Day 1 & 2 - Quito

The JW Marriott is located in the heart of the capital city and about 25 miles from Quito International Airport. From the comfortable and safe La Mariscal District, the hotel is a quick cab ride or about a 20 minute walk to the central area. Here you'll find plenty of dining options offering delicious Ecuadorian food.

Day 2 - Breakfast is served at the hotel. During your guided tour of the capital of Ecuador, situated at an altitude of 9,350 feet, you'll stand on the equatorial line at the Middle of the World Park and Museum, and marvel at the monastery of San Francisco and la Compaia Church. Your Tour Director will escort you throughout your Quito stay, and serve as your personal concierge. Lunch with a spectacular view of the city, and enjoy a welcome dinner at a local gourmet restaurant.

Day 3 - Baltra & Mosquera Islet

The flight from mainland Ecuador lands on the island of Baltra. As you approach by air, you'll observe the rocky plateau of Baltra emerging from the blue waters of the Pacific. The terrain is flat and arid, specked with red volcanic rock and sparse growth of cactus.

During World War II, Baltra served as a U.S. military base protecting the Panama Canal. Now the cactus-strewn landscapes of Baltra are home to the region's main airport and where you will be greeted by park guides and Celebrity staff. After just a short bus and zodiac ride you will be aboard the ship. Your luggage will be delivered straight to your stateroom, giving you the opportunity to explore the ship and your home for the week.

Mosquera Islet This small, flat, sandy islet sits in the channel between Baltra and North Seymour. It is almost devoid of vegetation, but has one of the largest populations of sea lions in the islands. Its sandy expanse offers visitors the perfect opportunity to observe sea lion behavior. It is also a beautiful site to observe lava gulls, coastal birds, and Sally lightfoot crabs. Keep your eyes peeled for occasional sightings of dolphins and orcas. Excursion options: Walk.

Day 4 - Dragon Hill & Rabida Island

Dragon Hill (Cerro Dragon) Located on Isla Santa Cruz, Dragon Hill, or "Cerro Dragon," is named after its population of land iguanas. The site offers a beautiful view of the landscape and two small brackish lagoons where flamingos and other shore birds occasionally feed. Along the trail, cross a beautiful white forest of Palo Santo (incense) trees and Galapagos cotton plants. Excursion options: long walk or shorter walk.

Rabida Island (Isla Rabida) Also known as Jervis Island, is a small island south of Santiago, and best known for its red sand and eroded volcanic landscape. The high amount of iron contained in the lava at Rabida give a distinctive red color to the sand of its beach. Flamingos and white-cheeked pintail ducks live in a salt water lagoon close to the beach, where brown pelicans and boobies have built their nests. Nine species of finches have been reported in this island.

A nesting colony of pelicans makes its home here, along with sea lions and some seabirds. Snorkeling along the rocks at the east end of the beach may reveal many of the reef fish common to these waters, and the ever-present sea lions.

Excursion options include a zodiac ride and short walk, swimming and snorkeling from the beach, and a deep water snorkel for more experienced snorkelers. This is a wet landing.

Day 5 - Puerto Villamil & Wall of Tears, Isabela

Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island Welcome to the small, laid-back island town of Puerto Villamil. An interpretive trail, approximately 1.5 km from town, takes you around secluded wetland lagoons to the Tortoise Center. The Center was created to protect baby tortoises from the threats of foreign species such as pigs and donkeys, as well as to educate visitors and locals about the importance of the Galapagos giant tortoise. Visitors can see both hatchling tortoises and the older breeding animals. The wetlands of Isabela Island are home to a variety of bird species such as common stilts, whimbrels, white-cheeked pintail ducks, gallinules, and flamingoes. Excursion options: Walk and swim.

Wall of Tears, Isabela Island The Wall of Tears is 15 to 20 feet (5-6m) high, 10 feet (3 m) wide, and approximately 300 feet (100 m) long. When jailed in a penal colony here between 1944 and 1959, prisoners were forced to build the wall, stone by stone, in isolation, only to be asked to tear it down again and start over. It is a lesson in history and a remnant of a cruel and intolerant time. Excursion options: Walk.

Day 6 - Post Office Bay & Cormorant Point, Floreana

Post Office Bay, Floreana Island - Rich in history, this site is home to the post office barrel established in about 1793, where pirates, buccaneers, whalers and others could leave their mail to be picked up by outbound ships. The tradition continues today, as visitors leave addressed postcards in the barrel and sort through left mail to deliver at home.

Cormorant Point, Floreana Island - Floreana was the first capital of the Galapagos, and where Charles Darwin met the islands' Governor. Its small brackish lagoon is often home to flamingos, stilts, and white-cheeked pintail ducks, and one of its beaches is a highly used nesting site for sea turtles. Check out the green-hued sand where you land! Excursion options include a relatively short walk to the lagoon and sea turtle nesting beach, and optional snorkeling and swimming at the landing beach.

Champion Islet - This islet provides a wonderful opportunity for ocean adventures. When snorkeling, tropical fish abound with frequent sightings of sea turtles, rays, sharks, sea stars, and sea lions if they're in a playful mood. On a zodiac ride along the rocky shoreline keep an eye out for seabirds such as boobies, pelicans, and frigate birds. Red-billed Tropic birds nest in the crevices below prickly pear cacti. The rare Charles Mockingbird also makes its home here. Excursion option: advanced snorkel.

Baroness Outlook, Floreana Island - The Baroness' Viewing Point is the ideal place to take in the unique scenery that defines Floreana, and to learn about the intriguing history of the island, once inhabited by an indulgent baroness and her three lovers. During the zodiac ride around La Loberia, you can observe several marine species such as golden eagle rays, sea turtles, sea lions, mullets and occasionally Galapagos penguins.

Day 7 - Warlock Hill, Kicker Rock & Los Lobos

San Cristobal Island (Isla San Cristobal), also known as Chatham Island, is the fifth largest of the Galapagos Islands in terms of size, and has the second largest human settlement, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. It is the second most popular island after Isla Santa Cruz.

Warlock Hill (Cerro Brujo) Warlock Hill is named for its distinctive shaped mountain that resembles a witches hat. White sand juxtaposed with black volcanic rocks makes this beach another of the Galapagos' most spectacular. Brown pelicans, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and marine iguanas are all found here. Excursion options include a beach walk, swimming, or snorkeling. This is a wet landing.

Kicker Rock (Len Dormido) Kicker Rock or Len Dormido, named for its characteristic shape like that of a boot or sleeping lion, is a dramatic sight with the remains of a volcanic tuff cone rising almost 148 m straight up out of the ocean. Erosion has split the rock into two parts, forming a narrow channel between. Circumnavigation provides the visitor with the best views of the rock. Blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, frigate birds, and sea lions line the shore. Excursion options: Circumnavigation.

Los Lobos Named after its large colony of sea lions, this island usually allows visitors to observe and potentially interact with sea lion pups, especially while snorkeling. In addition, we may see blue-footed boobies, frigates, and even a glimpse at the second type of sea lion species found in Galapagos: the Fur Sea Lion. It is a seasonal nesting location for the blue-footed boobies and frigate birds. Excursion options: Walk, zodiac, snorkel.

Day 8 - Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz

Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island - This is the main population center of the islands, home to the National Park Tortoise Breeding Center and the Charles Darwin Research Station. After Darwin's studies and surveys, the Galapagos Archipelago remained untouched except for occasional landings for water and meager supplies mustered from the uninhabited islands. Many tortoises were taken for food and oil.

In 1930, an expedition from the US arrived to create a wildlife sanctuary for the entire archipelago, and finally, in 1935, the first laws were passed to protect these islands. In 1959, the Ecuadorian government declared the Galapagos a national park, the catalyst needed to promote scientific research, restoration, and preservation of the ecosystem.

You will have the opportunity to take a bus ride to the highlands to observe giant tortoises in the wild and walk through a lava tunnel. Optional time for shopping will be available. Excursion options: Tortoise-breeding Center/Charles Darwin Center, Highlands.

Day 9 - Suarez Point & Gardner Bay

Gardner Bay, Espanola Island - Located on the northeastern side of the island, Gardner Bay has a beautiful long white sandy beach perfect for relaxing and enjoying the beauty of the area. In the water, sea turtles, rays, colorful tropical fish, sea lions and maybe even a white-tip reef shark may be seen. If you happen to visit here between October and December, you will find Green Sea Turtles mating just off shore. Gardner Bay is home to some of the most inquisitive mockingbirds in the Galapagos. Excursion options: beach walking, swimming, or a deep-water snorkel for experienced snorkelers.

Suarez Point, Espanola Island - Espanola is the oldest island in the Galapagos and home to an abundance of wildlife. At this site, visitors can expect to see sea lions, Galapagos Hawks, marine iguanas, and both blue-footed and Nazca boobies. Excursion options: long, rocky walk to look for Waved Albatrosses (March to January). They perform one of the most spectacular courtship rituals in the animal world. The second part of the walk is to observe an impressive blowhole that spews water like a towering geyser, which can reach 70 feet in the air. Optional shorter walk is also available.

Day 10 - Daphne Island, Baltra, & Lima

Daphne Island (Isla Daphne) is a satellite volcanic cone located north of Santa Cruz island. The crater floor is an important breeding site for the blue-footed boobies. The presence of these sea birds makes this an exceptional island to visit. The cliff shore of the island is home for sea lions, pelicans, blue-footed boobies and tropic birds. In addition, large schools of fish can be observed from the zodiac rides.

Nearing the crater rim red-billed tropicbirds nest in the cliffs. These elegant birds with long white tail feathers and a coral-red bill, nest in the over hanging ledges and crevices of the steep slopes. Magnificent frigate birds build their nests in the little vegetation that occurs on the island's slopes and near the crater rim. Finches, masked boobies, short eared owls and Galapagos Martins are also visible.

Baltra Debarkation and Flight to Quito At the end of your cruise, you will return to Baltra to say farewell to the enchanted islands. After your last zodiac ride and a short bus ride, you'll arrive at the Baltra airport for your flight to Quito International Airport and then on to Lima, Peru. A Celebrity Cruises representative will assist with your transfer to the International Departure lounge in Quito. Detailed information is provided prior to debarkation.

Arrival in Lima, Peru You will be greeted by a Celebrity Cruises representative at the airport, your guide and personal concierge for the Peru portion of the trip. You'll transfer for your overnight stay at the Westin Lima Hotel (or similar). A detail schedule of events, and departure times will be provided upon arrival in Lima.

Day 10 - Baltra, Quito, Lima

From Baltra, you'll fly to Quito, and then on to Lima, Peru. A Celebrity representative will be on hand to assist with all your transfers. You'll overnight stay at the Westin Lima Hotel (or similar). A detail schedule of events, and departure times will be provided upon arrival in Lima.

Day 11 - Lima

Enjoy the morning on your own. Around noon, your guide will pick you up to start the afternoon tour with a culinary twist. You will visit Surquillo, the local food market, enjoy lunch at one of Lima's gourmet restaurants, and visit the Bohemian district of Barranco. After lunch, learn how to make traditional cocktails at a mixology class in a trendy Lima spot. Arrive back at the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the Westin Lima.

Day 12 - Lima, Cusco, The Sacred Valley

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Cusco. Lunch is served at Casa Hacienda Orihuela in The Sacred Valley, where the Orihuelas, a family of great art collectors, will be your hosts. Dinner and overnight at the Tambo del Inca Luxury Collection hotel in The Sacred Valley.

Day 13 - The Sacred Valley

Experience the Urubamba Valley, The Sacred Valley of the Incas. Explore the impressive ruins, featuring hillside terraces and a crowning temple designed for worship and astronomical observation. You'll tour Ollantaytambo and the Pablo Seminario workshop, then lunch at Wayra Ranch - a feast led by the prominent Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino and Nacho Solis. During your meal, delight in stunning equestrian Peruvian Paso horse entertainment and marinera music. Dine and overnight at Tambo del Inca Luxury Collection.

The small village of Ollantaytambo is one of the best surviving examples of Inca city planning and layout. The narrow cobblestone streets have been continuously inhabited since the 13th century. Looming over the village is the Fortress of Ollantaytambo, spectacular Inca ruins that mark one of the few places where the Spanish conquistadors lost a major battle. As a highly effective fortress, Ollantaytambo also served as a ceremonial center at the top of terracing. Walls here, like at Sacsayhuaman, were precisely cut and laid.

Day 14 - Machu Picchu, Cusco

After a morning breakfast at the hotel, you'll depart for Machu Picchu on the Vistadome train from the Tambo del Inca station. Lunch will be served at the Sanctuary Lodge in Machu Picchu.

Highlights of Machu Picchu not to be missed include:

• The Guardhouse - Marking the original entrance to Machu Piccu from the Inca Trail, this is the perfect spot for beautiful panoramic views of the citadel, Huayna Picchu and the surrounding Andes.
• The Temple of the Three Windows - on the Sacred Plaza, Hiram Bingham believed that the three windows symbolized the place where the Incas originated.
• Temple of the Sun -located near the center of Machu Piccu, this one of the most iconic buildings within the citadel. Constructed on top of a naturally formed rock, this is one of the few buildings in the entire Inca Empire to feature a curved wall.
• Royal Tomb - A small natural cave formed by a large rock, the tomb is some of the finest masonry work in Machu Picchu.

After your day at Machu Picchu, enjoy welcoming aperitifs, dinner, and an excellent selection of wines while relaxing on the Belmond Hiram Bingham luxury train back to Cusco for an evening of local music, dancing, and Pisco sours. Overnight at Hotel Monasterio in Cusco.

Day 15 - Cusco

After a morning breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a scenic tour at the Koricancha, also known as the "Temple of the Sun," before touring the Sacsayhuamn fortress and the Cathedral, one of the most splendid Spanish colonial churches in America, housing about 400 works of art. Lunch is served at Limo Restaurant, with dinner being served at the Hotel Monasterio.

Koricancha - This extraordinarily crafted Temple of the Sun was the most sumptuous temple in the Inca Empire. Some 4,000 priests and their attendants once lived within its confines. Coricancha also served as the main astronomical observatory for the Incas.

Sacsayhuaman - These amazingly well preserved ruins overlooking Cucso, a testament to Incan architectural skill. Compiled of massive stones, the largest of which may weigh as much as 200 tons, the walls were cut and placed together with incredible precision and without a single drop of mortar to hold them in place.

Day 16 & 17 - Cusco, Lima

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight back to Lima. Once in Lima you will visit Lima's historical downtown, where lunch is served at a local gourmet restaurant. You will enjoy Peru's Capital and its 2000 years of history and colonial wealth. Experience the artistic and contemporary traditions of its residents, making a stop at Saint Francis' Convent, a masterpiece of colonial architecture to visit its beautiful courtyards and catacombs.

After your tour, you'll be taken to the Westin Lima Hotel where you'll enjoy dinner. If you're flight home leaves that evening, you'll be provided a day room to relax in until it's time for you to be taken to the airport. If your flight leaves the next day, you'll be provided a room at the hotel to spend the night.

16-Night Galapagos Southern Loop and Machu Picchu