This combines a 10-Day Galapagos tour with a trip to Peru's Cusco and Machu Picchu. We explore Cusco, stay the night in a village nestled in the Sacred Valley, and spend two days exploring Machu Picchu learning about the ancient ways of the Incas and the traditions of Andean people today. Then we fly to the Galapagos Islands for 8 days of wildlife and natural discovery!
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Lima. Overnight.
Day 2: Fly Cusco.
In historic Cusco, Quechua Indians fill the streets and markets of this once great capital. This afternoon you'll tour the city and the surrounding ruins, including the enormous citadel of Sacsayhuamán and the most sacred Temple of the Sun.
Day 3: Sacred Valley (L)
This morning, you may hike to the ruins of Pisac, or take a short walk through the countryside near the seldom-visited town of Moras and the salt mines of Moray. You can also test your bargaining skills with the locals while visiting one of the textile markets in the area. Eventually, you will make your way to Ollantaytambo where you'll relax for the night.
Day 4: Train to Machu Picchu
You'll arrive at Machu Picchu by noon to spend the day exploring the ruins, a highlight of any Peru tour. Your guide will talk about the Temple of the Sun, the Andean cross, and the series of staggered fountains. This evening, dine on local trout and relax in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes.
Day 5: Explore Machu Picchu
As the sun rises over the mountains, you'll have nearly an hour to listen to the spirits of the city's past inhabitants before the hikers from the Inca Trail arrive. Explore the ruins on your own or with your guide today. Return to Cusco in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Free day to shop and explore Cusco
The choice is yours today! Go river rafting on Class II and II rivers, or bargain over the finest Andean weavings. Tonight, dance to the Latin rhythms of Cusco's clubs and toast your great friends to complete your Peru tour. Cusco offers something for everyone!
Day 7: Fly Lima. Fly Quito. Overnight.
Day 8: Galapagos (D)
An early morning flight from Quito brings you to the Galapagos Archipelago. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to your yacht – your home for the next seven nights. This afternoon you'll begin your Galapagos cruise, a week filled with mysteries of the natural world, by heading to your first island.
Days 9-14: Galapagos (5B,5L,5D)
You will visit 8-10 islands during your unforgettable Galapagos tour. Each day you'll leave the comfort of the yacht and go ashore in your panga (the local word for dinghies, Zodiacs etc.) to remote areas of the islands for natural history walks through the Galapagos’s unique ecology. This is everyone’s chance to photograph strange marine iguanas, snorkel with playful sea lions, and just wonder at the strange landscape of ancient volcanic turmoil. Except for a few settlements, the entire archipelago is a national park, and the beaches and meandering footpaths invite relaxation and fanciful dreams.
Day 15: Galapagos to Quito (B)
This morning you say goodbye to Darwin’s inspiration as you complete your Galapagos cruise. Transfer back to the airport for your flight back to Quito. Overnight in Quito.
Day 13: Return Home
Accommodations: 7 nights twin share cabins on your Galapagos yacht, 8 nights comfortable hotels.
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation: Airport transfers, 4 local flights, 1 international flight, buses, train
Group & Staff: Max of 16 in the Galapagos (dependent on boat size); max 12 in Peru; bilingual guide in the Galapagos, Adventure Life Tour Leader/Guide in Peru.
An active itinerary of that begins with snowcapped mountains, ancient ruins and a vibrant colonial city. Next comes marine wildlife and lots of time for swimming and snorkeling. A tour perfect for all ages and abilities!
Start Dates 2008: Sep 12, Oct 10, Nov 16, Dec 21
Start Dates 2009: Jan 10, Feb 7, Mar 7, Apr 4, May 2, May 30, Jun 18*, Jun 21*, Jul 11, Jul 25, Aug 8, Aug 22, Sep 19, Oct 17, Nov 21, Dec 19
Custom dates are available. Exact start date depends on yacht choice.
*Inti Raymi Departure. Please add 1 day to your itinerary and $335 to the tour cost
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price is based on the longer cruise on the Galapagos yacht, the Millennium. Alternative yachts and shorter cruises available. Contact us for a quote.
Single Supplement: US$260
Single suppliment applies only towards the Peru segment.
Arrival/Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each, 2 or more people US$25/person
Note: International and internal flights not included. For internal flights Lima-Cusco-Lima-Quito-Galapagos-Quito, please add US$1440 for Jun 15 - Sept 14 and Nov 1 - Apr 30; for all other months add US$1385 (flight costs subject to change).
Personal Budgeting: Allow US$160 for meals not included, US$100 Galapagos Park fee, $10 Galapagos Park tax, US$70 international departure taxes, US$10 local departure taxes, US$80 optional excursions (US$55/185 soles for return visit to Machu Picchu, whitewater rafting, etc.
Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Quito : Share US$45, Single US$75 Lima : Share US$45, Single US$90
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Peru
Ecuador
Archeology/History
Boating and Sailing
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