Presented by MiraCosta Community Services

Day 1: Saturday, November 06, 2010
Quito, Ecuador
Arrive in Quito, a lovely city overlooking the green and gray peaks of the Andes.

Day 2: Sunday, November 07, 2010
Quito - Otavalo
In Imbabura, an enchanting region characterized by lakes and farmlands, see how traditions thrive as local artisans create “Mazapan” bread dough figurines and talk about this unique art form. This evening, enjoy accommodations at a 300-year-old Andean hacienda, a colonial estate that offers warm hospitality and Old World elegance.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 3: Monday, November 08, 2010
Otavalo
This morning, travel through lush valleys and stunning highlands to tour a rose plantation hacienda and learn about the varieties and production of one of Ecuador's major exports. Afterwards, take in the sights and sounds of the famous Otavalo Market as you browse displays of blankets, ponchos, panama hats and much more. Learn about the regional customs, meet some local people during lunch, then enjoy a folkloric show featuring indigenous music and dance. Then, watch local artisans create high-quality apparel using traditional techniques and enjoy a demonstration and tasting of “helado de paila,” a local ice cream specialty.
Today Breakfast and Lunch is included.

Day 4: Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Otavalo - Andes Mountain Train - Quito
Begin your day with an unforgettable train ride through breathtaking Andean landscapes. On your descent from 7,220 feet to 4,920 feet, view fertile valleys of fruit and sugar plantations and typical indigenous villages. Your train ride ends in the community of Salinas where lunch features regional specialties and cheerful, traditional Afro-Ecuadorian music and dance. This evening, return to Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.

Day 5: Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Quito
Spend your morning touring Quito’s charming colonial center including the Presidential Palace and 17th-century church of La Compañía, with its breathtaking gilded altars. Next, visit the Equatorial Line Monument and Museum at the “Middle of the World” where you will cross from one hemisphere into another! The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 6: Thursday, November 11, 2010
Quito - Baltra Island, Galapagos - Embark Ship - Bartholome Island
Your adventure in the Galapagos begins today! A morning flight takes you to beautiful Baltra Island, gateway to the Galapagos. Enjoy lunch aboard the m/v Galapagos Legend. This afternoon, disembark at Bartholome Island, known for its spectacular volcanic formations. At the summit of the island, enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding islands and the famous eroded tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock. Hike to the summit finding colonies of marine iguanas, lava lizards, tequila and various cacti. You will also have the opportunity to snorkel and see penguins, sea turtles and white-tipped sharks.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.

Day 7: Friday, November 12, 2010
Isabela Island (Urbina Bay) - Fernandina Island (Espinosa Point)
Visit Isabela Island where you will see the incredible fossil beach and coral area. Depending on the season, you may be able to observe giant tortoises, land iguanas and flightless cormorants along the beach. After a nature walk, snorkel in the warm waters of Urbina Bay. Sail on to wondrous Fernandina Island where you will see oversized marine iguanas mingling with Sally Lightfoot crabs and sea lions sharing the beach with Galapagos penguins. In addition to the diverse wildlife, look for brachycereus cacti, dramatic lava formations and vast mangrove beds that extend into the sea.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.

Day 8: Saturday, November 13, 2010
Santiago (Egas Port) - Rabida (Jervis)
Arrive at Santiago Island, a landscape characterized by tuff-stone layers and lava flows. Look for birds like the great blue herons, lava herons and oyster catchers. You may also see marine iguanas grazing on algae beds, fur seals frolicking in deep pools of cool water, and crabs teetering along the rocky shore. Next, visit the island of Rabida, the geographic center of the Galapagos boasting the most diverse volcanic rocks on the islands. Its volcanic beach is covered in dark red sand and sea lions. Hike to the scenic salt water lagoon, frequented by graceful flamingos. Eccentric blue-footed boobies and nine species of Darwin’s finches can also be observed here. This evening, stargaze from the deck of your ship.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.

Day 9: Sunday, November 14, 2010
Santa Cruz (Charles Darwin Research Station and Highlands)
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island – a world-class facility where international scientists conduct research and conservation projects. See the famous giant tortoises that are part of the station’s breeding program. Later, trek through the highlands of Santa Cruz to visit Cerro Chato; find more of the giant tortoises that gave the islands their name. It is here that the famous Galapagos coffee beans are organically grown – try a sample. Finally, you may choose to walk inside the dormant lava tubes for an incredible glimpse into the turbulent formation of these islands.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.

Day 10: Monday, November 15, 2010
Santa Cruz (Bachas Beach) - Disembark Ship - Baltra Island - Guayaquil
Experience Bachas Beach, a stunning white sand beach located on the north side of Santa Cruz Island. Among the sand and surf, find many sea birds, marine iguanas and sea turtles. You’ll also have the opportunity to take a dip in the clear turquoise waters. Return to the m/v Galapagos Legend to check out and transfer to Baltra’s airport for an afternoon flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 11: Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Guayaquil - Lima, Peru
Enjoy a city tour of Guayaquil – a coastal community known as the “Pearl of the Pacific.” Behold the waterfront area of Malecon 2000 and the 19th-century neighborhood of Las Peñas, with its colorful, Spanish-style wooden houses. From Santa Ana Hill, enjoy magnificent views of the city below and the chocolate-colored Guayas River. Embrace the architecture, traditions and customs of the Ecuadorian coastal region. Finally, visit the Botanical Garden where you can observe over 73 bird species and 60 species of butterflies. After enjoying this last taste of Ecuadorian culture and natural beauty, fly to Lima, “City of Kings,” to start your Peruvian adventure.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 12: Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Lima - Cuzco - Sacred Valley of the Incas
Fly this morning into Cuzco, in the heart of the Inca civilization. Board your coach to descend through the Andes to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This majestic valley was the agricultural center for the Incas, ranging from Pisac to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Following the route of the Urubamba River, the valley boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of Peru. See and learn the Peruvian centuries-old methods of spinning, dyeing and weaving of Andean traditional textiles with a visit to Awana Kancha, a living museum of the Peruvian Andes. Stop in Pisac village to visit a colorful handicraft market. A special visit to Pablo Seminario Ceramic Studio teaches you about this internationally renowned artist's techniques and designs, inspired by ancient Peruvian cultures. Settle in this evening at your hotel nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 13: Thursday, November 18, 2010
Sacred Valley of the Incas - Ollantaytambo-Sacred Valley of the Incas
Experience the lifestyle of the Andean people today and delve into their culture as you travel to a nearby Andean community. While here you get a glimpse at the daily activities of the village and have a chance to interact with the locals. This afternoon, visit the spectacular Ollantaytambo ruins, the only Inca settlement that has been continually inhabited since its inception. A unique terraced complex topped with an amazing set of huge carved stone panels, these ruins are a magnificent example of ancient Inca architecture and heritage. Then do as the locals do and enjoy a tasting of “chicha,” a unique regional drink made from maize, at a local pub.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 14: Friday, November 19, 2010
Sacred Valley of the Incas - Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu - Cuzco
Begin the day with a breathtaking train ride through the Andes from Ollantaytambo to the mysterious Machu Picchu! Hidden by mountains and the semi-tropical jungle, the "Lost City of the Incas" is deemed the most spectacular sight on the continent of South America. Spend the day with your tour guide exploring the ruins. This afternoon, en route to the majestic ancient capital city of Cuzco, meet Peruvian children with a special visit to a local orphanage sponsored by the Collette Foundation*. Return to the city of Cuzco. Meaning “Center of the World” in the ancient language of Quechua, Cuzco is a fascinating blend of Inca culture and Spanish colonial influence. Relax and become acclimated to the altitude this evening.
Today Breakfast and Lunch is included.

Day 15: Saturday, November 20, 2010
Cuzco
Explore this former capital of the Inca Empire during a colonial city tour, experiencing the architectural legacy visible in the Cathedral, Santo Domingo and the Plaza de Armas. Discover the important sacred Incan ruins of Sacsayhuaman Fortress and Qenko Temple. This evening, enjoy a dinner and performance of traditional Andean folkloric music and dance.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 16: Sunday, November 21, 2010
Cuzco - Lima - Tour Ends
Depart Cuzco this morning and return to Lima. Today, enjoy a fascinating city tour and journey through the historical center of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage site. View the Plaza Mayor, Government Center and discover the abundance of colonial architecture scattered throughout the city. The fashionable suburbs of San Isidro and Miraflores will give you an inside look at the daily life of the Limeños (people of Lima). Your unforgettable journey through Ecuador and Peru ends with a delightful farewell dinner at the prestigious Larco Museum, housed in a fabulous 18th century mansion and surrounded by lush gardens.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

EXTEND YOUR VACATION WITH...
optional 4-Night Ecuador Amazon Pre Tour Extension
Rate: $1449 USD per person, double, land and air included
10 Meals 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners

Day 2 Quito, Ecuador
Arrive in Quito, a lovely city overlooking the green and gray peaks of the Andes. Enjoy your afternoon and evening at leisure as you prepare for your Amazon adventure!

Day 3 Quito - Puerto Francisco de Orellana (Coca) - Ecuador Amazon
A scenic 35-minute flight over the snowcapped peaks of the Andes brings you to the Amazon Basin. Arrive at Puerto Francisco de Orellana, locally known as Coca, where you will be greeted by a naturalist guide. Enjoy lunch with your fellow travelers before beginning your two-hour journey by motorized canoe down the Rio Napo, one of the mighty Amazon’s many tributaries. Upon arrival at your lodge's private reserve, take a 30-minute walk along a raised boardwalk to Lake Pilchicota. Here, native paddlers will be waiting with dugout canoes to carry you across the lake to your final destination. Relax and take in the beauty of your surroundings before joining a "birds and butterflies observation walk." After dinner, another short walk is offered. Note: During your stay in the Amazon, all meals are included and all excursions are led by a naturalist guide with expert knowledge of the region.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.

Day 4 Ecuador Amazon
Your exciting day begins at sunrise in order to take advantage of the cool morning hours when the animals are most active. Observe the lush flora and keep a sharp eye out for spotting incredible birds, insects and monkeys that call the Amazon home. Afterward, join a hike to do some bird watching or explore “terra firma” and “igapo” (flooded land), where giant kapok trees can be observed. After a picnic lunch, you may take a leisurely-paced hike along the Napo River or a more demanding hike to observe the “titi monkey.” Afternoon excursions offer another chance to observe the local wildlife. This evening, retire to the lodge for a relaxing dinner and optional activities.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.

Day 5 Ecuador Amazon
Start the day with a scenic hike along the Lagartococha path. Then, hop aboard a riverboat and navigate through murky waters teeming with anacondas and caimans. You may also observe Amazon squirrels and capuchin monkeys. After a refreshing lunch, enjoy some piranha fishing by canoe on the Igapo. Along the shoreline, you’re likely to see lounging sloths and playful otters. Visit the nearby observation tower, Sumaco Mount, to take in views of local birds and possibly the snowcapped volcanoes of the Andes. Upon your return to the lodge, look for caimans, bats, and other nocturnal birds. After a day filled with adventure, recount the magic of your trip over dinner with your fellow travelers.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.

Day 6 Ecuador Amazon - Quito
Bid farewell to the Amazon as your early morning transfer takes you back through Coca and on to Quito to start your tour.
Today Breakfast is included.

Please Note:
• Taxes or fees to be paid upon exiting domestic airports are approx. 6 USD.

• Collette Vacations prides itself on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. When traveling in the Amazon you will encounter full days of sightseeing, frequently in warm temperatures. You will be travelling by small river boats to reach the lodge and by canoe during some excursions and should be reasonably fit in order to board comfortably. In order to most fully experience the wildlife, you will be walking on nature trails which may be muddy and over one mile in length. To experience the Amazon fully, Collette recommends that all travelers be in reasonably good health and prepare properly. Unfortunately, wheelchairs cannot be accommodated on this trip. In addition, passengers who require assistance walking or who travel with oxygen tanks will not fully enjoy this trip and Collette strongly recommends a different Collette tour. Your eco-lodge has fully screened bungalows, mosquito net protection and private bathrooms in each room.

• This extension is fully escorted by a local representative who will provide all included services. Triple accommodations are not available. Extensions not purchased at time of deposit are subject to availability and applicable charges at time of request.

November 06 - November 21, 2010

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
DAY 1
	Grand Hotel Mercure, Quito
DAY 2 - 3
	Hacienda Pinsaqui, Otavalo
DAY 4 - 5
	Grand Hotel Mercure, Quito
DAY 6 - 9
	m/v Galapagos Legend, Galapagos Islands
DAY 10
	Hotel Oro Verde, Guayaquil
DAY 11
	Doubletree El Pardo, Lima
DAY 12 - 13
	Sonesta Posada del Inca, Sacred Valley
	or Casa Andina Private Collection, Sacred Valley
DAY 14 - 15
	Sonesta Posada del Inca, Cuzco
	or Casa Andina Private Collection, Cuzco
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

Please Note:
• Passport is required.
• Taxes/fees to be paid while traveling within Peru are approximately $15 USD and approximately $35 USD when leaving Peru, paid in USD or local currency.
• Smaller buses, which may not be lavatory equipped, may be used on this program. In this case, frequent stops are made during travel periods.
• In general, hotels in Peru (outside of Lima) are small with one or two levels and do not have elevators which may require you to climb 10-15 steps to get to/from the room.
• Collette Vacations prides itself on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. In addition, temperatures on this tour can be very high, so bring adequate sun protection.
• *The "Collette Foundation" is a 5 - year, $2- million dollar investment, focused on improving the quality of life of children in our partner communities worldwide. This employee-run, global initiative connects Collette employees, its partners, travelers and communities worldwide toward a common good. The foundation will touch twenty countries, including the United States, Peru, Mexico, Kenya, South Africa, China, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Australia, Italy and Ireland.
• To complete your vacation, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing Collette airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.
• Suggested tipping on board cruise: 12 USD per person, per day, for the on-board crew and 8 USD per person, per day, for the naturalist guides.
• Taxes or fees to be paid in domestic airports are approx. $4 USD. Taxes, fees to be paid upon exiting the country are approximately $28 USD from Guayaquil.
• This tour begins in Quito and ends in Lima. For passengers wishing only to purchase inter air from Collette, own air must be arranged into Quito and out of Lima. Inter flights include five segments, Quito/Baltra Island/Guayaquil/Lima/Cusco/Lima.
• The currency of Ecuador is the USD. All taxes and fees quoted are payable in USD.
• The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour. The itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions or National Park directives. The captain may deviate from the published itinerary for any reason he deems advisable. The internal flights on this program (to and from Baltra Island, Galapagos; to/from the Amazon) are not included in the land price and must be purchased with the air portion of your vacation. Internal flights that are purchased will be ticketed and distributed on tour by your Tour Manager. The normal daily schedule when on board the ship consists of a shore excursion immediately following breakfast, return aboard for lunch, and an afternoon shore excursion. Transfers to/from the boat are by small boats called "pangas". Landings are either "dry" or "wet" and you might have to wade ashore in shallow water. At all times you are accompanied by your naturalist guide. Shore excursions normally last 2 - 2.5 hours each. In some cases, the terrain can be a little strenuous. Passengers should consult their physician should they have any concerns regarding their physical condition. Complete passport information is required 60 days prior to departure to confirm flight arrangements to the Galapagos Islands. Each client is responsible for proper documentation and medical inoculations that may be required and/or recommended to participate on this tour. Please contact your local travel clinic or personal physician for specific details on the destinations you are traveling to and from. Children must be seven years or older. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Children must be younger than 12 for child reduction to apply. Child rate only applies if sharing cabin with 2 adults. Highest elevation: Cuzco, Peru at approximately 11,000 feet
• Rates include the approx. $110 USD Galapagos National Park and Galapagos National Institute entrance fees.
• Due to flight schedules, a post night in Lima or a pre or post night (unescorted) may be required in Miami (at an additional cost). Please inquire at time of booking.
• The cabins available are Superior Outside cabins, located on the Earth Deck and Sea Deck. Upgrades may be available to Junior Suites (Earth Deck) or Balcony Suites (Moon Deck). Please see pricing for upgrade fees. Single accommodations are limited and will be confirmed upon request and availability from the cruise line.