You and your fellow travellers will be arriving at various times from around the world today, so there are no arranged activities. Your leader will organise a pre-trip meeting for the early evening where the first instalment of your local payment will be collected. This will be followed by an optional group dinner, a great time to try the local specialties. At the joining point hotel, ask reception to direct you to the notice board for your welcome note explaining where to meet. For those who arrive early, there is also sightseeing information on the notice board. 

Sitting at an altitude of 2,850 m (9,350 ft) under the gaze of Volcan Pichincha, Quito is one of the most attractive cities in South America. Long and incredibly thin, the city winds its way down a valley, that eventually drops down to the Amazon Basin. It's worth paying a visit to El Panecillo (the Little Bread Loaf) for views over the Old Town and an enormous statue of the Virgin of Quito.

Although compact, Quito's Old Town is full of historic buildings. One of the most interesting is La Compania de Jesus, considered by many the most beautiful in the Americas; it is certainly one of the most ornate. It is claimed that seven tonnes of gold leaf cover the interior whilst the exterior is decorated with statues, busts, sculpted hears and a jungle of carved leaves. There are more than 30 churches to explore in the Old Town, not to mention the fascinating museums, but if you want to get out and practice your Spanish, then be sure to drop by a pena; these are great places for meeting locals and enjoying some local cuisine.

Note: When you arrive in Quito, you will likely feel the effects of the high altitude. Symptoms include shortness of breath, headaches, general lethargy and a reduced appetite. This is no cause for alarm; simply take it easy for the first couple of days and reduce alcohol and cigarette consumption to minimise the effects. Drink plenty of water and don't attempt to do too much in a day. This is a great excuse to sit at one of Quito's lovely cafes and watch Ecuadorian life go by. It may take a little time to acclimatise, but before long, you probably will not even notice it.

Our boat, the Spondylus, is a tourist superior class, motorised yacht which sleeps 16 passengers. There are 8 twin berth cabins (upper & lower bed) and each cabin has private facilities. A dining room and resting area are also provided.

Early in the morning your local representative will meet you at your hotel to collect local payment, transfer you to Quito Airport and assist you with the check in.

An unescorted flight brings us to the Galapagos Islands, located about 1000km (620 miles) off the Pacific Coast. Long before Charles Darwin arrived, the islands had already developed a reputation among mariners as lands of strange and wonderful wildlife. When Darwin came through on the HMS Beagle, the unique animal life inspired his Theory of Evolution.

We arrive in the early hours of the afternoon and meet the boat crew and naturalist that will escort us during our time in the Galapagos. Our first activity takes us towards Santa Cruz's highlands in time to visit a private land tortoise sanctuary.

Explore the green beach of Punta Cormorant before sailing around to Post Office Bay. For hundreds of years, mariners have used a barrel placed on the coast of Floreana as a post office. Passing ships would stop to leave mail and at the same time collect any mail destined for ports on their itineraries. The barrel has now been replaced by a box, and travellers can drop off and pick up unstamped letters in the same way. The remains of a Norwegian canning factory provide further evidence of the island's history. Hike up past the post box to an interesting lava cave. With the help of a torch you can descend about 80 m (262 ft) to witness the sea enter the cave. 

In the afternoon, we sail around to the northern part of the island and land on a green beach. Follow a trail to a lake normally inhabited by flamingos and continue on to the white sands of Flour Beach, a nesting site for turtles. Around the other side of a point we reach Devil's Crown, a name earned from its submerged volcanic cone. This is a great spot to go snorkelling and discover colourful fish and maybe even sea lions.

Sail on to Punta Suarez on Espanola Island via the beautiful white beaches of Gardner Bay. This is the most southerly of the islands and as huge waves crash into the Point, or push their way through a blow hole, it's hard not to appreciate the island's untamed beauty. 

There is an optional hike to the top of a cliff for some great photo opportunities before we head off to explore the interior. There are dense bird colonies and we will most likely see blue-footed boobies and red-billed tropic birds. The island is also home to the fierce looking land and marine iguanas. Spend a leisurely afternoon in Gardner Bay, an excellent place to watch sea lions and eagle rays swim through the turquoise waters.

After breakfast, we'll visit San Cristobal Island and its Interpretation Centre. In the afternoon we head to Santa Fe, a tiny island brimming with land iguanas, cacti and sea birds. Learn how the mangrove trees survive in this harsh environment before spending the afternoon hanging out at a sea lion 'bachelor pad'. 

If you would like to continue exploring, there are two trails to choose from. One leads from the beach into a forest of prickly pear cactus, and the other, longer one travels up a cliff to the domain of land iguanas. Back on the beach there is always time to watch the sea lions play or even swim with them.

We have one last chance to watch the Galapagos birds in action on Seymour Island. This is the home of the islands' largest frigate bird colony. Hopefully we'll spot their flamboyant mating ritual as the males expand the red sack at the base of their throat and flap furiously from the top of bushes. Females circle above and, if they are interested, drop down to earth. We may even spot nesting couples.
An unescorted midday flight takes us back to Quito. A quick change at the hotel and it is out to enjoy the nightlife of Quito.
 

Fly from Quito to Lima for the next part of your South American adventure. Please make you own way to the airport in Quito for your flight. On arrival in Lima, make your own way to the hotel. 

You and your fellow travellers will be arriving at various times from around the world today, so there are no arranged activities. Your leader will organise a pre-trip meeting for the afternoon (around 2pm) where the second instalment your local payment will be collected. This will be followed by an orientation walk and optional group dinner: a great time to try the local specialties.

At the joining point hotel, ask reception to direct you to the notice board for your welcome note explaining where to meet.

While Peru's capital officially began life in 1535, when Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro founded the city on the Day of the Three Kings, settlements had been scattered through the valley since before the Incas. The city was in fact built on top of existing palaces and temples belonging to the local chief who had little choice but to move on. Lima was in its prime during the Spanish colonial days and much of the city's attraction now lies in its well preserved historical centre.

Flanked by streets of ornate colonial mansions, palaces and churches, Plaza Mayor is the best place to start any exploration of Lima. Take a walk through the old streets to get a feel for colonial life. On one side of the plaza is the cathedral, which houses the remains of Lima's founder, Francisco Pizarro. Nearby is the 16th century monastery of San Francisco which boasts a canvas of the last supper that has a distinctly Peruvian flavour: the disciples pictured dine on guinea pig and drink from gold Inca cups. However, the monastery's catacombs are the real draw-card, and have been Lima's underground general cemetery for hundreds of years. Another fascinating church is the Iglesia de La Merced, just two blocks from the Plaza.

There are many fine museums in and around the city including the Museo del Tribunal de la Santa Inquisicion, which gives a fascinating insight into the Spanish Inquisition and the Museo Nacional de Arqueologia which offers a look at Peru's succession of ancient cultures.

Away from the historic centre, mingle with the locals in Lima's cosmopolitan coastal districts of Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro. Limenos (Lima's residents) are friendly and there are plenty of great restaurants and cafes to sample ceviche, a local seafood specialty.

IMPORTANT: The Quito-Lima international flight on day 7 is not included in the price of your trip.

An early morning flight takes us to Cusco. In the afternoon we will take a short orientation walking tour and introduce you to some of the fascinating lesser known sights of this wonderful town.

The Cusco region truly is the heart and soul of Peru. The city itself is the continent's oldest, continuously inhabited city and was the home of the Incas for two centuries before the Spaniards built their first capital here. Today, Cusco is a fascinating combination of both cultures. Inca-built walls line the central streets and many of the elegant colonial buildings are built on or around Incan foundations. This is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend and is a perfect base for optional explorations into the Incan world and to enjoy a range of outdoor activities.

Take the time to acclimatise to the city's 3,400 m (11,150 feet) altitude and explore the many baroque churches and ancient temples that dot the city. The cathedral, built on top of an Incan palace, dominates the Plaza de Armas, Cusco's picturesque heart. The cathedral is one of the city's greatest repositories of art and houses an elegantly carved choir stall and a gold-covered Renaissance altar. Also worth visiting are the churches of La Compania, La Merced and San Blas.

There are several impressive Incan ruins within the city, the most easily accessible being Coricancha, was the Incan Empire's richest temple. Once plated in thick gold, the Spaniards built a Dominican Church atop its sturdy walls. The stone fortress of Sacsayhuaman is also worth a visit. Looking over the city from its hilltop position, the fortress is built out of massive stone blocks and is the ultimate example of the Inca's military strength.

For a change of pace, head to the central market and browse the stalls alongside the Quechua-speaking descendents of the Incas and pick up some alpaca goods, magic charms or colourful Andean food.

Travel through the Sacred Valley, on the outskirts of Cusco. Known as Wilcamayo by the Incas, the lush, fertile valley has long been the main source of food for the high Andes. Maize crops can be seen surrounding the river and covering the terraces carved high into the valley walls. 

Our first stop is at Pisac, famous for its colourful artisan market and if our visit coincides with market day we can spend time browsing the stalls in search of hand-painted beads or warm ponchos.

We continue visiting a community on the valley, travelling past brightly dressed locals, ancient ruins and Peru's ubiquitous llamas. We spend the night in Ollantaytambo at the far end of the valley. This geometrically perfect town is a magnificent example of Incan urban planning. It is especially admired for the huge terraces that guard the great temple-fortress that clings to cliffs. This is one of the few places the Incas defeated the Spanish.

The four day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a demanding but incredibly rewarding trek. We begin at the 82km marker and are joined by a crew of local porters, cook and guide. The trail is part of a series of Inca highways that linked the empire, all the way from Quito in Ecuador to Santiago in Chile, and as we hike along from high plateau to dense forest you will see the ruins of ancient villages, temples and inns; the first of which is Llactapata, burnt to the ground by the last Incan emperor to discourage Spanish pursuit down the trail.

The second day is the most challenging of the trek as we ascend a long steep path to reach the highest point of our trek, Warmiwanusca or Dead Woman's Pass, at a height of 4,198 m (13,769 ft).

We cross the second and third passes on day two. From Runkuracay Pass we can enjoy views of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba before descending to the ruins of Sayacmarca.

We then continue over the third pass and soon reach the beautiful ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the 'Town above the Clouds'. Our final night's camp is by the Winay Wayna or 'Forever Young' ruins, with panoramic views of the valley below.

It is a short final hike to Machu Picchu and we climb the steps to the Sun Gate to watch the ruins emerge from the mist below. The feeling as you see the ruins for the first time is indescribable. 

While it is thought Machu Picchu was built around 1440 as a country retreat for Inca nobility, there is evidence this had been a sacred Inca site for much longer. Another school of thought is that this was an astronomical observatory. There is plenty of time for you to decide for yourself as you wander around the many temples, palaces and living quarters. After taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities it is time to return to Cusco for a well deserved shower and glass of Pisco Sour.

The trail is within the capabilities of most reasonably fit people, but do come prepared: the trail is 45 km (28 miles) long and often steep. There is always the possibility of rain, even in the dry season and the temperatures may fall below freezing at night. The trail traverses three high passes, the highest is 4,200 m (13,779 ft).

For those passengers not interested or unable to hike the trail it is possible to spend extra two extra days in Cuzco then travel by train to Aguas Calientes. The following morning there will be a bus to Machu Picchu where they can join the rest of the group for the guided tour. This option must be arranged at the time of booking or local fees will apply.

Our escapade comes to an end today but if you would like to stay longer there's plenty to do in Cusco. Take the time to visit the cathedral or get a final dose of Inca history at the Museo Inka. For a more active farewell to Peru, go white water rafting down the Urubamba River, mountain biking through the Sacred Valley or horse riding to see more ancient sites.

Enjoy free time to relax, shop and explore more of Cusco's sights. Rest weary legs at a cafe on Plaza de Armas or head out to see more fascinating ruins at Tambomachay and Puca Pucara.  You can depart at any time today.