Note: Note: To minimize your chances of experiencing altitude sickness, try to get plenty of rest before you travel, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and fatty foods, eat high carbohydrate foods, and avoid strenuous exercise at high elevations.

Arrive To: Arrive at the 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 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 Quito

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Depart the hotel early in the morning.

Enjoy a typical Ecuadorian breakfast at Hacienda La Compañia, built a century ago by the ancestors of the family that owns the hacienda.

Hacienda La Compañia boasts an extraordinary rose plantation which you will be invited to visit. Take a moment to explore the show room and admire the incredible variety of roses produced in the area.


Morning: Field trip to the Otavalo Market with a group leader site lecture.

The Otavalo Market is a famous market dating back to pre-Inca times, where locals and visitors can buy or barter food, animals, basic necessities, and crafts. Otavaleños are well known for their superior business skills. Examples of their craft can be found at this market and throughout stores in the country.


Lunch: At a local restaurant near the market.


Afternoon: Afternoon at leisure to explore the Otavalo Market and local town.

Return to Quito.


Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Hotel Quito

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Galapagos Islands -
Flight to San Cristobal/Board Yacht/ Cerro Brujo (Wizard Hill).

Note: There is a 44 lb weight limit for checked luggage on the flights to the Galapagos Islands.

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 San Cristobal Island.

San Cristóbal Island, also known as Chatham Island, is one of the oldest islands in the archipelago and the first island visited by Darwin during his famous voyage on the HMS Beagle in 1835. It is also the easternmost and the fifth largest island in the Galápagos, covering an area of 558 square kilometers. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, located on the southwestern side of San Cristóbal, is the provincial capital and the second largest populated area in the Galápagos. This port town is also home to one of the archipelago’s two airports (the other airport is located on Baltra Island). Upon arrival you will be met by your naturalist guide and transferred to the boat.

Following standard embarkation procedures, enjoy your first exploration activity in the Galapagos with a visit to Cerro Brujo.

Cerro Brujo (Wizard Hill) is one of the nicest white-sand beaches found in the islands. It is situated in a secluded spot on the western side of San Cristóbal, with beautiful views of Leon Dormido standing proud in the distance. Take a short walk in search of marine iguanas, colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs and sea lions, or enjoy swimming and snorkeling off the beach.

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


Dinner: Dinner onboard.


Evening: Orientation to the next day’s activities.

Lodging: Galapagos Majestic

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Galapagos Islands -
Santa Fe Island and Santa Cruz (Black Turtle Cove).

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.


Morning: Dry landing at Santa Fe Island.

Santa Fe is located southeast of Santa Cruz and has some of the tallest stands of opuntia cacti in the Galapagos. Some have been reported to grow as high as 33 feet! A trail into the highlands of Santa Fe Island leads visitors to the only place in the archipelago where the elusive Santa Fe land iguana can be found.

Return to the yacht.


Lunch: Lunch onboard.


Afternoon: Navigate around the craggy shores and mangroves of Black Turtle Cove (Caleta Tortuga Negra) on Santa Cruz Island in search of local wildlife.

Black Turtle Cove is a small inlet located on Santa Cruz’s northern coast. Shallow waters protect myriad life forms including sea turtles, rays, and black-tip and white-tip reef sharks. Also be on the lookout for birds such as pelicans, Yellow Warblers, Lava Herons, and more!

Return to the yacht.


Dinner: Dinner onboard.


Evening: Orientation to the next day's activities.

Lodging: Galapagos Majestic

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Note: Note: The visit to El Barranco (a.k.a. Prince Phillip's Steps) includes climbing/descending approximately 20 steep and irregular stone steps (there is a hand rail).

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. In March, male frigatebirds begin showing off their inflated red pouches in preparation for the mating season in April. August is a great time to spot Red-footed Boobies as well as nesting Nazca Boobies (Masked Boobies) and Swallow-tailed Gulls.

Darwin Bay is the caldera of an extinct volcano which has been partially eroded and offers superb swimming and snorkeling. Sea lions have a busy season from August to November when females can be seen birthing and caring for their pups. Since females go into oestrus only a few weeks after giving birth, mating rituals begin to take place while the young are still being nursed.

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 (mating season begins in June), 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: Galapagos Majestic

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Galapagos Islands -
Santa Cruz Island (Bachas Beach and Dragon Hill).

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.


Morning: Wet landing at Bachas Beach.

Apart from being an important nesting site for sea turtles, 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 las Bachas.

Swimming and snorkeling opportunities.

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: Galapagos Majestic

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Galapagos Islands -
Floreana (Post Office Bay, Punta Cormorant and Devil's Crown).

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.


Morning: Wet landing on Floreana Island at Punta Cormorant.

Floreana Island is the sixth largest island in the archipelago. It has a colorful history, with varying accounts of how the island was settled and how its first residents (German immigrants) died or mysteriously disappeared. The only family remaining from the original settlements are the Wittmers who continue to live on the island.

A wet landing at Punta Cormorant will take us through a beach of greenish sand where sea lions like to congregate. The beach's unusual color is a result of the olivine crystals present in the sand. From here, a trail leads to a lagoon where flamingoes can be found wading with other birds such as oystercatchers, and Black-necked Stilt. A white sandy beach near the lagoon is good for swimming and is a known nesting site for green sea turtles. Around January, pregnant females come ashore at night to dig nests and lay eggs (between 75-100 eggs per nest) before returning to sea. The eggs begin hatching in April and May.

Swimming and snorkeling activities at Devil's Crown.

Return to the yacht.


Lunch: Lunch onboard.


Afternoon: Wet landing at Post Office Bay.

The infamous Post Office Bay can be found on the northern side of Floreana Island. This is the site where whalers used to "mail" their correspondence. A barrel was used as a makeshift postbox, and held letters from sailors across the globe. If a passing ship happened to be heading where the mail was addressed to, the captain would collect and deliver it. Although the barrel is no longer the original one, the system still works since visitors continue to collect and drop off their letters and postcards.

Return to the yacht.


Dinner: Dinner onboard.


Evening: Orientation to the next day's activities.

Lodging: Galapagos Majestic

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Galapagos Islands -
Espanola Island (Suarez Point and Gardner Bay).

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.


Morning: Dry landing at Punta Suarez.

Our walking exploration will take us over loose boulders and challenging rocky ground as we make our way to view nesting boobies and the famous blowhole.

Punta Suarez, on the western side of Espanola Island, is home to the Galapagos Hawk and the red form of the marine iguana. In January, the iguanas change color, adopting bright hues that are attractive to potential mates. Visitors have a good chance of seeing Blue-footed Booby chicks around October. Espanola is also the breeding site of most of the archipelago's Waved Albatrosses, so be on the look-out for these large and graceful flyers! Albatrosses display courtship behavior in April, nest and lay eggs in May, and by December the young fledge and leave for a few months before returning in March.

Return to the yacht.


Lunch: Lunch onboard.


Afternoon: Wet landing at Gardner Bay.

Gardner Bay is situated on Espanola's eastern coast. Its beautiful white sand beach is usually dotted with sunbathing sea lions. The soft sand and clear waters make this a perfect location for snorkeling and swimming. In January, green sea turtles steal ashore under cover of night to dig pits and lay eggs before making their way back to sea. Eggs hatch from April to May.

Swimming and snorkeling activities.

Return to the yacht.


Dinner: Dinner onboard.


Evening: Orientation to the next day's activities.

Lodging: Galapagos Majestic

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.


Morning: Wet landing at Punta Pitt. The beach has a unique greenish color because of the olivine crystals in the sand. Noisy sea lions usually congregate along the shores.

Punta Pitt is located at the east end of San Cristóbal Island. This is the only site in the islands where visitors can watch all three species of boobies and two species of frigates nesting in the same area. The abundant supply of food in the area makes it unnecessary for the birds to compete, leading to a peaceful coexistence among the species. Blue-footed Boobies generally nest in the interior areas of the island, while Red-footed boobies nest on bushes, and Masked Boobies (a.k.a. Nazca Boobies) nest along the cliffs.

Return to the yacht.


Lunch: Lunch onboard.


Afternoon: Navigate around Kicker Rock, also known as Leon Dormido (Sleeping Lion), to spot birds and marine life. The massive guano-splattered rock and its smaller piece jut high above the water, creating a unique natural sculpture that is frequently photographed for local postcards and travel brochures.

A vertical cone formation, which rises almost 500 feet from the ocean, has eroded to give Kicker Rock the shape seen as a shoe or sleeping lion. You can usually see Blue-Footed Boobies, Masked Boobies, and Frigatebirds on its cliffs. Marine life usually found here include sharks, octopus, turtles, and all nature of fish.

Return to the yacht.


Dinner: Dinner onboard.


Evening: Orientation to the next day's activities.

Lodging: Galapagos Majestic

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lima -
San Cristobal Island (Galapaguera)/Fly to Lima, Peru with Layover in Quito.

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.


Morning: Dry landing on San Cristobal Island for a visit to La Galapaguera.

The Galapaguera station is located near Cerro Colorado, on the southeastern end of San Cristobal Island (approximately 40 minutes from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno by bus). The station was established with the goal of helping to protect the island’s wild tortoise population. The site includes a visitors’ center, a breeding center with pens and a herpetology lab, and interpretive trails showcasing a large variety of native and endemic plants.

Transfer to the local airport to catch a flight to Quito (approximately 2.5 hours) and a connecting flight to Lima, Peru.


Lunch: Light snack on the flight.


Afternoon: Arrive in Quito and layover time before catching a two-hour evening flight to Lima, Peru.


Dinner: Dinner in the airport or at a local restaurant (time dependent).


Evening: Arrive in Lima and transfer to the hotel.

The hotel is conveniently located adjacent to the international airport, on Avenida Elmer Faucett, and can be easily accessed via a pedestrian crossing.

Lodging: Ramada Airport Costa del Sol Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sacred Valley (Yucay) -
Fly to Cusco/Transfer to Sacred Valley/Chincheros Town and Ollantaytambo Ruins.

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.


Morning: Hotel check-out and transfer to the international airport to catch a morning flight to Cusco.

Arrive in Cusco and board a coach to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Enjoy an en-route 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 the 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.

Transfer to the hotel.


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

Note: Your program does not include entrance tickets to Machu Picchu on this day. Revisting Machu Picchu this morning is an optional activity and must be arranged at your own expense. Tickets must be purchased in advance since they are not sold on site. Please contact the program coordinator at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com if you are interested.

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 with an en-route stop 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.

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


Lunch: Farewell lunch at local restaurant.


Afternoon: Transfer to the hotel and check-in.

Free afternoon to explore Lima on your own.



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: Jose Antonio Hotel

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