Sundowner: Autumn/Winter 2018

PERU & ECUADOR &
GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
PERU
Follow in the footsteps of the Incas. In their wisdom, they decided
against sticking to the valley path and chose to take the scenic high
road on their pilgrimage to the Lost City of Machu Picchu.
Arrive from Cusco at Aguas Calientes aboard the Belmond
Hiram Bingham (named after the historian who discovered
Machu Picchu). Or for those who want to hotfoot it through the
valleys, you can explore the historic paths which lead up to the 15thcentury
citadel, voted one of the new seven wonders of the world.
Stay at Sol y Luna, which is a perfect base for exploring the
nearby Inca sites of Ollantaytambo and Pisac in the Sacred Valley.
Intrepid souls can head off the beaten track with a trek through the
spectacular scenery of the Lares Valley. Pass thatched stone houses
surrounded by herds of llama and meet Andean farmers, dressed
in their brightly coloured ponchos.
For those seeking a more classic experience, the famous
Sun Gate lies at the end of the Inca Trail, above the bow of the
Urubamba River. Along the way, you will climb through a cloud
forest and follow cobbled paths dotted with orchids – the ideal
habitat for hummingbird and spectacled bear. There are numerous
sites en route at which you’ll be tempted to dawdle; just make sure
you arrive at the iconic Sun Gate at the first light of dawn for the
ultimate experience.
STAY
Sol y Luna
FLIGHT TIME
From Cusco to Quito: between five and six hours.
Quito to Baltra Island: two hours, 10 minutes
ECUADOR & GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
Encounter unique wildlife from giant tortoise to marine iguana
during a cruise around Charles Darwin’s beloved Galápagos
Islands. Lying nearly 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador,
this volcanic archipelago is reached following a short flight from
the highest capital in the world, Quito.
After a few days exploring Quito, the first city to be recognised
as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – which boasts a lively food
scene, Baroque churches, and breathtaking gondola rides to the
summit of a volcano – head to Baltra Island to start your cruise.
Discover more about this ecosystem on board your exploration
vessel, M/C Ocean Spray. The catamaran carries 16 people in eight
spacious cabins with private balconies. Arrive at Urbina Bay on
Isabela Island and view the giant tortoise and marine iguana which
live among the skeletal coral garden. At Tagus Cove, dive into
Darwin’s saltwater Crater Lake to cool down after the uphill trek
with your expert guide.
Nature walks will bring you face-to-face with sea lion, bluefooted
booby, and Galápagos penguin. Swim above sunken
volcanic craters and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters among
inquisitive sea lion, turtle, dolphin, and orca. A photographers’
and nature lovers’ dream.
STAY
Casa Gangotena; M/C Ocean Spray
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