We loved Costa Rica. All of the hotels were great as were the guides. You were right that horseback riding was easy with those docile trail horses. The ... more Michelle and Juan Burriel
Lodging, Meals, and Airfare: This tour includes accommodations for 12 nights (2 nights in Quito, 4 nights on the Coral I and II, 2 nights in Lima, 3 nights in Cusco, and 1 night in Machu Picchu), 22 meals (12 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 4 dinners), and domestic airfare in Ecuador.
Elevations: Quito is 9,350 feet above sea level, Cusco is 10,912 feet, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is 8,944 feet, and Machu Picchu is 7,900 feet.
IGTOA's Traveler Funding Program
South American Vacations is an active member of IGTOA (International Galapagos Tour Operators Association). In support of IGTOA's Traveler Funding Program, we contribute $50 for each passenger that we send to the Galapagos Islands. You'll travel knowing that you support the lasting protection of Galapagos Islands.
Sixty percent of the funding of this program goes directly to the Charles Darwin Foundation for science, conservation, and education. Their work, carried out through the Charles Darwin Research Station and Galapagos National Park, is vital to the preservation of the islands. You can visit their web site to learn more http://www.darwinfoundation.org. The remainder goes toward IGTOA's mission of creating a model of responsible and sustainable tourism.
Galapagos and Machu Picchu Including Five Day Coral I and II Cruise
Galapagos and Machu Picchu are two of the most popular destinations in South America. Your tour begins in Quito, which has a well-preserved colonial center and spectacular views of the Andes and nearby volcanoes. You will then travel to the Galapagos Islands for a five day cruise aboard the Coral I and II, where you will enjoy plant and animal species that are found nowhere else on Earth. The final part of your tour will take you to Peru to see Machu Picchu, the spectacular mountain top citadel known as the 'Lost city of the Incas'.
The Coral I and II are mid-sized yachts, perfect for an intimate experience while cruising the islands. They can accommodate 36 and 20 passengers in spacious outside cabins with a/c, lower twin or double beds, private bathrooms, LCD TV's, and safes. Some of the cabins interconnect, which is ideal for families. Social areas include a Jacuzzi, lounge, restaurant, bar, boutique, library, and expansive observation decks with sun/shade areas. Wet suits ($25) can be rented on board. (Note that these ships are sold together, and passengers will be assigned to one of the ships at the sole discretion of the operator of the ship.)
Activities:Cultural/historical sightseeing, wildlife viewing, hiking, and snorkeling.
Note: The route and program may vary according to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety reasons and wildlife encounters.
Dry Landing: Guests step from the dinghy directly onto rocks or a dock. Wet Landing: As the dinghy edges onto a sandy beach, guests step into knee-deep water and wade ashore.
Day 1: Quito
Depart to Quito. After passing through immigration and customs, proceed to the reception area, where our representative will be holding a sign with your name on it. You will be greeted and then transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Quito.
Day 2: City Tour of Quito/Middle of the World
In the morning, you will have a city tour of Quito. You will explore the bustling streets and squares of the largest historical centre in the Americas, and visit some of its most important churches such as the majestic La Compania and iconic San Francisco, guardians of a stunning multi-ethnic artistic and cultural heritage. You will drive through the traditional neighborhood of San Juan and finish the morning at the Panecillo hillside, with its breathtaking views of the old and modern parts of the city.
Following the city tour, you will be driven to the "Middle of the World City" complex, which is located 11 miles north of Quito. Here, you will see the monument of the equatorial line, a 98 foot high stone trapezoidal monument with a brass globe on top. The monument forms the focal point of a park and leisure area with gift shops and restaurants. Overnight in Quito. (B)
Day 3: Quito/Baltra Airport/Ballena Bay (Santa Cruz)
Morning transfer to the airport in Quito for the flight to Galapagos. 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/Y Coral I and II.
Ballena Bay (wet landing). Whale Bay is a beautiful green sand cove at the base of Dragon Hill on the west coast of Santa Cruz Island. The beach contains a large amount of olivine crystals of volcanic origin. The crystals were formed when the magma was still underground. The content is magnesium, iron and silica. A small population of tortoises from Pinzón Island lived at the site, but were probably taken by whalers or previous inhabitants. Opportunity to see marine iguanas and sea birds followed by snorkeling. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Tagus Cove (Isabela)/Punta Espinos (Fernandina)
Dry landing at Tagus Cove on Isabela island. You will learn about the eruption of the five volcanoes that form it. The trail leads to Darwin's salt-water crater lake and excellent views of lava fields and volcanic formations. You will return by the same path for a dinghy ride along a shoreline full of marine wildlife, where you can admire a variety of seabirds, such as Blue-footed Booby, Brown Noddy, terns, Flightless Cormorant and depending on the season, a large number of Galapagos Penguins which are only 35 cm. tall; the only penguin species in the world to extend its range into the northern hemisphere along the equator. They are monogamous and lay their eggs in small cracks of lava, on the lower parts of the island near the shoreline not reached by the ocean waves. The population of penguins on the islands is about 2,000 individuals, most of which live on this western portion of Isabela; others are scattered further south on the island. You will have an opportunity to snorkel in deep water. Graffiti believed to have been left by19th-century pirates is a curious reminder of an intriguing past.
Punta Espinosa (dry landing). Punta Espinosa is the only spot that is visited on Fernandina, and from it one can see the island of Isabela across the Bolívar Channel, an area that boasts some of the highest diversity of endemic sea fauna in the Galapagos. The largest, most primitive-looking race of marine iguanas are found mingling with sea lions and sally Lightfoot Crabs; a wonderful opportunity to encounter Flightless Cormorants at their nesting sites, Galapagos Penguins, and the "King" of predators on the Islands, the Galapagos Hawk. "Pa-hoe-hoe" and "AA" lava formations cover the majority of the terrain. Vegetation is thus scarce inland, but you encounter Brachycereus cacti and extensive mangrove beds lining the shores. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Elizabeth Bay/Urbina Bay (Isabela)
Elizabeth Bay. Dinghy ride along the coast surrounded by mangrove forest. There will be an opportunity to spot Flightless Cormorants and Galapagos Penguins, and it is a resting area for sea turtles.
Urbina Bay. Wet landing on a volcanic "black" beach. Depending on the season, you may find giant tortoises, land iguanas and the unusual Flightless Cormorant. After a short walk inland, snorkeling time is allotted, giving you yet another chance to swim with sea turtles, sea lions and countless tropical fish. Urbina Bay features a wide variety of plant life that changes depending on the season. You can observe the beautiful colors of plants that attract different insects, birds and reptiles. You will explore the uplifted coral reef that resulted from 1954 volcanic activity, with a spectacular view of Alcedo volcano. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Buccaneer Cove/Playa Espumilla/Sullivan Bay (Santiago)
Buccaneer Cove (wet landing) is surrounded by mangrove forest, which makes for a pleasant walk, taking you to a magnificent viewpoint of the entire bay. You will see Darwin finches, mockingbirds, and White-checked Pintail. There's also a lagoon where Flamingoes can occasionally be seen. It was a safe haven for pirates, sailors and whalers during the 18th and 19th century. It is very scenic with steep cliffs made of tuff formations and the dark reddish-purple sand beach.
Playa Espumilla (wet landing). At this site, you will have a magnificent view point of the bay. It features geological landscapes and wildlife such as pelicans, blue footed boobies, hawks, and marine turtles.
Sullivan Bay (wet landing). This visitor site, located at the southeastern portion of Santiago Island, and of important geologic interest, features extensive lava flows believed to have been formed during the last quarter of the 19th century. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 7: El Chato (Santa Cruz)/Baltra Airport/Quito
El Chato (dry landing). Travel to the Highlands of Santa Cruz to visit a private farm, Primicias (El Chato), where giant tortoises are found in their natural habitat. The road to the reserve is one of the best places to observe land birds. Tree and ground finches, vermillion flycatchers and Cattle Egrets inhabit the area.
Following the visit, transfer to Baltra Airport for the flight back to Quito. You will be greeted and then transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Quito. (B)
Day 8: Lima/City Tour
In the afternoon, you will have a city tour of Lima. You will visit downtown Lima and see several examples of the Spanish architecture of the colonial period including the Plaza de Armas, the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, and the Church of San Francisco and Catacombs. After that, you will see Huaca Huallamarca, a restored adobe pyramid dating from the pre-Inca period located in San Isidro. You will tour the upscale residential and commercial district of Miraflores and see the Parque del Amor, a seaside park with a huge statue of a kissing couple, before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Lima. (B)
Day 9: Lima/Cusco
Early morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Because of the high altitude (10,912 feet above sea level), we recommend that you rest for a short period. In the afternoon, you will have a city tour that includes a walk through of the Cathedral, the Koricancha ('site of gold'), typical streets, and the four ruins that surround the city: the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, Kenko, Puca Pucara, and Tampumachay. Overnight in Cusco. (B)
Day 10: Cusco/Sacred Valley/Awanakancha/Pisac Market/Ollantaytambo
Today you will have a full-day excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The tour begins at Awanakancha, a living museum of the Peruvian Andes, where you can observe traditional textile dyeing and weaving techniques and the four types of camelids that are native to the region. You will also visit the Indian artisan market in Pisac and have lunch at a local restaurant (included). The last stop is the impressive Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo that served as both a fortress and ceremonial center, and is the site of a short-lived victory by the Incas over the Spanish. Overnight in Cusco. (B,L)
Note: The Indian market is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from October to March, and daily from April to September. On the days of the week that the market is not open, you will be taken to the Inca ruins above the village.
Day 11: Cusco/Machu Picchu
Early morning transfer to the train station for the ride to Machu Picchu, 'the Lost City of the Incas' (7,900 ft.). This mountaintop citadel, which served as both a center of worship and an astronomic observatory, is located in the middle of the cloud forest overlooking the Urubamba River. There are both agricultural and urban areas constructed with the precision stonework that the Incas are known for. The agricultural area consists of terraces and food storehouses, and the urban area contains temples, squares, and royal tombs. Guided tour followed by lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge. Free afternoon. Overnight in Aguas Calientes. (B,L)
Day 12: Machu Picchu/Cusco
This is a free day to explore Machu Picchu on your own. You may want to hike Huayna Picchu or enjoy another activity. Mid-afternoon, you will depart from Machu Picchu by train to Poroy Station in the Sacred Valley, and then be taken to your hotel in Cusco. Overnight in Cusco. (B)
Day 13: Cusco/Lima
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Lima and your final destination. Depending upon the time of your departure flight from Lima, you can choose to leave Cusco on a mid-afternoon flight to Lima and stay at the airport until your flight departs, or leave Cusco on a morning flight to Lima, pay for a day use hotel (from $30) and transfers to and from the airport ($25 each way) to rest before your flight and enjoy your last day in Lima. (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Galapagos and Machu Picchu Including Five Day Coral I and II Cruise
Single
Double
Triple
3 Star
$6,559
$3,919
$4,119
4 Star
$6,839
$4,429
$4,469
5 Star
$8,099
$5,079
$5,049
Deluxe
$9,569
$5,859
$6,139
All prices are in U.S. Dollars. Click here to see our prices in your currency.
Notes:
The above prices are valid until December 10, 2013.
The Single and Double prices are based on a Standard Plus Cabin and the Triple prices are based on a Junior Cabin.
Room/cabin upgrades and additional nights in each destination are available upon request.
Machu Picchu Pueblo, Hatuchay Tower, and Sanctuary Lodge accommodations include breakfast and dinner.
Upgrade to the Hiram Bingham train, which operates every day except Sunday, is available for $450 per person.
Oxygenated rooms are available at the Monasterio in Cusco for an additional $50 per room per day.
Christmas Season and High Season (from June to August) surcharges may apply.
Galapagos and Machu Picchu Including Five Day Coral I and II Cruise
The Price of This Tour Includes
South American Vacations' expert pre-departure planning services and documentation.
Airfare from Quito to Galapagos to Quito in economy class.
Airport/hotel transfers including baggage handling.
Hotel accommodations including service fees and taxes.
Accommodations on board the M/Y Coral I and II.
All meals scheduled on board and others as indicated on the itinerary.
Excursion to Machu Picchu via Vistadome train and other excursions as indicated on the itinerary including all applicable entrance fees.
Two daily excursions to the islands conducted by bi-lingual naturalist guides.
Use of snorkeling equipment.
Evening briefings and lectures.
The Price of This Tour Does Not Include
International airfare.
Domestic airfare within Peru.
Ecuadorian international departure tax (Quito $40.80).
Fuel surcharge for the ship ($90).
Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($100).
Transit control card ($10).
Meals not indicated on the itinerary.
Gratuities to ship crew and guides.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Gifts and personal items.
Travel insurance.
We will be happy to quote the cost of international airfare, domestic airfare within Peru, and travel insurance, and to make these arrangements for you.
Galapagos and Machu Picchu Including Five Day Coral I and II Cruise
Galapagos and Machu Picchu Including Five Day Coral I and II Cruise
