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Fully booked, but please explore - we will
be running similar tours in future!
Peru & Galapagos Adventure
14 - 28 May 2010
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| HIGHLIGHTS |
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| FLIGHTS |
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INTRODUCTION
This is a holiday of contrasts: culture and luxury adventure. We spend a week in Peru and a week in Ecuador, which includes a 4 day cruise in the Galapagos Islands.
Our expedition cruise vessel in The Galapagos Islands, the Galapagos Explorer II, is probably the most prestigious and comfortable vessel in the Galapagos.
The unique blend of activities included in this itinerary should appeal to anyone seeking to experience wilderness areas and wildlife in its natural habitat, whilst enjoying the comfort of luxurious accommodation.
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PERU
The 'Kingdom of the Sun', encapsulates the essence of America, the 'New World', both geographically and in its mixture of native Indian and European cultures. This is a country of ancient cultures, where the traditional way of life of the Indians still has validity. We encounter great scenic contrasts and a land that encapsulates perhaps the greatest treasure of the Americas. The Spanish conquistadors came in ruthless search of gold, although they never found their most elusive prize of all, the 'Lost City of the Incas'. With its stunning variety of landscapes, Peru is one of the most spectacular countries on earth.
We visit and explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Ollantaytambo and Cuzco, with the highlight of our visit undoubtedly being Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, where we travel on the Orient-Express Panoramic Railcar and walk part of the Inca Trail. There is also the option to climb Huayna Picchu, the iconic small mountain overlooking Machu Picchu.
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Read what people who have been on this holiday before have to say about it.
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GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
The Galapagos Islands are located 600 miles off the west coast of South America and, as well as being popular with discerning tourists, have fascinated explorers and scientists since the days of Charles Darwin. We spend four days in the Galapagos on the Galapagos Explorer II, www.galapagosexplorer.com, which offers the highest levels of comfort and safety, and complies fully with the environmental requirements of the Galapagos National Park.
The Galapagos remain one of the world's greatest natural spectacles. We explore these enchanted and extraordinary islands from the comfort of our first class motorised yacht. Accompanied by an experienced naturalist, we see birds and animals in their natural habitat, where they show little fear of man.
The Galapagos Archipelago is one of the most important national parks on earth. Tourists and scientists visit its thirteen islands all year round. It is the habitat of giant tortoises, iguanas, seals and penguins. On Santa Cruz Island, groups of researchers work to develop educational and conservation projects.
The typical daily routine during the Galapagos expedition cruise is as follows: enjoy breakfast before we go ashore by motorised zodiac with a naturalist (maximum of 16 people in each group). Will be advised in advance whether our landings will be wet or dry in order to wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Return to the boat for lunch, followed by a further one or two visits ashore, returning in time for afternoon tea, rest and relaxation before dinner and an evening presentation by our naturalist on the following day's activities.
Each island provides its own natural qualities and species of wildlife, and we have the benefit of impressive interpretation by our naturalist. The wildlife is amazing! As we cruise amongst the islands, look out for dolphins, whales, sea lions and seabirds, particularly albatross, blue-footed boobies and frigate birds. Most days offer opportunities for snorkelling and the crew will provide beach towels and snorkelling equipment.
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Thursday 13 May (Manchester Passengers)
Depart Manchester for London Heathrow - Overnight at an hotel at Heathrow.
Day 1 - Friday 14th May 2010 - Travel to Peru
Met on arrival by our agents and transferred by private coach to our hotel. Dinner in the hotel. Overnight at 5-star Lima Country Club. D
Day 2 - Saturday 15th May 2010 - Lima - Cuzco
Transfer to the airport by private coach for the flight to Cuzco. Met at Cuzco Airport by our agents and transferred to our hotel.
A 'Mate de coca' or coca tea is served on arrival. The rest of the morning is free to relax and slowly acclimatize before a countryside buffet lunch in the hotel. We take an afternoon tour to Pisac, a picturesque town and important archaeological site. Pisac is the gateway to the Sacred Valley, comprising both the old and new town from the Colonial era. Access to the archaeological site requires an uphill walk past some of the most spectacular terracing in the region that date from Inca times. At the top are splendid walls, several towers, a sundial, various enclosures and storage areas built in fine stonework. Dinner will be at Tunupa Valley Restaurant. Overnight at 4-star Casa Andina Private Collection Valle Sagrado Hotel (Standard room). www.casa-andina.com BLD
Day 3 - Sunday 16th May 2010 - Sacred Valley and Cuzco
Visit to Ollantaytambo, remarkable for providing a glimpse into the past to see what a living Inca town must have looked like over five centuries ago. Admire the magnificence of this important Inca Fortress and stroll along its quaint streets. We have a buffet lunch at the Posada del Inca Yucay Hotel. Afternoon walk in the most fascinating region of the Andes: The Sacred Valley of the Incas. At a lower elevation than Cuzco, the Valley is a warmer and less physically taxing environment for visiting the many attractions of the region including Machu Picchu. The mild climate with varied and dramatic scenery of snow-capped mountains, flowering meadows, lush green hills and spectacular flora and fauna make the Valley a first class adventure destination in South America. Dinner at the Tunupo Valley Restaurant. Overnight at 4-star Casa Andina Private Collection Valle Sagrado Hotel (Standard room). BLD
Day 4 - Monday 17th May 2010 - Machu Picchu
Transfer to the train station at Ollantaytamba and board the Vistadome Railcar for the 1½ hour spectacular scenic ride to where we begin our guided hike on the famed Inca Trail. This 6 - 7 hour hike takes us through ancient paths using the Royal Highway of the Incas with magnificent views to Machu Picchu. The altitude here is a comfortable 700ft, we pass the Chachabamba Ruins and ascend through highland grasses and small valleys to Wiñay Wayna. From here a winding trail takes us through Cloud Forest which cuts across a ridge and brings us to the Door of the Sun, Intipunku, with a spectacular view of the Citadel of Machu Picchu below. We stop along the trail for a picnic lunch. We should reach Machu Picchu in good time for late afternoon sightseeing and photographs before we take the bus for the 30minute drive down to Machu Picchu village. Check in to the Inkaterra Hotel where we stay for two nights in Superior Standard Rooms. www.inkaterra.com The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel, a member of 'Small Luxury Hotels of the World', consists of 85 pueblo style cottages set in beautiful tropical gardens alongside the Aguas Calientes River and is a great place to relax after the walk today. Dinner in the hotel.
BLD
Day 5 - Tuesday 18th May 2010 - Machu Picchu
Early buffet breakfast and we return to the historical citadel of Machu Picchu for a morning guided walking tour to include geological and historical information on key areas of interest. We visit Intihuatana (Sun Dial), Sacred Plaza and Temple of the Sun. This is one of the most significant and spectacular archaeological sites on the planet and should be a memorable experience for everyone. Optional walk up to Huayna Picchu which overlooks Machu Picchu (3 hours). Lunch at the Aguas Calientes Hotel, Toto's House Restaurant. Return to the hotel early afternoon for some free time. Dinner in the hotel. Overnight at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel. BLD
Day 6 - Wednesday 19th May 2010 - Cuzco
After a leisurely breakfast in the hotel we take the Vistadome Railcar for the 3 hour scenic ride to Poroy where our private coach will be waiting to take us on to Cuzco. Check into the hotel. Guided walking tour of Cuzco and an optional lunch in a local restaurant. Dinner at La Cava de San Rafael, a pleasant restaurant within easy walking distance from the hotel. Overnight at the 5-star Libertador Hotel (Superior Standard room). www.libertador.com.pe BD
Day 7 - Thursday 20th May 2010 - Cuzco
On our morning walking tour of Cuzco we visit some of the most important landmarks from both the Inca and Colonial times including: Korikancha (the ancient temple of the Sun), Inca street of Loreto, (12 cornered stone), Ahuajpinta, Colonial monuments of the Cathedral, Museum of Colonial Art and the neighbourhood of San Blas. We continue with the surrounding ruins, archaeological park of Saqsaywaman (the fortress-temple), shrines of Kenqo (funeral worship), Tambomachay (cleansing water rituals) besides the ancient Tambo of Pukapukara Inca's storage (place & inn). One of the most outstanding colonial monuments we visit is the Cathedral, famous for its gold & silver and the Temple of the Sun (Korikancha in Inca times). Optional lunch and free time in the afternoon. Dinner and cabaret at Tunupa Restaurant within easy walking distance. Overnight at 5-star Libertador Hotel (Superior Standard room). BD
Day 8 - Friday 21st May 2010 - Cuzco - Lima - Guayaquil
Transfer from the hotel to the airport for the flight from Cuzco to Lima and Lima to Guayaquil. Met on arrival by our agents and transferred to the hotel. Free time to explore Guayaquil or take a walk to the Cathedral and along the promenade. Dinner in the hotel. Overnight at 5-star Hotel Oro Verde. www.lhw.com/OroVerde BD
Guayaquil - This is Ecuador's largest city and is the industrial and commercial centre of the country. It lies on the western banks of the Río Guayas, about 56km from its outflow into the Gulf of Guayaquil. The Pacific Ocean enters through the gulf of Guayaquil into the city's harbour, which is the trade centre for 90% of all Ecuadorian imports and exports and one of the most important ports on the South American Pacific coast.
Day 9 - Saturday 22nd May 2010 - Guayaquil - Galapagos
After breakfast transfer to the airport for the flight to Galapagos. Met by representatives from the boat and transfer to the Pier for embarkation on to the Galapagos Explorer II.
Afternoon: Dragon Hill - The bay is located at the northwest site of Santa Cruz Island, known as Cerro Dragon; named by the whaling men because of the important colonies of land iguanas that lived in this area. Look out for flamingos in marshland lakes and some migratory birds. We should have the opportunity to see Darwin finches, hood mockingbird and lava lizards. This area has arid vegetation where you can find some oppuntia cactus, palo santo (bursera) and some other endemic plants. The area has a wonderful landscape; with Rabida Island to the west and Santa Cruz Island to the East. In the beach zone see some endemic coast plants and marine iguanas, sea lions, american oystercatchers, pelicans and a small blue-footed bobbies colony. The visit has a wet landing and a 2km flat trail (2 hours hiking); we suggest comfortable walking shoes, walking sticks and binoculars for bird watching at the marshland lakes. BLD
Day 10 - Sunday 23rd May 2010 - Galapagos Islands
Morning: Bartholomew Island - The first destination is Bartholomew, an island of varied volcanic formations with a 350ft summit and a fabulous 360º view. Depending upon the weather we may be able to spot five other islands, this is one of the most spectacular views of the archipelago. We make a wet landing in a cove to see a small colony of Galapagos penguins - the only penguins north of the equator. Sea lions are also found here. Behind the beach are red and white mangroves, saltbush, morning glory and prickly pear cactus.
Afternoon: Puerto Egas, James (Santiago) Island - The landing is on a black beach with eroded rock formations in the background. The trail crosses the dry interior, where the remains of a salt-mining enterprise can still be seen, and then continues along the coast. Intertidal pools are home to a variety of invertebrates. Land iguanas are scattered around feeding on exposed algae while oyster-catchers try to capture Sally Lightfoot crabs. The trail then leads to the fur seal grottos, one of the only places in the islands where fur seals can be seen. Puerto Egas is a good spot for taking pictures. BLD
Day 11 - Monday 24th May 2010 - Galapagos Islands
Morning: Fernandina Island - On the youngest and westernmost island in Galapagos we land at Punta Espinoza, a narrow stretch of land, home to some of the most unusual Galapagos species. While the panga driver skillfully eludes the reef to reach the landing site near a small mangrove forest, look out for penguins diving off the rocks into the water, Sally Lightfoot crabs dispersing on the lava near the shore while herons, sandpipers and wimbrels explore the mangrove roots.
Marine iguanas congregate in larger groups here than on any other island. They are everywhere: basking in the sand, swimming near the shore, grazing on the exposed seaweed in the lava and blocking the way at the landing dock. This is one of the few places where there is the opportunity, if the water is clear, of watching them feed underwater while snorkeling.
Following a trail inland, two different types of lava flows can be compared. At the tip of one of the small peninsulas, flightless cormorants are found. Without predators on the island, these serpent-necked birds adapted for swimming and not for flight, another example of evolution at work in 'nature's laboratory'.
Afternoon: Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela Island - Largest of the Galapagos Islands; Isabela is composed of six shield volcanoes merged into a single land mass. Wolf Volcano on Isabela is also the highest point in the archipelago. The Galapagos Explorer II is one of only a few faster, better equipped boats able to make the long journey from the central islands to the visitor sites on the western side of Isabela. The trip is more than worthwhile for the unique species that occur only in this part of the archipelago. This landscape, with massive volcanoes silhouetted against the sky, offers a striking contrast to the lower-lying islands of the east.
Located on the northwestern tip of Isabela Island, the visit of Pta Vicente Roca is by a coastal dingy ride, which skirts around 400-500ft cliff sides. Look out for blue-footed boobies, masked boobies, pelicans and possible sea turtles feeding along the shoreline. We see colonies of fur seals, marine iguanas and sea lions basking in the sun at a rocky pile of large basalt.
Continuing along the sheer cliffs in our dingy, we approach a secluded cove where a dark and yellow rock is superimposed. We head for a large cave that allows for sight seeing and exciting cold water snorkelling. The cave hosts a great variety of marine life, especially marine invertebrates. Along the cave look out for Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, masked boobies, brown noddies and blue footed boobies. The breathtaking scenery is unparalleled. BLD
Day 12 - Tuesday 25th May 2010 - Galapagos Islands
Morning: North Seymour 1½ hr visit - A small flat island with rocks and a long sandy stretch; where sea lions and marine iguanas hang out next to a surf wave. The interior has a Palo Santo small Opuntia cactus forest with blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate bird colonies.
Afternoon: Highlands & Lava Tunnels - We go ashore and travel by bus for a 45 minute ride through changing vegetation zones to the Santa Cruz Highlands. Here approximately 40 giant tortoises live in the wild. By approaching quietly, you can find and observe a turtle on your own. We also hike to visit tunnels made by cooling lava. BLD
Day 13 - Wednesday 26th May 2010 - Galapagos - Guayaquil
Disembark after breakfast and visit the town of Puerto Baquer Morend on San Cristobal Island. Visit the Interpretation Centre which was donated by the Spanish Government in 1998. This state of the art facility offers a complete education on the Islands. Return flight from San Cristobal Airport back to Guayaquil. Met on arrival and transfer by private coach to the hotel. Farewell dinner at the El Caracol Azur Restaurant, a short walk from the hotel. Overnight at 5-star Hotel Oro Verde. BLD
Day 14 - Thursday 27th May 2010 - Guayaquil - London
After a leisurely breakfast in the hotel we have arranged a 2 hour visit to an ethnic village, farm and old colonial plantation house which should give us an insight into how life used to be in Ecuador. Return to the hotel. Optional lunch. Free time. Transfer by private coach to the airport for the return flight to the UK via Madrid, arriving next day. B
Day 15 - Friday 28 May 2010
Arrive London Heathrow.
B = breakfast L = lunch D = dinner
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Please note that the following flight times, flight numbers and routings are the latest known and are subject to change and confirmation by the airlines. All times are local.
Time difference:
Ecuador mainland GMT -5
Galapagos Islands GMT -6
| Outbound - Thursday 13th May 2010 - Manchester Passengers |
Depart Manchester (T3)
Arrive Heathrow (T5)
Overnight at airport hotel |
BD1405 |
1825
1925 |
| Outbound - Friday 14th May 2010 |
Depart Heathrow (T2)
Arrive Madrid
Depart Madrid
Arrive Lima |
IB3161
IB6651 |
0725
1045
1240
1735 |
| Outbound - Saturday 15th May 2010 |
Depart Lima
Arrive Cuzco |
LP71 |
0955
1115 |
| Outbound - Friday 21st May 2010 |
Depart Cuzco
Arrive Lima
Depart Lima
Arrive Guayaquil |
TA8
TA26 |
0755
0920
1055
1255 |
| Outbound - Saturday 22nd May 2010 |
Depart Guayaquil
Arrive Baltra |
EQ193 |
1100
1250 |
| Inbound - Wednesday 26th May 2010 |
Depart San Cristobal
Arrive Guayaquil |
EQ194 |
1300
1530 |
| Inbound - Thursday 27th May 2010 |
| Depart Guayaquil |
IB6634 |
2000 |
| Inbound - Friday 28th May 2010 |
Arrive Madrid
Depart Madrid
Arrive Heathrow (T2) |
IB3172 |
1345
1525
1645 |
| Inbound - Friday 28th May 2010 - Manchester Passengers |
Depart Heathrow (T1)
Arrive Manchester (T3) |
BA1404 |
1940
2040 |
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| Price per person sharing a twin or double hotel room including flights |
£4,750 |
| Single person supplement |
£1,500 |
WHAT THE FULL PRICE INCLUDES
- International economy class air travel UK to Peru/Ecuador and return
- International flight Lima to Guayquil
- Domestic flight, Guayaquil to San Cristobal (Galapagos) and return
- Domestic flights in Peru
- Airport transfers
- Airport taxes in UK and Peru/Ecuador
- Air Passenger Tax
- Services and back up of our agents in Peru and Ecuador
- 4 night, 5 day cruise of the Galapagos on Galapagos Explorer II in a Classic Cabin
- Hotel accommodation
- Meals as shown in the itinerary
- Naturalists and guides as shown in the brochure
- Visits to places of interest
- Private coach throughout the tour for the land travel arrangements
- Entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park (US$100)
- Welcome Reception
- Government taxes in Peru and Ecuador
- Accompanying Tour Leader throughout
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
- Holiday/Travel Insurance
- Beverages
- Gratuities, which are optional
- Outbound hotel at Heathrow for Manchester passengers
- Any Government taxes or compulsory charges that may be introduced after the publication of this web page
E&OE
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