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Victoria Guestx7121
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Margaret Bailey
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Alex Williams
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- Day 1 ARRIVE IN LIMA, PERU Welcome to Peru! Meet your Local Guide.
- Day 2 LIMA-PISCO-PARACAS & NAZCA LINES Mysterious SignsDISCOVERY Drive south along the scenic Pan-American Highway to Pisco, the wine capital of Peru, and take a guided two-hour flight over the Nazca Lines--a series of drawings of animals and geometric figures etched into the parched soil--some up to 1,000 feet long--believed by some to be the astronomical calendar of the ancient Peruvians. (B,D)
- Day 3 PARACAS-BALLESTAS ISLAND CRUISE-LIMA Exotic Life DISCOVERY This morning, head to the Bay of Paracas and take a cruise to the Ballestas Islands--home to a wide variety of sea mammals and exotic birds. See the huge Candelabro, a candelabra-shaped etching on the Paracas cliffside. Later, return to Lima where you will have free time to explore the fascinating Peruvian capital - where high-rises tower above ancient temples and colorful colonial architecture. (B)
- Day 4 LIMA Peruvian Treasures, Presidential Palaces, and Pizarro's ConquestsCLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of to see the colonial Old Quarter, Plaza de Armas, the presidential Government Palace, and the Cathedral. Visit San Francisco Monastery to see the famous catacombs followed by the Larco Herrera Museum--with the world's largest private collection of pre-Columbian Peruvian art.DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a Culinary Experience with an authentic Peruvian welcome dinner in the exquisite, historic mansion--Casa Garcia Alvarado.(B,D)
- Day 5 SACRED VALLEY Alpacas, Llamas, and Ancient Rituals of the AndesCLASSIC Fly to Cusco, the ancient Andean city and former capital of the Inca Empire. A Guided Excursion into the reveals the hillside Temple of Sacsayhuaman. Marvel at the remarkable Inca stonework of this 15th-century fortress that was once the site of the largest battle between the Incas and the Spanish. The Spanish were ultimately victorious in 1536, disassembling part of the site to build homes in Cusco and leaving behind the ruins we find today. You will also see the Inca military post of Puca Pucara and visit the ceremonial site of Kenko where ancient Peruvian rituals and sacrifices were performed.DISCOVERY Enjoy an encounter with llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos and learn about their vital role in Peruvian culture. Continue to the old mountain village of Pisaq. Take time to shop in the large indigenous Quechua community market for treasures such as alpaca sweaters, woven blankets, and handmade jewelry.This evening, enjoy dinner featuring Andean and Western dishes with wine.(B,L,D)
- Day 6 SACRED VALLEY Stone Temples and Formidable FortressesCLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the adobe village of Ollantaytambo this morning to visit the ruins of an Inca fortress. See the massive stones and amazing engineering design, including the Sun Temple and Princess Baths fountain.DISCOVERY Join an Escorted Visit to a native Incan home to experience the way of life that has endured since the 13th century.MACHU PICCHU Andean Heights and Hidden Secrets of the Inca's Lost City CLASSIC Join a Guided Excursion aboard PeruRail Vistadome boasting spectacular panoramic views of the lush countryside of Urubamba Valley from its panoramic windows and an observation outdoor carriage. Travel by rail to Aguas Calientes to take the winding road to legendary Machu Picchu.ACTIVE Take a Guided Walk to explore the "Lost City of the Incas" high atop the Andes once overlaid with dense forest. Learn about the lives and mysteries still hidden in this ancient citadel and the amazing structures built by the pre-Columbian masters of this sacred land.DISCOVERY Enjoy your overnight stay at the foot of the mountain where Machu Picchu is found with a gourmet Peruvian dinner.(B,D)
- Day 7 MACHU PICCHU A Miraculous Sanctuary in a Tropical Mountain Cloud Forest CLASSIC Take a second included guided excursion to . Depart early to witness sunrise casting its first light across the ancient citadel, then wander the iconic terraces for a deeper connection to this remarkable site.After lunch, return to the Sacred Valley by train and then continue on to Cusco. (B,L)
- Day 8 CUSCO Conquistadors, Churches, and the Colorful Culture of Peru CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of and learn about the Inca culture and the Spanish invasion that threatened their way of life and very existence. Visit Santo Domingo Monastery, originally called Koricancha and built by the Incas as a Temple of the Sun with extraordinary engineering and masonry design. Continue to the Plaza de Armas to visit the Cathedral.Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore Cusco's colorful culture. DISCOVERY Tonight, an elegant dinner includes wine and a menu inspired by Peru's eclectic mix of cultures.(B,D)
- Day 9 CUSCO-LIMA-IQUITOS-NAUTA-PERUVIAN AMAZON RIVER (EMBARKATION) Your Amazon Adventure BeginsCLASSIC Today, you'll travel by air to Lima and then on to Iquitos to begin your Amazon journey.Travel to Nauta and embark the luxurious vessel, the Delfin III, to cruise the Peruvian Amazon in comfort and convenience. Settle into your spacious suite before meeting your onboard Naturalist and Cruise Director.DISCOVERY Attend an onboard Welcome Reception to gain an overview of your upcoming Amazon experience. Your Naturalist Guide will offer information about the animal species of the Amazon ecosystem, the native villagers you'll meet, and the spectacular plant life that thrives in this astonishing environment. See the two powerful Amazon tributaries--the Ucayali and Marañon Rivers--which converge to create the mighty Peruvian Amazon.Later, on board, enjoy an unforgettable dinner featuring Peruvian cuisine with the freshest local ingredients. (B,L,D)
- Day 10 PERUVIAN AMAZON Spider Monkeys, Pink Dolphins, and Peru's Favorite Cocktail CLASSIC Rise early this morning for your first glimpse of the majestic Amazon at sunrise to experience the sights and sounds. After breakfast, take a Guided Panga Ride down one of the Amazon's tributaries in search of the incredible wildlife. Your Naturalist Guide helps to spot capuchin, howler, tamarin, and spider monkeys, as well as iguanas, sloths, freshwater pink dolphins, and a stunning array of birdlife. Watch for the extraordinary giant Amazonian water lily. CLASSIC This afternoon, a Guided Excursion to Pacaya Samiria National Reserve allows you to witness the activity of exotic birds, including trogons, macaws, parrots, falcons, and jacamars.ACTIVE Take a refreshing Swim in this unique area of the Amazon--with the chance to encounter the Amazon's amazing pink dolphins.DISCOVERY Join in an onboard Cooking Class to learn about native fruits, vegetables, and fish. You'll learn about local ingredients for delicious recipes. In the evening, enjoy a Mixology Lesson to create Peru's famous cocktail, the Pisco Sour.(B,L,D)
- Day 11 PERUVIAN AMAZON Exotic Birds, Night Creatures, and Natural RemediesACTIVE Join a morning Naturalist Guided Walk to explore tropical flora, including epiphytes, orchids, and indigenous jungle vegetation below the rainforest's canopy.DISCOVERY Attend an onboard Nature Presentation about indigenous and medicinal plants, fruits, and vegetation used in the Amazonian culture for centuries.CLASSIC This afternoon, a Guided Excursion to the Amazon community of San Francisco introduces you to local villagers who have called Amazonia their home for generations.ACTIVE Join a Night Safari Excursion to spot nocturnal creatures, including caiman, frogs, bats, and boa constrictors. DISCOVERY Later tonight, enjoy Live Entertainment by the Delfin III crew of local performers to celebrate your Amazon adventure with music and dance.(B,L,D)
- Day 12 IQUITOS (DISEMBARKATION) A Tropical Wonders and an Amazon FarewellDISCOVERY This morning, disembark and bid your ship's crew farewell. On the way to Iquitos, join an Escorted Visit to the Amazon Tropical Aquarium for a unique educational experience to learn about the river's ecosystem, the behavior of its extraordinary species, and the vital role they play in the balance of nature. Later, fly to Lima.(B)
- Day 13 LIMA-QUITO Adios, Lima!Fly from Lima to Quito. Take free time today to relax and prepare for your upcoming Galápagos adventure, or walk through the historic city to sample ceviche or helado (Latin-American ice cream). Dine out tonight or ask about the best clubs for music and dancing. (B)
- Day 14 QUITO A Gold Altar, Artistic Avenues, and Two Hemispheres in One DayDISCOVERY Travel through the Tandayapa Valley to the Andean Chocó cloud forest and nature reserve. The Alambi Reserve, renowned for bird watching, is home to more than 250 species of birds, including 30 different hummingbirds. While here, visit the hummingbird garden to observe these characteristic birds in their natural habitat. CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of that showcases the colonial city's historic sites, including the impressive Legislative Palace with its enormous, sculpted mural of Ecuadorean history. You'll also see Independence Plaza and visit the 16th-century San Francisco Monastery, and La Compañía Church--the exquisite Jesuit cathedral with its spectacular Spanish baroque architecture--more than 160 years in the making. DISCOVERY Take a Guided Walk down Calle La Ronda--one of 's oldest streets--with a wealth of artist's workshops and galleries where you'll meet local artists and learn about their original works. Later, visit a local chocolate factory for a tour and a tasting to discover why Ecuador is one of the world's finest chocolate producers.CLASSIC Your day in ends with a Guided Excursion to the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo--a monument to the Equator--the "middle of the world." Stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at the same time at the exact location of the Earth's Equator. Observe the equatorial effects of the dual-spiraling directions of water and balancing eggs on end.This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a famed local restaurant with delicious regional cuisine. (B,D)
- Day 15 BALTRA-GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS (EMBARKATION)-SANTA CRUZ ISLAND The Theory of Evolution--and Giant BabiesThis morning, take a flight to the Galápagos Island of Baltra where you'll embark on your five-day cruise aboard the luxurious MS Infinity yacht.DISCOVERY Join your naturalist on a Guided Excursion on Santa Cruz Island to visit the El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve, a unique natural reserve where you can observe the giant turtles and dozens of bird species. Later, join an onboard briefing of the next day's adventures followed by dinner.NOTE: The ship is expedition-style designed for open water cruising, however, the itinerary is subject to changes based on open-water conditions, weather, seasonal currents and Galápagos National Park policies and regulations. (B,L,D)
- Day 16 SANTA CRUZ ISLAND Marine Life, and Lunar Landscapes ACTIVE This morning, visit one of the newest visitor sites accessible to tourists in the Galápagos Islands, Dragon Hill. Walk along the beach and trails to a lagoon where bright flamingos, pintail ducks, and land iguanas can be spotted. This afternoon, travel to the north shore of Santa Cruz for Bachas Beach.DISCOVERY Explore Bachas Beach, named for some wrecked World War II barges whose ribs are still visible in the sand. This site offers great swimming, a lovely walk along the shore, and a visit to a lagoon with wading birds, marine iguanas, and sometimes flamingos. The area is also a frequent nesting site for sea turtles.(B,L,D)
- Day 17 FLOREANA ISLAND Pink Flamingos, Gliding Rays, and a Message in a BarrelCLASSIC Visit Floreana Island, home to the first "post office" in the islands. Visit the spot where 18th century whalers placed a wooden barrel used as an unofficial mailbox. The custom continues to this day with Galápagos visitors, so, don't forget your postcards, and don't be surprised if the post card arrives to its destination before you even get home!ACTIVE Enjoy free time at the sandy beach of Post Office Bay for swimming and snorkeling. See Green Sea Turtles, reef fish, and rays gliding in the shallow shoreline waters.DISCOVERY Take a Guided Walk on Green Beach, so called due to its green color, which comes from a high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand, and the Flour Sand Beach is composed of white coral. See flamingos, boobies, flycatchers, finches, and more! (B,L,D)
- Day 18 ESPA?'OLA ISLAND Diverse Life In and Out of the WaterACTIVE This morning, your Naturalist Guide takes you to the sheer cliffs of Punta Suárez to witness the spectacular spray from an ocean blowhole. Watch for the blue-footed and Nazca boobies, and other remarkable bird species, including the waved albatross. The island is the breeding site of nearly all of the world's waved albatrosses! Be on the lookout for the male Christmas iguana that turns red and green during mating season.CLASSIC Take a Guided Excursion with your expert Naturalist to explore the southeastern part of the archipelago. Visit the glistening white coral beaches of Gardner Bay to see Galápagos sea lions, marine iguanas, seabirds, and hawks. Watch for three species of Darwin finches--a hallmark of his research. DISCOVERY Enjoy a prime snorkeling and swimming spot in Gardner Bay's pristine waters. Spot a kaleidoscope of multi-colored reef fish, reef sharks, playful sea lions, and the amazing Green Sea Turtles.(B,L,D)
- Day 19 GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS (DISEMBARKATION)-SAN CRISTOBAL-QUITO The Geological Genesis of a Magical Archipelago DISCOVERY This morning, cruise to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno for a Naturalist Guided Tour of the San Cristobal Interpretation Center. You'll learn about the Galápagos' fascinating volcanic origins, remote location, climate, and the arrival of diverse species that inspire both imagination and science.This afternoon, you'll say farewell to the magical islands of Galápagos and fly to Quito. This evening, spend free time relaxing or enjoy one of Quito's many fine restaurants. (B)
- Day 20 QUITO Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Name: From the Inca Empire to the Peruvian Amazon with the Nazca Lines & Galápagos Cruise
Brand: Avalon
Quality: Superior First Class
Tour Type: River Cruise
Start City: Lima
End City: Quito
Notes: Maximum enjoyment of this vacation requires walking on cobblestone streets, uneven pathways, and climbing stairs. Elevations exceeding 10,000 feet can make even modest exertion a challenge. The maximum elevation on this tour is 12,200 ft.For Nazca Lines flights, there is a strict maximum guest weight limit of 220 lbs. / 99 kgs. Any guests weighing more than the limit may be required to purchase an additional seat (approx. $305). Avalon Tour Operations must be advised of any guests weighing more than the limit prior to final payment to ensure space can be confirmed.In the Gal?pagos, there will be "wet landings" meaning guests will need to be able to jump in the water, out of the boats/zodiacs and walk a couple of meters to the beaches. Hikes include rocky and uneven terrain up to 2 miles (3.2km) in distance.Note: This itinerary varies from your standard river cruises as the itinerary includes sailing in open water and around remote islands while focusing on wildlife viewing in isolated ecosystems. The MS Infinity is a sea vessel subject to impacts from weather, sea currents, and general sailing conditions. The ship's itinerary may vary according to regional policies and regulations, weather conditions, and seasonal changes to create the perfect cross-section of sites visited.
