughout—winding around the bungalows, the restaurant and the ranch. The variety of plants and flowers are a mini-eco system, attracting an assortment of both common and uncommon birds. At least 30 different species have been observed in the garden, including several types of hummingbirds, endemic to this region, as well as Peruvian sierra finches and black-backed grosbeaks.

The hotel is enclosed in a red-walled courtyard surrounded by tall eucalyptus trees and green mountains. Lodge facilities include an outdoor tennis court, a pool-facing the restaurant and surrounded by cypress trees, and a full service spa containing a fully equipped gym, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, and Spanish bath. There is also laundry and room service and a gift shop with local handmade crafts. The Ranch is a wide expanse of green lawn edged with trees, and stables and corrals, housing the unique Peruvian Paso horses. Horseback riding is available, as well as hikes and treks on foot.

The restaurant features Novo Andino cuisine, a distinctive blend of Andean, coastal and international flavors. There is also a pub that offers cocktails and simpler fare.

There are 28 bungalows or Muyus, which are literally made from elements of the valley earth constructed with adobe, wood, stone and clay. The interiors are also decorated to reflect the Andean setting, with ceramic-tiled floors, high “sombrero chino”ceilings with wooden beams, decorative bands of stone work, and assorted curios and details from local artisans who worked on all aspects of the construction. Each bungalow is an oasis of comfort with amenities including a telephone, private verandah, in-room safe, heater and a hair dryer.

Tambo del Inka
Urubamba Valley, Peru

Retreat to a space that is spacious, elegant, and filled with opulence. Individual design traits pay homage to our surroundings—a unique opportunity for those wishing to truly experience our culture.

Sanctuary Lodge
Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, at 8,200 feet above sea level, is the only hotel located within the very sanctuary of the Inca citadel. It is located right on the top of the mountain, only a couple of seconds from the actual ruins themselves. Reflecting the casual, intimate atmosphere of a home away from home, the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge has 29 well appointed rooms and 2 suites, with some of the best views of the world: the ruins of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Mountain. The interior garden has a variety of local flowers and orchids in addition to a beautiful panoramic view.

All rooms are equipped with private telephone, cable TV, mini bar, and safe-deposit box. The hotel offers room service and serves Peruvian and international dishes at the buffet restaurant, which is open to the public for lunch, and the à la carte restaurant, open only to Lodge guests.

Hotel Monasterio
Cuzco, Peru

Hotel Monasterio del Cuzco is located in a 17th-century building that was once the Seminary of San Antonio Abad. In 1995, the seminary was tastefully converted into a hotel, while still preserving its original historically relevant architecture. Today the hotel provides a unique opportunity to experience the comfort and service of a five-star hotel in an amazing museum setting.

The decoration and furnishings combine the best of modern and traditional Spanish colonial style, many of them with charming views of the city or the colorful rooftops of Cuzco. You can feel the presence of the past as you are pampered with every luxury and modern comfort.
The original architecture and design of the Monasterio has not been significantly altered, and thus the rooms reflect their origins as a home for Jesuit seminarians. There are no two rooms alike and they all vary in size and format.

A fine restaurant, coffee house and bar are located in the hotel. Your comfortable and elegant room includes telephone, mini bar, cable television, hairdryer and room service. The Hotel Monasterio has taken steps to alleviate altitude sickness by introducing an oxygen supplementation system, which is a special feature of your guestroom

Sharon Zimmerman

Sharon’s outstanding people skills have helped her to guide travelers on fascinating journeys to Asia, Africa and South America. Her favorite memories come from tours she led to the Hindu Kingdom of Nepal. In her own words, “You simply haven’t lived until you have been on the back of a galloping elephant!”

Travel Dates: September 29, 2010

Marta Luna

A native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Marta speaks Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian and English. She’s an “insatiable traveler”, very interested in history, art and literature, and also paints as a hobby. She resides both in San Francisco and Italy.

Travel Dates: February 02, 2011

John Wootton

After years spent aboard ships and traveling in South Africa, John joined the Travcoa family. He has been leading our journeys for 30 years, in which time he has traveled on most itineraries, covering all seven continents.

Travel Dates: December 14, 2011