Galapagos & Peru Special Escorted Trip 

May 5 – May 19, 2015

 

Cultural Adventures tours offer you the opportunity to learn about fascinating cultures as part of a very small group. You’ll enjoy select experiences away from the usual tourist sights during a visit that combines soft adventure with maximum comfort. Our Galapagos & Peruvian guides have extensive knowledge about the history, culture, flora & fauna of Ecuador & Peru. When you take a Cultural Adventures trip, you are supporting local people who provide information and services.

• Spend 6 days on the Galapagos in proximity to exotic wildlife—sea lions, giant tortoises & more
• Visit Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley of the Incas
• Combine guided tours with opportunities to explore on your own
• Travel with an escort who will provide valuable information before and during the trip
• Group size of 10 or less 

 

Trip Fee: $4195 per double occupancy; Single supplement $390
Included: All hotels, local flights within Ecuador & Peru, land transportation, tours, airport transfers, guides, escort & 28 meals. 

Not included:  International flight to Ecuador and international flight from Ecuador to Peru, local fuel surcharge if applicable,

Itinerary:

Day One – May 6 – Arrive in Guayaquil - Arrive in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city.  You will be met at the airport and driven to our hotel. Grand Hotel or equivalent
Day Two – May 7 – Loberia Beach, San Cristobal Island, Galapagos – Morning flight to the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival we’ll take a seashore expedition to Loberia Beach to view the marine iguanas that blend so well with the black, pitted lava coast. You’ll also observe many sea birds such as frigates and boobies. And you’ll have your first opportunity to snorkel with the sea lions! The day ends with dinner at the harbor as local musicians perform for us. Casa Blanca or equivalent (B, L, D) 

Day Three – May 8 - Kicker Rock, San Cristobal Island - All aboard as we sail to Kicker Rock to enjoy the colonies of sea lions, floating sea turtles and sea birds. Lunch will be served onboard. Swim, snorkel and roll up your pants as you explore Puerto Grande, the best beach of the Galapagos. Dinner is on your own so you can try out one of the local restaurants.   (B, L)
Day Four – May 9 - Frigate Hill & Interpretation Center, San Cristobal Island - We’ll start with a walk up Frigate Hill to enjoy a magnificent harbor view.  Next we’ll visit the Interpretation Center to learn about the history, biology, and geology of the islands.  After a relaxing lunch we’ll ride in a glass bottomed boat around the bay to observe harbor activities, look for sea turtles and watch sea lions climb on fishermen’s boats. You might then decide to swim, snorkel, kayak or just relax before enjoying dinner with the group.  (B, L, D)  
Day Five – May 10 – Santa Cruz Highlands, Santa Cruz Island – This morning we’ll take a motor launch to Santa Cruz Island. After checking into our hotel we’ll take a van to the highlands for a picnic lunch. After lunch we’ll walk through lava tunnels and among giant land tortoises. There will be time to relax before dinner.  Hotel Mainao or equivalent (B, L)

Day Six – May 11 – Darwin Center, Santa Cruz Island – A visit to the Charles Darwin Center starts our day. After viewing the animals and the exhibits we’ll walk along Charles Darwin Avenue to observe the fish market and shops of local artists stopping at a restaurant across from the harbor for lunch.  You’ll have free time before we take a water taxi and explore some of the small inlets to observe the birds and animals close up. Dinner at a popular local restaurant ends our day. (B, L, D)

Day Seven – May 12 – Island Cruise, Santa Cruz Island – Today we’ll have an exciting yacht tour to an uninhabited island with plenty of wildlife to observe. Depending on the itinerary determined by the National Park to avoid over crowding, our day will be spent on So Plazas, Bartolome or Seymour Island. You’ll have an opportunity to snorkel before returning to port. This evening we’ll have our final dinner together on the Galapagos. (B, L, D)   
Day Eight – May 13 – Lima, Peru – Today is a travel day. After breakfast we’ll take a flight to the Guayaquil airport where we'll board our flight to Lima, Peru. When we land in Lima we’ll be met and escorted to our hotel. Hotel La Antigua Miraflores or equivalent  (B)
Day Nine – May 14 - Sacred Valley – Today we’ll fly to Cusco and begin to experience the Peru of the Incas. We’ll drive in a private van with a guide to wander through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to view the ruins and a local market. Lunch at a hacienda will feature local specialties. Tonight we’ll stay in Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town inhabited since the 13th century. Hotel Pakaritampu or equivalent (B, L)
Day Ten – May 15 – Machu Picchu  - From Ollantaytambo we'll board an early morning train for Machu Picchu. This is about a 2-hour ride offering spectacular views of the Andes. At the entrance to MachuPicchu our guide will meet us and take us through the main areas of the site. After lunch at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, you’ll have time to walk through the ruins on your own or climb to the Sun Gate with me. We’ll take an evening train back to our hotel in Ollantaytambo. (B, L)

Day Eleven – May 16 – Cusco – Sacsayhuaman – As we drive back to Cusco in our private van with our guide we’ll visit the ruins of Puka Pukara, Kenko, Tampu Machay, and the renowned fortress and religious site of Sacsayhuaman, famous for its cosmic energy. Tonight we’ll have dinner together at one of Cusco’s excellent restaurants.  (B, D) Hotel Rumi Pumku or equivalent 

Day Twelve – May 17 – Cusco City tour – The day begins with a tour of the major sights in Cusco with a knowledgeable local guide. Highlights include the Plaza de Armas (main square), the Cathedral, Santo Domingo Church and the San Pedro Market. After lunch at a local restaurant there will be time to explore Cusco on your own using your free museum pass. The evening is free for you to enjoy your last night in Cusco.  You might choose to enjoy a folk dance performance (ticket provided). If you are interested in the stars consider a visit to the Cusco Planetarium.  (B, L)

Day Thirteen – May 18 - Lima - Today we fly back to Lima. Once you’ve unpacked you can join me for a leisurely exploration of the Miraflores District of Lima with its shops, parks, and cliff walk with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Or a visit to one of Lima’s museums might be your choice. (B)

Day Fourteen – May 19 - Lima City tour –  Our tour today provides a look at Pre-Hispanic, Colonial and Modern Lima. Highlights include: the Huaca Pucllana, a 4th century sacred ceremonial center, the Government Palace, the Archbishop´s Palace, the Cathedral Basilica, the City Council Palace, the convent and church of Santo Domingo. A beautiful restaurant overlooking the ocean will be the site of our farewell lunch. The trip ends in the late afternoon at the Lima airport. Be sure to schedule your flight home after 7 pm on May 19. (B, L)

 

Participant’s Background Information: US citizens do not need a visa to visit Peru. No immunizations are required for this trip. Participants must be able to climb a few flights of stairs and walk on uneven surfaces up to a mile at a moderate pace over the course of the day. Basic travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is mandatory – insurance to cover trip cancellation is highly recommended. Please check with me before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip is confirmed with the minimum number of participants required to operate. Deposit of $750 will reserve your spot. Payment of the balance is due by December 20, 2014. Refunds, less $75, will be returned upon written request until Dec 27, 2014. After this date, no refunds of any type will be made.

 

If you are ready for a unique adventure, send in your deposit of $750 now to reserve your place.    Write deposit checks to Cultural Adventures and mail to:  Cultural Adventures, 129 Cranberry
Lane, Centerville, MA 02632.