South America Touring, Amazon River Cruise, Brazil, Chile, Galapagos Islands, Peru, Antarctic Cruising
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50 See nature at its best during fun Zodiac excursions ashore in the Galápagos Islands Day 17. Cusco. A walking tour of Cusco this morning will take you to the square in the city's historic heart, the Plaza de Armas, as well as the sacred sites of Koricancha and Cusco Cathedral. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure exploring this timeless city. B Day 18. Cusco, Lake Titicaca. This morning, board the Andean Explorer for a day-long rail journey into the highlands and on to Puno, reaching up to 4,335 metres above sea level. The start of your trip is dominated by the Andes towering over the valleys below. On the way, be treated to a three-course lunch before arriving in Puno and settling in to your hotel on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Two Night Stay: Puno, The Libertador Lake Titicaca, Lake View Rooms. BL Day 19. Puno, Lake Titicaca. Located on the border of Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is situated at 3,800 metres above sea level, making it the highest altitude lake in the world. Travel by speedboat to the village of Luquina. Here, visit a unique school project where you can appreciate the donation to the local community that APT has contributed on your behalf. After spending time with teachers and pupils, enjoy a local village lunch with views of the Capachica Peninsula. This afternoon, cruise to the islands of the Uros people, which have been built entirely with reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake. BL Day 20. Lake Titicaca, Lima. After flying back to Lima, transfer to your hotel. Tonight, enjoy an exclusive evening of fine dining and camaraderie at one of Lima's most impressive historic homes, the Casa Garcia Alvarado. Tour the magnificent residence before being joined by a member of the Garcia Alvarado family for a delicious Peruvian dinner. Stay: JW Marriott Hotel Lima, Ocean View Rooms. BD Day 21. Lima, Guayaquil (Ecuador). Board your included flight to Guayaquil in Ecuador. On arrival, transfer to your hotel before embarking on a tour of this bustling coastal city. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Stay: Guayaquil, Hilton Hotel. BL Day 22. Guayaquil, Embark Galápagos Islands Cruise, San Cristóbal Island. Fly to the Galápagos Islands and transfer to your luxurious ship. After lunch, journey to Cerro Colorado on San Cristóbal Island's southern shore. Here, you'll visit the breeding centre of the endangered giant tortoise, which is set amid a beautiful deciduous forest. Three Night Cruise: Yacht La Pinta. BLD Day 23. Galápagos Islands Cruise, San Cristóbal Island. Disembark at the eastern tip of San Cristóbal Island this morning. Starting at the beach, set out on an exciting walk which takes in spectacular views of the coast. These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon in 1835. Along the way, you'll be able to spot frigatebirds and see a noisy colony of male sea lions. Afterwards, you might like to go swimming or snorkelling. Later, take a dinghy ride to the beautiful, white-sand beach of Cerro Brujo. The beach is ideal for birdwatching and is also home to striking Sally Lightfoot crabs. BLD Day 24. Galápagos Islands Cruise, Española Island. Arrive at Española, the southernmost island of the Galápagos. Embark on an enchanting walk across the lava terrain at Punta Suárez, one of the best walks of the Galápagos. With your naturalist guide, explore the rocky shores and visit colonies of waved albatross, boobies and swallow-tail gulls, and keep an eye out for marine iguanas making their way to the water. You'll also see the famous blowhole. Later, perhaps head out in a kayak or your ship's glass-bottom boat with a guide and watch for reef sharks, turtles and many species of tropical fish. BLD Day 25. Disembark Galápagos Islands Cruise, Guayaquil. This morning, disembark at Santa Cruz Island and see the majestic giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station. You'll learn all about the endangered species, with some of the tortoises here being more than 100 years old. Transfer by bus across the island and take in the scenery, before a short ferry ride to Baltra. Head to the airport for your return flight to Guayaquil. Tonight, bid farewell to your fellow travellers over dinner. Stay: Guayaquil, Hilton Hotel. BD Day 26. Depart Guayaquil. After breakfast, your journey concludes with an airport transfer. B www.aptouring.com.au