Arrive To: Arrive at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, Ecuador.

Proceed through Immigrations, Baggage Claim and Customs before exiting the secured area of the airport. The Road Scholar representative will be waiting outside the exit door with a Road Scholar sign (only applies to Road Scholar group flights).

Transfer to the hotel and check-in, followed by time at leisure.

Please note that this is an international travel day; no meals or program activities are scheduled on this day. Hotel check-in usually begins at 3PM.

Lodging: Hotel Sheraton Quito

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.

Morning: Orientation to the program.

Visit El Panecillo for panoramic views of Quito.

Before the Spanish arrived, the hill known as El Panecillo (small bread roll) was used by the Inca for sun worshiping. In the early 1800s, the Spanish military took advantage of El Panecillo's strategic location and elevation (9,843 ft), and built a fortress to protect and monitor the city. In present times, the hill is the site of a city monument and lookout point where visitors can get 360° views of Quito. On clear days, it is even possible to spot Cotopaxi's snowy peak in the distance.

Enjoy a walking exploration of Quito's colonial center. Visit the Independence Square with an informative explanation of the Presidential and Bishop Palace, as well as the Cathedral. Visit La Compañía church, one of the most beautiful churches in Quito, legendary for its gold covered interior. Visit the historic San Francisco church and convent, raised up above a wide stone paved court originally known as "Tiangues," a place used by the indigenous inhabitants of Quito to trade products.

Lunch: Lunch at local restaurant including an introduction to Ecuadorian food products and typical Ecuadorian cuisine.

Afternoon: After lunch, we will leave Quito and travel in a northerly direction to visit the Museo Intinan located on the Equator line, near the Middle of the World complex.

The Intinan Museum has a permanent exposition that details the Andean cosmovision of Ecuador's ancestral cultures. Learn about the indigenous calendar and its accuracy. Visit an ancient home to find out about the way of life and traditions of indigenous people more than a century ago. Acquaint yourself with the important rituals of Amazonian tribes as you educate yourself about the cultures of Ecuador's Oriente region.

Lecture: Galapagos: A Natural Laboratory of Evolution and its Threats.

Dinner: Dinner at hotel.

Lodging: Hotel Sheraton Quito

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Galapagos Islands -
Flight to Baltra Island/Board Yacht/ Santa Cruz (Playa de las Bachas).

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Transfer to the airport for flight to the Galápagos Islands.
Depart for the Galápagos Islands.

NOTE: There is a 44 lb weight limit for checked luggage on the flights to the islands. Please pack accordingly.

Lunch: A light snack is provided on the flight.

Afternoon: Arrive to Baltra Island.

Baltra Island hosts one of the two available airports in the Gal?gos Islands. The other airport is located on San Cristobal Island.

Upon arrival you will be met by your naturalist guide and transferred to the yacht.

Board and set sail.
Enjoy an orientation and a light snack.

Sail to Santa Cruz Island and disembark at Playa de las Bachas for a field trip to a flamingo lagoon.

Apart from being an important nesting site for sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), Bachas Beach is also a great location to view migratory and aquatic birds. The name of this location dates back to WWII, when the U.S. army abandoned two barges on the beach. Locals found it hard to pronounce the word "barges" in English; over time, the common mispronunciation of the word became the norm, resulting in the name Playa de las Bachas.

Return to the yacht.

*Please note: Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are always subject to change by the Galapagos National Park. Itineraries are not guaranteed.



Dinner: Dinner onboard.

Evening: Orientation to the next day’s activities.

Lodging: Yolita II

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Galapagos Islands -
Genovesa Island (Darwin's Bay and El Barranco).

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.

Morning: Wet landing at Darwin's Bay, Genovesa Island.

Genovesa is a great place for a bird watching walk (0.9 miles) plus optional swimming or snorkeling. The island's volcanic sea cliffs and salt bush offer a prime habitat for the birds of the Galapagos. Darwin Bay is the caldera of an extinct volcano which has been partially eroded and offers superb swimming and snorkeling.

Return to the yacht.

Lunch: Lunch onboard.

Afternoon: Challenging dry landing at El Barranco, Genovesa Island. This is another site where sturdy footwear, with good rubber soles are a necesity! El Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip's Steps, is a trail which leads up a steep rock staircase through squadrons of Frigatebirds and Red-billed Tropicbirds. Red-footed Boobies perch on the branches of Palo Santo trees and Storm Petrels, which serve as prey for Short Eared Owls, are found in the open lava fields at the end of the trail. While navigating around the cliffs, look for fur seals lounging on jutting rocks and seabirds nesting in the craggy shores.

Return to the yacht.



Dinner: Dinner onboard.

Evening: Orientation to the next day's activities.

Lodging: Yolita II

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.

Morning: Dry or wet landing on Bartolome Island. The 1.2 mile walk to the top of the volcano includes a climb up a long wooden staircase (375 steps) with railings. The views are worth the effort!

Bartolome Island is home to Pinnacle Rock, the "Guardian of the Isles" which rises sharply from the coast. The lunar-like landscape is home to one of the islands' most endearing residents: the Galapagos Penguin. The penguins make their home here, fishing in the waters nearby.

View volcanic formations such as lava bombs, spatter, and cinder cones. Hike to the summit to enjoy a great view of the surrounding islands, including Pinnacle Rock's eroded tuff cone. On the way to the summit, watch for colonies of marine iguanas, lava lizards, tiquilla and various cacti.

Opportunity to snorkel and spot Galapagos Penguins, sea turtles, and white tipped reef sharks (from a safe distance).

Return to the yacht.



Lunch: Lunch onboard.

Afternoon: Wet or dry landing at Sullivan Bay.

Visit to Sullivan Bay to observe fascinating geological features. The landing can be performed either on the rocky shore (dry landing) or the white sand beach (wet landing). The area is covered by Pahoehoe lava flows (solidified lava in corrugated or accordion form). It was very active in the last 25 years of the nineteenth century, making this flow geologically very young. The magma formed is flat, but the movement of underground lava, the rapid cooling and other eruptions led to the break in many places.

Return to the yacht.



Dinner: Dinner onboard.

Evening: Orientation of the next day's activities.

Lodging: Yolita II

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Galapagos Islands -
Isabela Island (Wetlands, Wall of Tears, Breeding Center, and Sierra Negra Volcano).

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.

Morning: In the morning disembark on Isabela Island (dry landing) to visit the "Wetlands," a network of trails leading to lagoons, swamps and mangroves.

From the Wetlands' trails, continue your visit with a stop at the infamous Muro de las Lagrimas ("Wall of Tears"). The wall was built by convicts back in the days when the island housed a penal colony. The wall earned its now-popular name because of the many convicts who died in the course of its construction.

Later in the morning, visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center located near Puerto Villamil, Isabela. The center raises hundreds of juvenile and adult tortoises from the southern region of the island, many of which are in danger of extinction. Although tortoises are the main draw, visitors should also take note of the attractive gardens showcasing native plants.

Return to the yacht.



Lunch: Lunch onboard.

Afternoon: After a dry landing on Isabela Island, take part in a walking field trip to the Sierra Negra Volcano.

Board a bus to a local lookout point, the Paradero Sierra Negra, to enjoy the area's spectacular scenery. From there continue to the summit of the Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the oldest volcanoes on island. The sulfur, iron and volcanic rock formations make up a colorful landscape. Follow the trail to Volcan Chico on the northeastern side of Sierra Negra. Volcan Chico is the fissure of some parasitic cones, composed of slag and lava, with an elevation of approximately 2,820 ft.

The Sierra Negra volcano is believed to be the oldest volcano on Isabela. According to some geologists, the wider and shallower a caldera, the more ancient. This conclusion is based on research that indicates that the ongoing volcanic processes in calderas tend to file and break down their edges over thousands and millions of years.

Return to the yacht.



Dinner: Dinner onboard.

Evening: Orientation to the next day's activities.

Lodging: Yolita II

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Galapagos Islands -
Isabela Island (Elizabeth Bay and Tagus Cove).

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.

Morning: Morning dinghy excursion to Elizabeth Bay, Isabela Island. Navigate around the mangrove forests and rugged coastline to observe marine life and shorebirds.

Elizabeth Bay, located on Isabela's west shore, is an extremely interesting site for observing marine life. It is also one of the best areas to spot and photograph the elusive Galapagos Penguin. A colony of these unique birds inhabits a rocky islet at the entrance to the bay. A small passage lined with mangroves leads into an enclosed cove. The sheltered waters host marine turtles, rays, Flightless Cormorants, and sea lions. Although the marine life is the star of this visitor's site, don't forget to look up once in a while and scan the skies; Galapagos Hawks are oftentimes seen circling overhead.

Return to the yacht.



Lunch: Lunch onboard.

Afternoon: Dry landing on Isabela Island.

Some of the most popular sites on Isabela are located on its western coast and take longer to reach (especially on smaller boats), so this island is oftentimes not included on shorter itineraries. Tagus Cove offers visitors the opportunity to see writings (carved and painted) left behind by pirates and whalers who frequented the area in years gone by. A short trail leads to the base of the Darwin Volcano where different lava formations can be studied. The island is home to Flightless Cormorants, Galapagos Penguins, Mangrove Finches, pelicans, marine iguanas and a variety of other birds.

Observe marine life during a dinghy ride while you search for the Galapagos Penguin.

Opportunity for swimming and snorkeling.

Return to the yacht.



Dinner: Dinner onboard.

Evening: Orientation to the next day's activities.

Lodging: Yolita II

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Galapagos Islands -
Isabela Island (Urbina Bay and Punta Vicente Roca) and Fernandina (Punta Espinoza).

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.

Morning: Wet landing at Urbina Bay on Isabela Island.

Search for interesting geological formations and resident wildlife during a walking exploration along local trails. Optional swimming and snorkeling.

Urbina Bay is situated approximately two fifths of the way along Isabela's western coast. The flattened area of the bay exhibits signs of a coral reef on land; proof that the flat land we see today in that area was once uplifted from the sea. Cormorants, pelicans, marine iguanas, and Flightless Cormorants frequent this site in addition to marine turtles and rays which are sometimes seen swimming in the bay.

Later in the morning we will navigate to Punta Vicente Roca and enjoy a dinghy ride in search of marine life and seabirds.

As cold currents flow around the northwestern tip of Isabela, food-rich waters are brought closer to the surface, attracting all sorts of marine life and birds. Punta Vicente Roca's coves, rich marine life, and well protected bay have made this into a prized diving location in the islands. Flightless Cormorants, Masked Boobies and Blue-footed Boobies can be seen along the cliffs and the water?s edge. Return to the yacht.



Lunch: Lunch onboard.

Afternoon: Dry landing at Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island. Good walking shoes are a must for the 1.2 mile walk on sharp volcanic rocks.

Fernandina has some of the most dramatic landscapes found in the archipelago. The aa and pahoehoe lava formations create a unique landscape and provide visitors with a great chance to study lava flows and the forces which gave birth to the Galapagos Islands. Although Punta Espinosa is better known for its large colony of marine iguanas, one can also expect to see sea lions, Flightless Cormorants and Galapagos Penguins.

Return to the yacht.



Dinner: Dinner onboard.

Evening: Orientation to the next day's activities.

Lodging: Yolita II

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Galapagos Islands -
Santiago Island (Playa Espumilla and Caleta Bucanero) and Rabida Island.

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.

Morning: Wet landing on Espumilla Beach.

Playa Espumilla is located on the northwestern coast of Santiago Island in James Bay. During the last presence of the El Nino henomenon, one of the two lagoons at this site underwent a process of sedimentation, which led to the disappearance of a resident colony of flamingos. The main attractions here are a palo santo forest, beach and the landscape. The beach is an important site for nesting marine turtles (Chelonia midas agassizi).

Disembark at Caleta Bucanero ("Buccaneer Cove") to enjoy a short walk along the beach (less than 0.6 miles). Optional swimming and snorkeling.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, pirates and whalers reportedly used Buccaneer Cove as a safe place to rest and load up on supplies such as water and food. During that time, passing ships released goats on the island in the hopes that they would multiply and be a source of food for subsequent voyages. However, without any natural predators to hold their numbers in check, the animals became feral and depleted most of Santiago's vegetation. In the 1970s the national park began an extermination program in an effort to eradicate feral goats, pigs, and cats in the islands. Return to the yacht.



Lunch: Lunch onboard.

Afternoon: Wet landing on Rabida Island.

Rabida (also known as Jervis) has a dark red beach where visitors can view sea lions and nesting pelicans. A salt water lagoon located a small distance from the beach is home to flamingoes and the occasional White-cheeked Pintail. Palo santo trees cover the island's volcanic peak, which can be seen from a short trail (approximately a .5 mile walk).

Return to the yacht.



Dinner: Dinner onboard.

Evening: Orientation to the next day's activities.

Lodging: Yolita II

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Guayaquil -
Daphne Island and Mosquera Islet/Flight from Baltra Island to Guayaquil/Walk Along the Malecon.

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.

Morning: Wet landing on Daphne Island, located off the coast of Santa Cruz.

The Daphne Islands can be found north of Santa Cruz Island and west of Seymour and Baltra. The larger of the two, Daphne Major, has retained its distinctive volcanic shape (tuff cone). It has a visitor landing site and a steep trail that leads to the top of the cone where Blue-footed Boobies and Masked Boobies like to nest. Red-billed Tropicbirds can be seen nesting in the rocky island walls.

Visit Mosquera Islet on your way back to Baltra.

Mosquera Islet is located between North Seymour and Baltra Islands, and is a convenient site to enjoy one last shore activity before heading to Baltra to catch a flight back to the mainland. The flat, sandy island attracts a large number of sea lions as well as shorebirds.

Return to the yacht for a farewell snack.

Sail to Baltra Island and transfer to the airport to board a flight to Guayaquil.



Lunch: Light lunch on the flight.

Afternoon: Arrive in Guayaquil and transfer to the hotel.

Late afternoon excursion to the Malecon (river walk).

A revitalization project in the 1990s reshaped Guayaquil, turning it into a beautiful and vibrant city with many tourist attractions. The two mile river walk along the Guayas River, known as the Malecon, has become a favorite spot for locals and tourists to take a stroll and visit restaurants, art galleries, stores, and museums.

Return to the hotel.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Hotel Oro Verde

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sacred Valley -
Flight to Cusco via Lima and Transfer to the Sacred Valley/Introduction to Machu Picchu & Market Day at Pisac.

Breakfast: Early breakfast at hotel.

Morning: Transfer to the airport for morning flight to Lima, Peru to connect with your flight to Cusco.

Arrive to Cusco.

Transfer to hotel in the Sacred Valley with en route market visit at Pisac.

Pisac is a small, sleepy town nestled in an Andean valley along the Urubamba River. The traditional produce market is held on Sundays, when people from surrounding communities converge on the tiny central plaza to buy and sell produce and other supplies. During other days of the week, the town hosts a handicrafts market where all nature of locally made crafts can be seen on display.



Lunch: Box lunch en-route.

Afternoon: Arrive at hotel and check-in.

Lecture: Early evening tea with an expert on Machu Picchu who will discuss the spiritual and mystical significance of the ancient Inca sites.



Dinner: Dinner at hotel.

Lodging: Posada del Inca - Yucay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sacred Valley (Yucay) -
Chincheros Town and Ollantaytambo Ruins.

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.

Morning: Excursion to Chincheros town including a visit to a weaving cooperative, where you will meet with locals and learn about traditional weaving styles and techniques.

Weaving is a way of life in Chincheros, as important for preserving ancient traditions as it is for earning a livelihood. Located in the Peruvian Andes on the Inca road between Cusco and Machu Picchu, Chincheros was an early Inca center built by emperor Tupa Inca as his country estate. During Inca reign, textiles were woven and offered to mark special occasions, from peace treaties and sacrifices to marriage ceremonies and puberty rites. In Chincheros, children grow up playing with their mother's spindle and loom. By age six or seven, most children learn to weave by watching their elders. They begin by weaving jakimas, or narrow ribbons, before moving on to more complicated pieces.

Visit to local farms.
Lecture: The Agriculture of the Incas.

Lunch: Lunch at hotel.

Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the ruins at Ollantaytambo, accompanied by a guide who will highlight the engineering genius of the Inca.

The Ollantaytambo Ruins are not ruins in the traditional sense. Ollantaytambo is a town with original buildings of Inca construction where the Inca retreated to make their last stand in the highlands against the Spanish. Running water still flows through the town in aqueducts and the terraces above the town still are farmed. The pinnacle above the town is a small burial ground.



Dinner: Dinner at hotel.

Lodging: Posada del Inca - Yucay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes) –
Excursion to UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.

Morning: Board a train to Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu. The train ride follows the Urubamba River and offers spectacular views of the Andes.

Upon arrival, continue with a bus transfer to the Machu Picchu ruins.

Lunch: Lunch at local restaurant near the ruins.

Afternoon: Full afternoon guided field trip in and around Machu Picchu ruins.

This ancient Inca city was rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, a Yale graduate and U.S. senator fascinated with Inca archaeology. Bingham found Machu Picchu, with the help of a local farmer who knew about the ruins, while searching for Vilcabamba and Vitcos. He hypothesized that the site was a "citadel," existing for strategic and defense purposes. He also speculated that the site was a refuge for Cusco's Virgins of the Sun, based upon the finding of skulls there, although not scientifically classified as female. Breakthroughs in archaeology since 1985 have, taken as a whole, supported the emerging view of Machu Picchu as a ceremonial and administrative center for a very populous region. Machu Picchu was built, flourished, and fell into demise within a period of 100 years.

Dinner: Dinner on your own for a chance to explore local fare.

Lodging: El Mapi Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.

Morning: Guided excursion around the town of Aguas Calientes. Visit the local market.

Participants who wish to revisit Machu Picchu are welcome to skip the town excursion and spend the morning at the ruins (at own expense--entrance fee is not included and tickets must be purchased in advance).

Note: Machu Picchu park tickets are not sold on site and must be purchased in advance. Please contact the program coordinator at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com if you are interested in buying Machu Picchu entrance tickets.

Lunch: Lunch at hotel.

Afternoon: Transfer to train station.
Board the early afternoon train to Ollantaytambo Station.

Arrive at the Ollantaytambo Station and board a bus for your transfer to Cusco.

Arrive in Cusco and check-in at hotel.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy Cusco at your own pace.


Dinner: Dinner on your own for a chance to explore local fare

Lodging: Casa Andina Private Collection – Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.

Morning: Field trip to the Sacsayhuaman Ruins.

The fortress of Sacsayhuaman forms the head of the Puma design of old Cusco. It is a wonder of technical achievement and a testament to human will. It is a mystery how it was constructed, since the stones are not found in the region, and most of the blocks weigh more than a ton. The largest rock weighs more than 300 tons. Sacsayhuaman is constructed of huge polygonal blocks which interlock with one another. The stones are so precisely placed that a knife blade cannot be inserted between them.

Excursion through the city of Cusco.

The center of Cusco is a history lesson. Modern and colonial buildings are built on top of Inca foundations, and colonial churches dominate the central square.

Lunch: Lunch at a café in the main plaza where you can enjoy the colonial architecture of the city.

Afternoon: Afternoon at leisure.

Pre-dinner presentation by local expert on the history of Inca and Andean musical instruments.

Dinner: Dinner on your own for a chance to explore local fare.

Lodging: Casa Andina Private Collection – Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.

Morning: Morning flight from Cusco to Lima.

Arrive in Lima.
Transfer to the hotel and check-in.

Transfer to local restaurant for a presentation on Peruvian cuisine by a local culinary expert.

Lunch: Farewell lunch at local restaurant.

Afternoon: Orientation through Lima with a visit to La Catedral.

The most important church in any town in Peru is usually called La Catedral ("The Cathedral"). In the case of Lima, La Catedral is also the most important church in all of Peru. This beautiful colonial building in the Plaza de las Armas presumably houses the remains of Francisco Pizarro--whether the bones are authentic or not is a matter of conjecture.



Dinner: Dinner on your own for one final chance to explore Lima's culinary delights.

Evening: Depending on flight schedules, some participants will transfer to the airport this evening for a late night/early morning flight to the U.S.

Lodging: Casa Andina Select

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel (dependent on flight time).

Morning: Transfer to the Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima for flight to the U.S.

Note: Participants with independent travel arrangements and/or scheduled on later flights can keep their hotel rooms until check-out time on this day. Except for breakfast, all other meals are on your own on this day.

Meals Included: Breakfast