13 Days Incan Temples and Darwinian Dreamland Tour Package
Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights
Priced From: $4,560 (pp , Dbl , Occ)
Dates: Mar, Jul, Mar
Lima, the capital of Peru and a vibrant metropolis that was once given the apt nickname 'City of Kings' by Spanish conquistadors, is the first stop on this 13-day adventure in South America and with its world-class museums, beautiful architecture, plentiful historical sites and friendly people, promises no shortage of entertainment. Lima's archaeological museums showcase a fascinating overview of the many Peruvian civilisations, from prehistoric times to the present day, and are brimming with ancient artifacts, including the largest collection of gold in the world. Moving on to Cuzco, we take time to explore the archaeological capital of the Americas and a city that was once the capital of one of the greatest ancient civilisations in history; the Incan Empire. On this leg of our tour, we come face-to-face with some of the most memorable Incan ruins and as we travel along the 'Sacred Valley of the Incas' and on to Machu Picchu, a magical historic site that alone would warrant a tour to Peru. Hopping over to Ecuador, we catch a flight from Quito to our embarkation port for our cruise amid the Galapagos Islands, an archipelago that receives international acclaim for being the greatest naturalist destination on the planet. Within the bounds of this spectacular archipelago, we discover that each island is an entire world unto itself, each with its own unique characteristics and diverse array of wildlife that has never learned to shy away from Man. Nowhere else on the planet can you find a wildlife experience akin to that of the Galapagos and, set to the backdrop of volcanic landscapes of white-sand beaches and lush rolling hills, provides the most idyllic setting for photographs.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Lima
Today we arrive in Lima, Peru. This city has had wonderful restorations in recent years to the plazas, ornate facades, and wooden balconies for which the city is famous. Lima, named the 'City of Kings' by the Spanish Conquistadors, is the capital of Peru. Founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro, where the River Rimac meets the Pacific Ocean, this was the most important Spanish city during the colonial era with a population of about 100,000 inhabitants. Today the city is home to more than 7 million people. PLEASE NOTE: The hotels indicated in this itinerary reflect our preferred properties in each location. We list these hotels primarily to provide a general sense of overall standard; the final hotel list (which supersedes this itinerary) is not 100% confirmed until approximately 30-45 days prior to departure. We reserve the right to make substitutions of a similar standard if necessary. NAZCA LINES EXTENSION: We can add a 2-day 'flight-seeing' excursion to the Nazca Lines upon request. The ancient and mysterious Nazca Lines are comprised of about three hundred figures made of straight lines and geometric shapes most clearly visible from the air. This option can be accomplished pre-trip and currently costs approximately $400 per person. Overnight in Lima (Miraflores). Hotel Exclusive or similar. Dinner if required.
Day 2 Lima: City Tour
This morning we start our tour with a visit to San Francisco's Church to visit the extensive catacombs that lie underneath. We then continue to the Plaza de Armas, the most important plaza in Lima. The oldest surviving part of the plaza is the impressive bronze fountain, erected in 1650. Surrounding the plaza is the exquisite Archbishop's Palace, the cathedral, and the Government Palace where handsomely uniformed presidential guards are on duty all day. We visit the cathedral where the great conquistador Francisco Pizarro's tomb lies. Our next stop is the National Anthropology and Archaeology Museum. It contains a comprehensive presentation of the many Peruvian civilizations, from pre-historic times through to the Incas. After taking some free time for lunch in one of the many outdoor cafes, we head to the trendy area of Miraflores where people stroll along the cliff tops and watch the sun setting on the Pacific Ocean. The best location is the new "Love Park," with its magnificent monument to lovers at its centre. We then proceed to the Larco Museum, which showcases remarkable chronological galleries and an excellent overview on 3,000 years of development of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. Located in a unique vice-royal mansion of the 18th century built over a 7th century pre-Columbian pyramid, is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Features the finest gold and silver collection from ancient Peru and the famous erotic archaeological collection, one of the most visited Peruvian tourist attractions. For an unforgettable experience, Larco is one of the few museums in the world where visitors can also choose to enter the storage area with its 45,000 classified archaeological objects. Overnight in Lima (Miraflores). Hotel Exclusive or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 3 Lima - Cuzco - Urubamba Valley - Ollantaytambo - Yucay
Early this morning we fly to Cuzco, located in a fertile valley at 3354 m (11,004 feet). This is the archaeological capital of the Americas and the ancient capital of the Inca Empire that, at its height, stretched from Colombia in the north, through Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia, and down to central Chile in the south. Although the empire already existed in the 12th century, it remained small until the mid-15th century. Over the next 100 years, it expanded massively but declined due to the civil war and the conquest by the Spanish conquistadors under Francisco Pizarro in 1533. On arrival we will travel by road into the Urubamba Valley, or "Sacred Valley of the Incas," along one of the most scenic drives on our trip, to the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo located on a spectacular ridge with deep valleys on either side. We can admire the carefully constructed and maintained farming terraces on the surrounding hillsides. We continue to the town of Yucay on the bank of the Urubamba River (2300m / 7,590 ft). This is an attractive little town of particularly fertile lands whose name translated into Spanish means "deceit" or "bewitchment". According to legend, in the middle of the 15th century, the Inca Huayna Capac was captivated by the incomparable magnificence of Yucay's setting and decided to settle here. Overnight in Yucay. La Casona de Yucay Hotel or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 4 Yucay - Machu Picchu Area
Today we take the early morning train from Urubamba to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. The train journey to Machu Picchu is a highlight of any trip to the Andes; the scenery is simply spectacular, and the train allows you to enjoy it in comfort. The +/- 3 hour trip takes us through a changing landscape with wonderful vistas of the mountains and, deep in its dramatic canyon, the beautiful Urubamba River. Our early arrival from Urubamba ensures that we are at the site before the tourist throngs arrive on the train from Cuzco later in the morning. Upon arrival at the Aguas Calientes train station, a bus will take us on the 6 km (4 mile) twisting journey up the mountainside to the site of Machu Picchu. Having already dropped our baggage at our hotel, we proceed immediately for a guided 3-hour walking tour of the ruins (please be prepared with all that you will need to have with you for our tour). We will enter the site through the House of the Terrace Caretakers, which flank the agricultural sector. Once on the site, we will see, among other features: the Temple of the Sun, the Fountain Caretaker's House, the Royal Sector, and the puzzling Temple of the Three Windows. We will also see the Common District, the Sacred Rock, and the prison-like Temple of the Condor. Machu Picchu, popularly known as the 'Lost City of the Incas,' is an ancient city of stone palaces, towers, temples and staircases. It is a very mysterious place, and to this day our knowledge of it remains sketchy. There are no records or artifacts on the site to indicate what any of the buildings were used for. Archaeologists have ascertained that the site was most likely a ceremonial centre and possibly used for administrative purposes for the populous region. After our tour, you may choose to proceed to the hotel or remain on the site for some independent exploration (your ticket is good for the day), and return to the hotel on your own using the return portion of your bus ticket. Overnight at Agua Calientes (near Machu Picchu). Machu Picchu Inn or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 5 Machu Picchu Area - Train to Cuzco
A large part of the beauty of Machu Picchu is created by its setting on a mountain top surrounded by deep valleys. By staying for a second day to visit Machu Picchu, rather than visiting as a day trip from Cuzco, we are able to savour the atmosphere of this very special place. In the early morning of our second day at Machu Picchu, most group members choose to take the bus back up to the site with the weather-dependent hope of seeing the mist-clad mountains greet the morning sun. Weather notwithstanding, the best thing about going up the second day is being there early when there are fewer people, allowing time to "soak it in," as well as the opportunity to climb Huayna Picchu and/or to the Sun Gate (approximate optional costs to revisit the site today: bus 12 USD round trip, and 40 USD site entrance, payable locally). During our time at Machu Picchu, we will also include a visit to the Manuel Chavez Ballon Site Museum, which focuses on the "discovery", excavation, and history of Macchu Picchu. On display are historical photos, including photos of Hiram Bingham at Machu Picchu shortly after he came across the ruins, informative write-ups on the construction of Machu Picchu and the life of the Incas, and artifacts found at the site. Outside the museum is a very lush botanical garden running along the river; some plants are labeled and there are a few short trails. This is a nice shady area to rest on a hot day and is an easy 25 minute walk from Aguas Calientes down the road leading to Machu Picchu. Later in the afternoon we board the direct nonstop VISTADOME train from Aguas Calientes to Cuzco. On route we will see the locals working their potato and grain fields, and see children at play near their adobe brick homes. Overnight in Cuzco. Hotel Royal Inka II or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 6 Cuzco Area
This morning we visit some of the most important Inca sites in the Cuzco area. Sacsayhuaman is an impressive complex which, like so many others of that time, had both a religious and military purpose. The fortress known as the 'storehouse of the sun' incorporates some of the largest stones ever used in a building. The zig-zag walls represent the teeth of the sacred puma and provide an excellent defensive structure. The stones fit so perfectly together without mortar that not even moss can grow in the cracks! We also visit ruins at Tambo Machay, Puca Pucara and Qenko. The latter is an Inca sacrificial site carved with inscriptions. In the afternoon we return to Cuzco and enjoy a tour of the town. We visit Coricancha, the temple of the sun which was the most important location in the Inca empire. Entombed in the closed cloister of the Sto Domingo Church, these sacred walls were hidden from modern civilization until the colonial walls were brought down in 1950 by a powerful earthquake. We also visit the church of San Blas with its fabulously carved pulpit. Wandering the narrow streets of the San Blas artisan region we make our way to the cathedral which towers impressively over the Plaza Mayor. Inside we find precious paintings from the Cuzco School of Art, one of the most prolific of its era. This Inca city was laid out around a great central square in the shape of a puma, the god of lightning. Today, stone walls built by the Incas line most of Cuzco's central streets and form the foundations of colonial and modern buildings. The Inca buildings were so well built that the Spaniards simply knocked down the upper parts of the Inca temples and palaces and built their churches and mansions on top of the Inca walls. Shortly after the Spanish conquest, the capital was moved to Lima on the coast. Thus Cuzco has retained a wonderful, untouched colonial atmosphere. The culture is also very much alive here, and is evident in the music, clothing and handicrafts of the people. We have dinner at a local restaurant where we can try some typical Peruvian dishes. One may wish to try the "Pisco sour", a powerful drink made with a Peruvian liquor distilled from white grapes. Overnight in Cuzco. Hotel Royal Inka II or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 7 Cuzco, Peru - Quito, Ecuador
Today we fly from Cuzco, Peru to Quito, the capital of Ecuador. On arrival we tour old Spanish Colonial Quito*, preserved by the United Nations as a world heritage area. As we enter the streets of Old Quito we step into the past, surrounded by centuries-old architecture. We include a visit to the Legislative Palace and La Compania church whose ornate facade and solid gold altars make it one of the most famous South American churches. This afternoon we travel 22 kilometres (14 miles) north of Quito to the Equator line monument, known as the "middle of the world", where you can stand with one foot in the Northern and one foot in the Southern Hemisphere. Here we also visit the excellent museum containing exhibits of many Indian tribes of Ecuador.
NOTE: Your Tour Leader will not accompany you to Quito and the Galapagos. A local agent will meet you on arrival, provide all transfers, and arrange your evening meals at the hotel. In the Galapagos, you will be very capably accommodated by the ship's crew and naturalist guides. *Depending on flight schedules, today's sighseeing may occur upon return to Quito from the Galapagos. Overnight in Quito. Hotel Reina Isabella or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 8 Quito - The Galapagos / Baltra & Bartolome islands
This morning we fly from Quito to Baltra Island and board our cruise vessel for our exploration of the unique and beautiful Galapagos Islands.* An archipelago of 12 large and several hundred smaller volcanic islands occupying a 4800 sq km (3,000 sq mile) area about 1000 km (650 miles) west of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands have become one of the world's premier adventure travel destinations. Over the course of your visit, you'll enjoy up-close views of unusual, specially-adapted animals, plants and terrains including sea lions, tortoises, iguanas, land and sea birds, volcanic landscapes, unusual cacti and vegetation. Little has changed about the islands since Charles Darwin's visit in 1835 to "this little world within itself" inspired his first theories of evolution. Nearly the entire archipelago is a natural sanctuary where you'll have thrilling encounters with some of the world's last completely untamed wildlife who have never learned to fear the presence of humans. We will be navigating the Galapagos on board the M/V Galapagos Legend, a 110-passenger luxury expedition ship totally converted in December 2001. The M/V Galapagos Legend has all-new passenger accommodations with 1800 sq m of social areas and was built with marine certified materials qualifying with Safety of Life at Sea specifications. All cabins are booked in outside 'superior' class with plenty of space for luggage in the wardrobe closet. Private bathrooms feature hot and cold water, shower, and a hair dryer. Also aboard, a highly trained crew, 24 hour physician, and naturalist multilingual guides. An auditorium for conferences, spacious social areas, dining room, 24 hour coffee bar, swimming pool and sun decks, observation platforms, cocktail bars, long distance calls, fully air conditioned. Upon arrival on Baltra Island, you will transfer to the ship, have lunch, and embark immediately for Bartolome Island and a dry landing (passengers step directly from a dinghy to rocks or a dock). Arriving at this island seems as if you were walking on the moon. The volcanic formations on this island include lava bombs, spatter cones, and cinder cones. There is a hike to the summit, aided by wooden steps, from where you will have an impressive view of the Islands, including Pinnacle Rock an eroded tuff cone. On your way to the top you have the possibility of admiring a large colony of marine iguanas and lava lizards. Among the flora you may find red mangroves and tequilla cacti. You will have free time for snorkelling and / or swimming from a beautiful sandy beach. Here you can spot Galapagos penguins, marine tortoises (January through March), and docile white-tipped sharks. Return to ship for passenger welcome and briefing; there is a presentation of the crew. At this time a safety drill is practiced. Free time on board. After dinner a guide's briefing on next day activities in the auditorium. * The operators reserve the right to alter or omit any part of an itinerary, and change the order of the places to be visited or move reservation without prior notice due to readjustment of National Park policies, seasonal changes, safety reasons, weather conditions or 'force majeur' which may dictate these changes. These decisions are oriented in terms of passenger safety and in the interest of the islands' conservation. We may also substitute vessels due to scheduled or unscheduled maintenance. Overnight Galapagos cruise. All meals.
Day 9 Galapagos Cruise / Fernandina & Isabela islands
Buffet Breakfast. Urbina Bay (Isabela): Isabela is the largest island in the Galapagos. Visitors learn more about the eruption of five volcanoes that flowed together to form this landmass. After a wet landing (passengers alight the tender into knee deep water with the assistance of crew) passengers will go towards the fossil beach and then to the coral area. On the way, depending on the season, it will be possible to observe many endemic species, such as: giant tortoises, land iguanas and flightless cormorants. After the walk we will have time for snorkeling. Return to ship; the crew will welcome you with canapes followed by lunch. Fernandina (Espinosa Point): After a dry landing at Espinosa Point, passengers will see the biggest marine iguanas mingling with sally-light foot crabs. They will also enjoy the flightless cormorants nesting sites, the Galapagos penguins, Galapagos hawks, and sea lions. Among the flora and volcanic formations observers will note brachycereus cactus, and two kinds of lava formations "pa-hoe-hoe" lava and "AA". Numerous mangrove beds extend into the sea, depicting a healthy and thriving eco-system. Return to ship; the crew will welcome you with canapes. Free time on board. Guides briefing on next day activities. Overnight Galapagos cruise. All meals.
Day 10 Galapagos Cruise / Santiago Island
Buffet Breakfast Santiago (Egas Port): After cruising through the Bolivar channel for a possible observation of whales and dolphins, we make a Panga ride and disembark to visit Egas Port on Santiago Island. We go for a medium-length walk in search land iguanas, orange-yellow in colour with large spines along their backs, as well as Flamingos and Oysterscatchers. Great possibilities for swimming and snorkelling where you can spot hammerhead sharks, white tipped sharks, Galapagos sharks, eels, groupers, and snappers. Return on board, the crew will welcome you with canapes. Lunch. Rabida (Jervis): We have a wet landing at the dark red-coloured beach of volcanic origin frequented by sea lions. It is often considered the geographic center of Galapagos because it has the most diversified volcanic rocks of all the Islands. A short trail leads to a saltwater lagoon, where you will occasionally find flamingos. July thru September is a good time of the year to observe how brown pelicans nest in the salty bushes found at the far side of the salty lagoon. Also to be observed are boobies and 9 species of Darwin's finches. Dinghy ride by the reefs and an excellent opportunity for snorkelling. Return on board, the crew will welcome you with canapes. Free time on board. Guides briefing on next day activities. Overnight Galapagos cruise. All meals.
Day 11 Galapagos Cruise / Santa Cruz Island
This morning we have the chance to investigate the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, staffed with international scientists conducting biological research and conservation projects. Here you can also admire giant tortoises, part of the breeding program. Also travellers can admire the impressive Giant Prickly-Pear Cactus forest and many land birds. The visit to the station takes around 40 minutes. After this visit, passengers have some free time to walk around town and shop for souvenirs. Lunch. Santa Cruz (Highlands): You will have an option is to cross the highlands of Santa Cruz. Passengers will visit Cerro Chato. On this visit, you'll be able to observe the famous giant tortoises that gave the name to these islands. Additionally, travellers can walk in dormant lava tubes. Free time on the Island. Return to ship; the crew will welcome you with canapes. Free time on board. Guides briefing on next day activities in the auditorium. Overnight Galapagos cruise. All meals.
Day 12 Galapagos / Santa Cruz & Baltra islands - Quito
We arrive at Las Bachas beach in the north of Santa Cruz Island for a wet landing. Here you will encounter different sea birds, marine iguanas, sea turtles, etc. Passengers will have the opportunity to swim and snorkel from this white sand beach. Return to the M/V Galapagos Legend, check out* and depart to the airport for our flight to Quito (via Guayaquil).
PLEASE NOTE: As an exception to our general policy regarding the inclusion of tips in our tour pricing, gratuities for the ship's crew are NOT included in tour price. (We have found that trying to pre-pay tips on your behalf is not practical, for a number of reasons). Accordingly, we suggest that you allow approximately USD 30 total per passenger for satisfactory service. Overnight in Quito. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 13 Departure
Departure from Quito. Breakfast. BUEN VIAJE!
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3/09
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