2013 - APT South America

Visit the locals of Lake Titicaca Here you can appreciate the donation that APT has contributed on your behalf to the local community and spend some time with the teachers and pupils. Afterwards, head for Wayra, a boutique restaurant and equestrian centre. Enjoy a traditional BBQ lunch, and watch a Peruvian Paso horse demonstration and a performance of the 'la marinera' – known as Peru's national dance. Later, we travel to the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo. On board, savour a Pisco Sour, enjoy Peruvian music and indulge in a four-course Andean- inspired dinner. Arrive in Cusco this evening. Two Night Stay: Cusco, Hotel Libertador Palacio del Inka. BD BL Day 14. Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu. Board PeruRail's Vistadome train and admire the mountainous landscape as you travel to Machu Picchu, located over 2,400 metres above sea level. On arrival at the ruins, enjoy lunch at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge then set off on a locally guided tour of the iconic Lost City of the Incas – Machu Picchu. The site remained undiscovered in modern times until the American historian, Hiram Bingham, brought it to international attention in 1911. Stay: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. BLD Hike the Famous Inca Trail The more adventurous can replace Day 14 touring with a five-hour hike to Machu Picchu, before rejoining the group for dinner at your hotel. Revisit Machu Picchu the next morning for your guided tour and morning tea. $295* per person. Must be pre-booked. Day 16. Cusco, Dine Around Dinner. A walking tour of Cusco 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 Santo Domingo. After free time, you may wish to dine at one of the following restaurants for lunch or save your Dine Around Dinner for this evening's meal. Your choice of restaurants include Cicciolina; Incanto; the MAP Café; or take in a folklore show and dinner at Tunupa Restaurant Bar & Grill. Day 17. Cusco, Lake Titicaca. This morning board the Andean Explorer for a day-long rail journey into the highlands. Travelling in Andean Explorer Class (first class), the start of your trip is dominated by the Andean mountains towering over the valleys below. Later, you'll reach the Andean Plains, home to wild vicuña and alpaca. On the way, enjoy access to the lounge car and the open-air observation bar car, and be treated to a three-course lunch. On arrival in Puno, check in to your hotel. Two Night Stay: Puno, The Libertador Lake Titicaca, in Lake View Rooms. enjoy dinner at Restaurant Huaca Pucllana – set within the ruins of an archaeological compound built between 200 and 700 AD. As you dine, take in amazing views of the colourfully illuminated adobe pyramid. Stay: Lima, Miraflores Park Hotel by Orient-Express. BD Day 20. Lima, Quito (Ecuador). Depart Lima today and fly to Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. On arrival, check in to your hotel for an overnight stay. Two Night Stay: Hilton Colon Quito. B BD Day 21. Quito, Otavalo. Today you'll enjoy a day trip to Otavalo, notable for its textiles and Indian clothing markets. Enjoy a tour and see how the locals weave a variety of designs of belts and other clothing items. Then continue to Cotacachi, famous for its leather works. B BL Day 15. Machu Picchu, Cusco. Today you will have the opportunity to beat the morning rush with a return visit to Machu Picchu to experience the site in true serenity at your own pace. Alternatively, relax and enjoy the comforts and facilities of your hotel. Later, board Orient-Express' exclusive Hiram Bingham train for what is the most luxurious rail journey from Machu Picchu to Cusco. 46 Day 18. 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. This morning, cruise to the home of the Uros people, a group of more than 40 man-made islands created from floating reeds. Afterwards, visit the isolated Capachica Peninsula, where you'll enjoy great views and a traditional BBQ lunch. This afternoon, return to your hotel. Day 19. Lake Titicaca, Lima. After flying back to Lima, transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure to explore the city the way you wish. Perhaps do some shopping or visit sites that are of interest to you. Tonight, Day 22. Quito, Galápagos Islands Cruise. This morning after breakfast you will fly to Baltra Island, a small island in the Galápagos Archipelago, to board your ship, the MV Galápagos Explorer II for your four-night cruise. This afternoon, you will set sail for Cerro Dragon, which is known for its flamingo lagoon. There is also the possibility of seeing one of many land iguanas foraging along the trail. Four Night Stay: MV Galápagos Explorer II, in a guaranteed Deluxe Balcony Suite. BLD BL Day 23. Galápagos Islands Cruise. This morning, visit El Baranco on Isla Genovesa, located on the southern side of Darwin Bay. The cliffs are formed by highly fluid lava flowing from what was once a shield volcano. Also present on this island is the unique Masked Booby seabird. During a boat ride around the cliffs, fur seals can be seen as well as several other species of seabirds. Later, visit Darwin Bay, also on Isla Genovesa, which is home to colonies of nesting Common Frigate, Nazca Booby and the Swallow-tailed gull. You may see the Red- footed Booby nests, as it's the largest colony nesting in the Galápagos for pelagic birds. The Royal Frigate is abundant on this island and constitutes one of the main attractions here. BLD

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