Travel to Ecuador, Galapagos, Peru: Galapagos & Machu Picchu Adventure

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Galapagos & Machu Picchu Adventure

			DAYS: 16 GRADE: I define PRICE: From $6395 per person * Add $1285 for Internal Flights and Park Fees * HIGHLIGHTS: Quito Galapagos cruise Wildlife interactions Snorkeling Machu Picchu Cusco Urubamba Valley ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels/Lodges MEALS: As noted  [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,   D-Dinner] SEASON: Year-round Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services Send to a Friend Print this Itinerary

This adventure combines a voyage through Galapagos, whose unique wildlife adaptations gave rise to Darwin's notes on evolution, and a journey through the land of the Incas. Begin aboard a first-class yacht in the Galapagos Islands and discover plants and animals unique to particular islands as you travel throughout the archipelago. Our expert naturalist guides explain how these species have evolved and adapted over time. During an 8 day cruise you will visit the major wildlife sites, including some of the more remote outer islands. Meet exotic and bizarre wildlife as you venture among cinder cones, lava flows, white and black sand beaches, and rocky cliffs and cool off snorkeling in clear equatorial waters. Then head out to the Andes of Peru and discover the land of the Incas. Specialists in archaeology, history, and Andean culture will take you through the monumental Inca stone temples and restored agricultural terraces of Quechua Indian villages in Cusco, the Urubamba Valley, and Machu Picchu.

DAY 1 :  ARRIVE QUITO
You are met upon arrival in Quito and transferred to Patio Andaluz, a 4 star boutique hotel situated in the heart of the refurbished colonial center of Quito. Overnight Patio Andaluz or similar. [Meals on your own]

DAY 2 :  QUITO
We begin our Ecuador vacation with a half-day city tour of colonial Quito, including the bustling Independence Plaza, the dazzling gold-leafed altars of La Compania Church, and the impressive San Francisco Church. Visit the Mitad del Mundo Equatorial marker and ethnographic village and museum. Afternoon and evening are free to explore this beautifully restored city with its busy pedestrian plazas, shops, coffee bars, pubs, and many excellent restaurants. Overnight Patio Andaluz or similar. [B]

	The fauna and flora of the Galapagos Islands provide a unique and fascinating look at evolution of species over time and distance.

DAYS 3-9 :  GALAPAGOS
Private transfer this morning to the domestic airport for the 2 hour flight to the Galapagos. You are met and warmly greeted by your naturalist guide and transferred to the Eric, Flamingo, or Letty. As the sun sets, enjoy a typical Ecuadorian meal, the nightly briefing and formal presentation of the captain and crew. During the rest of this week, you will leisurely voyage through the stunning Galapagos Islands, among a varied landscape of diverse flora and fauna. [BLD] For a detailed Galapagos itinerary, please click here.

DAY 10 :  TRANSFER TO LIMA
A change of pace today as you return to the mainland and assisted with the connecting flight to Lima.  After clearing customs in Lima transfer to to overnight at either Hotel Casa Andina in Miraflores or Costa del Sol Ramada Airport Hotel. [B]

DAY 11 :  CUSCO
A quick hour long flight this morning brings you to Cusco, the gateway to the Urubamba Valley. You are transferred to your hotel to refresh before a local guide shows off their city during a half-day tour of ancient Inca temples, ornate Spanish churches, and the surrounding ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Qenko, Puca Pucara, and Tambo Machay. Our guide will also direct you to shops, museums, and markets where you can explore on your own. Overnight at the Colonial-style Hotel Libertador or similar. [B] 

Note: Optional upgrades available: El Monasterio, a restored 400-year old former monastery. Please call for details and costs.

DAY 12 :  URUBAMBA VALLEY
Spend the full day on private exploration through the Sacred Valley of the Incas including the village of Pisac and the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. Depending on the season and interests of the group we will stop to chat with farmers and artisans, and visit Quechua villages where highland Indians tend their fields and sell handcrafts in outdoor markets. Overnight in the serene Urubamba Valley at the Hotel Sol y Luna or similar. [BL]

DAY 13 :  URUBAMBA VALLEY
Enjoy a beautiful, easy downhill day hike today on local foot trails through the Andes. Your hike ends at the native Quechua Indian villages of Hullioc and Patacancha (12,500 elevation) where you learn about the traditonal methods and simple hand tools used to grow crops and weave textiles. Overnight in the Urubamba Valley at the Hotel Sol y Luna or similar. [BL]

Note: You may combine the Patacancha village day visit (with less hiking) with a half-day rafting trip on the Urubamba River.

Tour Machu Picchu, renowed as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

DAY 14 :  MACHU PICCHU
Today you visit one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Catch the morning train to Aguas Calientes at the base of the mountain. After assisting with your hotel check in, your guide will accompany you up to Machu Picchu for a private walk among the ruins before he returns to Cusco. You can remain in Machu Picchu to photograph and explore on your own time.  Overnight in Aguas Calientes at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel or similar. [B]

Note: An upgrade is available to Sanctuary Lodge, directly adjacent to the ruins. Today's itinerary includes first-class reserved train tickets, bus tickets up and down the mountain, lunch, and the entrance fee.

DAY 15 :  MACHU PICCHU & CUSCO
Be among the first to arrive at Machu Picchu on the early shuttle bus. Enjoy exploring the most impressive archaeological monument in the Andes on your own time wandering through the mysterious maze of streets and stone buildings of the magnificent citadel.  Hike up towering Wayna Picchu mountain, or up the Inca Trail to the Intipunku. Return around midafternoon on the train back to Cusco and transfer to your hotel.  Overnight Hotel Libertador  or similar. [B] 

DAY 16 :  LIMA & DEPART
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima, where you are met and transferred to a hotel in the lovely neighborhood of Miraflores to use as a day room until your evening flight. Or you may wish to stay overnight and leave in the following day. [B]

Note: Half-day tours in Lima and its museums are available upon prior request. Experience the blend of cultures in one of South America's oldest capital cities; take a tour of the old colonial center of downtown Lima, the beautiful church and mysterious catacombs of San Francisco, and the colonial Cathedral of Lima. The most comprehensive archaeological heritage museums in Lima are the Gold Museum and the Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology.

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

. C o n t a c t Jeff Stivers 1(800)345-4453