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[Machupicchu
3 Days] [Machupicchu
4 Days] [Machupicchu
5 Days] [Machupicchu
Galapagos] [Machupicchu
Galapagos Legend] [Machupicchu
Titicaca Galapagos] [Andean
Peru 10 Days] [Magic
Peru 10 Days] [Peru
Highlights 11 Days] [Colca
Canyon Machupicchu]
HIGHLANDS PERU AND GALAPAGOS ISLANDS 15 DAYS TRAVEL
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BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY -
2 PEOPLE |
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Luxury Class 5***** |
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Accom. Quito |
Swissotel |
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M/V Galapgos Legend Cabin |
Junior |
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Accom. Lima |
Country Club |
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Accom. Cusco |
Monasterio |
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Train Tickets |
Hiram Bingham |
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Price per Person |
US $7431 |
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DAY 1: WEDNESDAY - ARRIVAL QUITO
Meeting and assistance upon arrival in Quito and
transfer to the Hotel for overnight. (No meals)
M/VGalapagos Legend
Cruise D (Thu - Mon) / 5 days / 4 nights
*Scheduled activities at the Galapagos Island could vary
depending on the travel dates chosen. Please contact to
our travel agents for more information.
DAY 2: THURSDAY – SAN CRISTÓBAL AIRPORT
Departure from Quito to San Cristóbal (2 hours flight /
airfare included).
Passengers are picked up at the airport by our
naturalist guides and taken on a ten minute bus drive to
the pier to board the M/V Galapagos Legend.
PM – Interpretation Center & Tijeretas Hill (San
Cristóbal)
Dry landing in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, capital of the
Galapagos Islands. Passengers visit the Interpretation
Center, an excellent place to learn about
Natural History in the Galapagos. The Museum of Natural
History displays information on the volcanic origins of
the islands, their remoteness from the
continent, ocean currents, climate, the arrival of the
different species and their colonization, among other
points of interest. The human history is also
showcased, chronologically narrating the most
significant events related to the discovery and
colonization of the islands.
Difficulty level: easy
Duration: 1 hour visit
Tijeretas Hill involves a high intensity walk amidst
beautiful landscapes and a magnificent view at the foot
of a frigatebird nesting colony.
Difficulty level: high
Duration: 1 hour visit
DAY 3: FRIDAY – GARDNER BAY, GARDNER & OSBORN ISLETS
(ESPAÑOLA)
Wet landing on a beautiful white coral sand beach
guarded by a colony of sea lions. There are no trails,
so we stay along the shore where we can spot
Galapagos hawks, American Oystercatchers, Galapagos
Ground Doves,
Hood mockingbirds, Yellow Warblers, lava lizards, marine
iguanas, and three species of Darwin’s finches: a
subspecies (Geospiza fuliginosa) of the Large
Cactus Finch, which is similar to the large ground finch,
the Small Ground Finch (Geospiza fuliginosa) and the
Warbler Finch (Certhidea Olivacea), another endemic
subspecies. Swimming and snorkeling offer a great
variety of Galapagos marine wildlife: king angelfish,
Creole fish, damsel fish, parrotfish, manta rays, and
white-tipped reef sharks.
Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy
Duration: 1 hour walk / 1hour snorkeling.
PM - Suárez Point (Española)
Dry landing. An island of geological interest, we
explore volcanic formations and a riveting wildlife:
large sea lion colonies and seabirds including Española
mockingbird, Nazca Boobies and the spectacular
Red-billed Tropicbird. You will also encounter marine
iguanas, lava lizards, and the colorful Sally
Lightfoot Crabs.
A somewhat lengthy hike will bring you among Nazca and
Blue-footed Boobies, right up to nesting grounds that
sometimes overlap the trail. Other
birding favorites include Galapagos Dove, Galapagos Hawk,
Swallow-tailed Gulls and the world’s largest colony of
Waved Albatross, an unequivocal
highlight during mating season (May-December).
Admire the island’s dramatic backdrop, featuring the
famous Soplador, a seaward blowhole that shoots water
some 23 m. (75 ft.) in the air.
Difficulty level: difficult
Type of terrain: rocky
Duration: 2h30 walk
DAY 4: SATURDAY – POST OFFICE (FLOREANA)
Wet landing. Located on the north side of Floreana, the
bay is so-named because in 1793 Captain James Colnett
installed a wooden barrel which served as an informal
post office for sailors passing through, who would take
letters with them to their destinations. Today, our
visitors continue the tradition by placing unstamped
postcards inside the barrel that should reach their
destinations for free. It can take weeks, months, even
years, not arrive at all, or even arrive before you!
We may also encounter Darwin’s finches, Yellow Warbler
and lava lizards. Great snorkeling opportunities with
Green Pacific Sea Turtles as well, this
island is best known for its endemic vegetation:
Scalesia villosa, Lecocarpus pinnatifidus, and Galapagos
milkwort. Snorkelers can practice on the main
beach among playful sea lions.
Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy
Duration: 30 minutes walk / 1 hour snorkeling
PM – Cormorant Point (Floreana)
Wet landing on an olivine green sand beach. We hike from
the black mangrove beds to a brackish lagoon, which
usually holds one of the largest flamingo populations in
the Galapagos. This island features some endemic plants
such as Scalesia villosa, white and black mangrove, and
holy stick. The trail continues to a beautiful
white-sand beach, one of the most important nesting
sites of Green Pacific Sea Turtles. It is important to
avoid walking in the water due to the Sting Rays that
may be hiding in the sand, which can be dangerous if
accidentally stepped on. From the beach one can spot sea
turtles, Blue-footed Boobies plunging into the water,
and small reef sharks floating along the shoreline in
search of food.
This coral-sand beach marks the end of our trail, and we
head back to the olivine beach we landed on to swim or
snorkel amongst sea turtles, reef fish,
sea lions and, on a good day, white-tipped reef sharks.
A small colony of penguins resides on Floreana and can
sometimes be observed as well.
Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy and walk on a flat terrain
Duration: 1 hour walk / 1 hour snorkeling
DAY 5: SUNDAY – CERRO MESA RESERVE (SANTA CRUZ)
Dry landing. First ecological reserve of the region,
it’s possible to observe numerous endemic plants, 7
subspecies Darwin’s finches, Vermillion Flycatcher. From
there you will be able to see Baltra, Santiago, Isabela,
Santa Fé, Daphne Islands.
Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: flat & steep
Duration: 35 minutes drive / 1h30 walk
For passengers taking D+A itineraries will go to El
Garrapatero instead of Cerro Mesa Reserve.
El Garrapatero (Santa Cruz)
El Garrapatero is a wide bay with multiple sandy beaches.
Behind the beach
is an area with a fresh water lake where you can come
across pink flamingos,
herons, mockingbirds, White-cheeked Pintail ducks, sally
lightfoot crabs,
oystercatchers and occasionally marine iguanas can be
found.
Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy
Duration: 50 minutes drive / 1h30 walk
PM – Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz)
Dry landing. We visit the Station where the Galapagos
giant tortoise breeding program takes place and you will
have the opportunity to meet Lonesome
George, the last surviving specimen of his species and
symbol of our efforts to preserve the fragile Galapagos
environment. It is an excellent place for
visitors to be photographed with them. Admire a
prickly-pear cactus forest and a variety Darwin’s
finches and other land birds. The Darwin Station also
works providing environmental education to communities
and schools within the islands, and to tourists visiting
the Galapagos Islands. You will also have
some free time to visit the town and shop for souvenirs.
Difficulty level: intermediate
Type of terrain: flat
Duration: 1h30 visit
DAY 6: MONDAY - DAPHNE
We circumnavigate the islet of Daphne, an eroded tuff
cone formation that was created by successive volcanic
activity, for an opportunity to see Darwin’s
finches, Blue-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies, Red-billed
Tropicbirds, Swallow-tailed Gulls, Brown Noddies.
Afterwards, you will go straight to the airport for
return flight to Quito (airfares included) Upon arrival
transfer to the hotel. Overnight (B)
*About the Galapagos Islands:
We reserve the right to alter or omit any part of an
itinerary, and reverse the order of places to be visited
or change any space reservation without prior notice due
to readjustment of National park policies, seasonal
changes, safety reasons weather conditions or force
majeure which may dictate these changes. These decisions
are oriented in terms of passenger safety and in the
interest of the islands conservation.
DAY 7: TUESDAY - QUITO - LIMA
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your
connection flight to Lima (Airfare not Included) to take
an exciting extension to Peru, Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival transfer the Hotel. Overnight. (B)
DAY 8: WEDNESDAY - LIMA – CUSCO
Transfer to the Lima airport for the flight to Cuzco (Airfare
Not Included).
Upon arrival to Cusco Airport. Reception and
transportation to the Hotel where you will receive an
aromatic coca tea to stimulating for the height, will
have the free morning to rest and also we suggest you
have a light lunch in either your hotel or in one of the
surrounded; in the evening we will depart on a City tour
(entrance to the archaeological centers and museums
including) we will visit the Main square, Cathedral, the
Koricancha (temple of the sun) and in addition we will
make a route bordering archaeological centers like
Sacsayhuaman Fortress, Q'enko, Puka Pukara and
Tambomachay, tour finishes 6:30pm approximately at the
main square in order you can take dinner in one of the
exquisite restaurants in the area, then overnight. (B)
*Optional Buffet Dinner with Folkloric Show:
Adding $24 per person
DAY 9: THURSDAY - FULL DAY SACRED VALLEY TOUR
Breakfast. You will be picked up at 8:15 am. Full day
excursion to the Urubamba Valley visiting: the colorful
Indian market in Pisac where a mixture of color and
tradition will be able appreciated besides will have a
good opportunity to try our bargain skills on the free
time to interact with the local craftsmen to purchase
their hand-made souvenirs. The Valley has a distance of
31 km (19 miles) of Cusco, and an altitude of 2,970 ms
(9,700 p), Pisac is located to the entrance of the
Sacred Valley and followed by Ollantaytambo, the older
town continuously occupied of the American continent.
The narrow streets of Ollantaytambo, along with their
channels that have not varied from the time Inca, evoke
their ancestral inheritance, lunch in a typical
restaurant and then the last visit will be to Chinchero
market.
Chinchero is believed to be the mythical birthplace of
the rainbow. Its major claim to tourism is its colorful
Sunday market which is much less tourist-orientated than
the market at Pisac. At the end, return to Cusco main
square at 6:30pm approx.
The night is free for you to eat in a restaurant of your
choice; although we always have plenty of suggestions
for you should you require them. (B, L)
Note: Take this tour on market days: Tuesday,
Thursday and Sunday
Bilingual Guided tour on different days
DAY 10: FRIDAY - CUSCO / MACHU PICCHU (*Overnight in
Aguas Calientes)
Breakfast and at 8.15am pick up to go Poroy Train's
station. The Hiram Bingham departs from Poroy Station
(20 minutes outside Cusco) at 9.00am which gives a more
leisurely start to the day than the traditional 6am
departures of other train services to Machu Picchu.
Brunch is served on board the train whilst passengers
watch the spectacular scenery unfolding before them.
From the agricultural plains of the Sacred Valley, to
the crashing waters of the Urubamba River, and as you
get closer to Machu Picchu the soaring mountains, the
scenery is constantly changing, and the Hiram Bingham
travels at a speed where this can be appreciated.
The train arrives into Aguas Calientes where private
minibuses await passengers to escort them on the fifteen
minute journey up to the citadel, avoiding the queues.
Upon arrival at the Machu Picchu entrance, passengers
can go straight into the citadel as tickets will have
been pre-purchased for all guests.
A guide will escort you around the citadel in small
groups, pointing out the best of the ruins and
recounting the history of this Inca settlement.
After the guided tour, guests are given the choice to
wander alone through this fascinating World Heritage
site, or to enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Machu Picchu
Sanctuary Lodge, the Orient-Express hotel located right
at the entrance to the citadel. Overnight at the select
hotel in Aguas Calientes town (B)
DAY 11: SATURDAY - BACK IN CUSCO
Morning at leisure by your own (entrance and bus fee to
Machu Picchu archaeological site not included on the fee)
in the afternoon return to Cusco.
The Hiram Bingham departs at 18.00. Guests are welcomed
back on board with pre-dinner cocktails served in the
Bar Car with live musical entertainment. Later a
4-course, à la carte dinner is served in the dining cars.
The train pulls into Poroy station just outside Cusco at
21.25. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. Overnight.(B)
WHAT'S INCLUDED ON HIRAM BINGHAM?
On-board meals with Peruvian wine, cusqueña Beer, soft
drinks and hot drinks (brunch on outward journey, dinner
on return), on-board entertainment, guides, bus
transfers, entrance to the Machu Picchu sanctuary and
afternoon tea at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge,
pre-dinner cocktails
DAY 12: SUNDAY - CUSCO – PUNO
Early breakfast and transfer to the bus station so you
can take the ride to Puno. Depart Cusco on guided bus to
Puno, visiting on the route picturesque towns and
archeological sites such as Andahuaylillas, Raqchi,
Sicuani, La Raya and Pukara. Lunch included. Afternoon
arrival in Puno, reception and transfer to your
accommodation. Overnight at the hotel.(B,L)
(*) Additional fare if traveling by train. Ask for
availability.
DAY 13: MONDAY - UROS AND TAQUILE ISLANDS
You will be picked up from your hotel at 6:30 a.m., to
go to the port of Puno to take a tourist motor boat and
to direct towards the wonders floating islands of the
Uros. After a 2 hour motorboat ride, you will arrive at
the Uros island in the Titikaka lake. Fishermen and
hunters inhabit the floating islands of the Uros. The
residents of the Uros are known as the “water tribe”,
because they must construct its own Islands periodically,
adding new layers of totora reeds, which grows in the
lake, to create the conditions that ensure the islands
stay afloat. The dense roots that the plants develop
support the island. The roofs are waterproof and the
houses are extremely humid because of the surrounding
water.
They used it as home and trade centers for the natives,
who use hand-made boats of the same material as their
means of transportation. At present, they speak Quechua
and Aymara. Following this exciting tour, you will be
led to the Island of Taquile, , place where the form of
typical and rustic experience was appraised, the place
is colorful and landscaping, where they even maintain
its customs, ritual, religious and folkloric traditions,
in the town of Taquile we will taste a typical lunch
with fresh fish (trout). There is also a craft fair on
the plaza that sells exceptional wool goods which are of
very fine quality and somewhat expensive. Taquile Island
is famous for its craft production, particularly for its
beautiful textiles. The island is narrow at about 1 Km.
wide and 6 to 7 Km. long. The visit could be exhausting
because of the altitude (13,000 ft above sea level). On
Taquile there are numerous pre-Inca and Inca ruins as
well as Inca terracing. We will return in Puno in the
afternoon, overnight (B,L)
>> Visa Requirement for US Citizens to enter Bolivia <<
If you are a US Citizen or a citizen of the countries
listed below and have decided visit Bolivia, you must be
aware of this information:
On 2007, The Bolivian President Evo Morales suppressed
by decree the right of US citizens to enter Bolivia
country freely, in reciprocity of a similar measure
taken by the US government.
Also the citizens of Angola, Bhutan, Republic of Chad,
Congo, Ruanda, Somalia, Republic of Yemen, Indonesia,
China and Taiwan have been affected by this decree.
Please make sure to have all necessary documents before
traveling!
DAY 14: TUESDAY - SUN ISLAND FULL DAY
You will picked up from your hotel at 6:30 am. Land
transfer to Copacabana Sanctuary. You will arrive into
Copacabana after about 3 hours of bus ride. Copacabana
is the most important religious sanctuary of Bolivia,
thousands of pilgrims visit every year the virgin of
Copacabana also known as Native Madonna, you will visit
the main square and the impressive Cathedral (1/2 hour
tour). You will arrive into the Sun Island after about 1
hour of a spectacular catamaran cruise including lunch
on board, this island has been identified as the
birthplace of several revered entities, including the
sun itself. A source of magnetic energy, the vertex of
the earth and the cradle of the Inca Empire, the Inca
couple Manco Kapac and Mama Ocllo appeared here and
founded the Sun Empire. During a 2 hours Sun Island Tour
you will visit:
-The Inca garden, the island micro climate provides the
ideal location for this garden that during Inca times
was full of Andean flowers, water and trees.
-The Inca Stairs that was built by the Incas in order to
reach the Inca Water spring.
-The Inca water spring, a natural water spring with 3
different openings of different tastes, this Inca made
water fountain is supposed to be a source of eternal
youth.
-The Sun Island Inti Wata Complex, that contains the
largest amount of archaeological items founded in the
island and the largest demo variety of Andean flora and
fauna available in Bolivia.
-The Sun Island Kallawaya Ancient Ceremony, witchcrafts,
natural medicine, art, magic, and millenary traditions
are part of the mystic world of the Kallawayas heritage.
The purpose of this mystic ceremony is to purify the
souls of the Chinkana holy temple visitors, this
Ceremony takes place in a Inca altar at the top of the
hill facing the temple and overlooking the lake. You
will then proceed back to Copacabana and then to Puno,
we will return in Puno at 6:30 PM, overnight. (B;L)
DAY 15: WEDNESDAY - SILLUSTANI – LIMA
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport to take the flight to
Lima (airfare not included). On the route to the airport,
we will visit at the Sillustani Chullpas (pre-Colombian
funeral towers). The scenery is desert but impressive,
in a beautiful setting on a peninsula on Ayumara lake
about 32 Km. from Puno. Most of the towers date from the
period of Inca occupation in the 15th century; the
engineering involved in their construction is more
complex than anything the Incas built. (B)
END OF SERVICES
INCLUDES: All hotel and lodge accommodations
based on double room occupancy. All scheduled land, lake
and river transportation. All transfers. All scheduled
excursions with English-speaking guide services. All
entrance fees. Meals and domestic airfares as specified
in the itinerary. B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner.
IMPORTANT: For a better service, the company
informs you that it has autonomy to change the Hotels
mentioned in the itinerary with another one of similar
category if therefore sees it by advisable taking into
account justifiable availability of spaces or other
reasons, if this it is the case you will be notified
ahead of time.
NOT INCLUDED IN THE FEE
International and domestic airfares, Galapagos entrance
fee US$100 per adult and US$50 per children (*up to 12
years old),, rate subject to change and INGALA tax $10,
airport departure taxes or visa fees, excess baggage
charges, additional nights during the trip due to flight
cancellations, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages or
bottled water, snacks, insurance of any kind, laundry,
phone calls, radio calls or messages, reconfirmation of
flights and items of personal nature
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Lima |
Cathedral |
Machupicchu |
Sun
Island |
Galapagos |
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