2010 Price: $4,650 per person
Single Supplement: $435
2010 Dates: Jan 8; Feb 5; Mar 5; Apr 1, 15, 25; May 1, 28;
Jun 16, 18*, 22*; Jul 16; Aug 6; Sep 3; Oct 1, 29; Nov 26; Dec 24
*Inti Raymi Departure. Please add 1 day to your itinerary and $335 to the tour cost.
Explore the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu and Cusco surroundings and experience Darwin's enchanted islands in this magical two-week Peru and Galapagos tour. For your Peru tour, explore colonial Cusco, spend a night in a village nestled in the Sacred Valley, bargain at the Pisac market, then spend two days exploring Machu Picchu and learning about the ancient ways of the Incas and the traditions of Andean people today. After that, it's off to the Galapagos on board our yacht for 8 days of natural discovery and incredible wildlife. Come join us for an unforgettable tour!
Day 1 : Arrive Lima
Overnight
Day 2 : Fly Cusco
Called the Navel of the Earth by the local inhabitants, Quechua Indians fill the streets and markets of this once great capital. This afternoon we 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
This morning we'll test our bargaining skills with the locals while visiting one of the textile markets in the area. We 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. Eventually, we will make our way to Ollantaytambo where we relax for the night. (L)
Day 4 : Train to Machu Picchu
We arrive at Machu Picchu by noon to spend the day exploring the ruins, a highlight of any Peru tour. Our 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, we 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 today. Return to Cusco in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Free day to shop and explore Cusco
Bargain over the finest Andean weavings or go river rafting on Class II and III rivers. The choice is yours today! Tonight, dance to the Latin rhythms of Cusco's clubs and toast our great friends to complete your Peru tour. The Navel of the World offers something for everyone!
Day 7 : Fly Lima. Fly Quito
Overnight
Day 8 : Galapagos
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 four nights. This afternoon we begin our Galapagos cruise, a week filled with mysteries of the natural world, by heading to our first island. (D)
Day 9-14 : Galapagos
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. (6B,6L,6D)
Day 15 : Galapagos to Quito
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. (B)
Day 16 : Return Home
Included:
- 8 nights comfortable hotels and 7 nights in twin share cabins on a Galapagos yacht
- All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, most of the hotels offer free continental breakfast)
- Bilingual guide(s) for duration of tour
Not Included:
- International and internal flights
- Arrival / Departure Transfers, 1 person US$50 each, 2 or more people US$25 /person
- $100 Galapagos Park fee and $10 Galapagos Park tax
- $75 international departure tax
- $10 local departure tax
- Gratuities
Is this trip for me?
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!
