Read a sampling of what our
clients said about their trips
We never have gotten back to you after our trip to Machu Picchu in September. The trip was amazing and everything was perfect! I have recommended it to everyone that has asked us about it. I have attached a picture that my wife and I used as our X-mas photo for this year, thanks again for everyth ... more Jay and Julie Kuchenbecker
Chicago, IL
Lodging, Meals, and Airfare: This tour includes accommodations for 14 nights (2 nights in Quito, 3 nights on the Galapagos Legend, 3 nights in Lima, 3 nights in Cusco, 1 night in Machu Picchu, and 2 nights in Puno), 24 meals (14 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 3 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, Machu Picchu is 7,900 feet, and Puno 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, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca
Combining the Galapagos with Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca is an excellent way to experience the best of Ecuador and Peru. You will begin in Quito and then travel to the Galapagos Islands for a four day cruise aboard the Galapagos Legend, where you will observe plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth. In Peru, you will visit Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu, and then travel by train to Puno and Lake Titicaca to experience the unique cultures of the inhabitants of the Altiplano.
The Galapagos Legend is a 100 passenger deluxe expedition ship that offers the comforts and amenities of a larger cruise liner. It is air conditioned throughout, and features 57 cabins with lower beds, private bathroom, safe, and mini bar. The ship's spacious social areas include a pool, Jacuzzi, Fisherman's Bar, observation decks, al fresco dining areas, a spacious passenger lounge, dining room, boutique, library, and conference room. Wet suits ($25) can be rented on board.
Activities: Cultural/historical sightseeing, wildlife viewing, hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking.
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/Mosquera Islet
Morning transfer to the airport in Quito for the flight to Galapagos. Passengers are picked up at the airport by our guides and taken on a ten minute bus ride to the pier to board the M/V Galapagos Legend.
Mosquera Islet (wet landing) is located between North Seymour and Baltra Islands. It is a flat, sandy island that has a large colony of sea lions and is an excellent site for observing shorebirds such as herons and Lava Gulls. Most of the islet is covered with sand and barren lava rock. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 4: South Plaza (Plaza)/Santa Fe
South Plaza. Dry landing on the northern part of the Islet. The walk starts with an impressive cactus forest surrounded by land and marine iguanas. Reaching the highest spot, it's possible to see tropic birds and a bachelor sea lions colony. There is a large colony of land iguanas, with a population of approximately 300 individuals. They feed on all kinds of vegetation, but during the dry season survive on the fruits and flowers of Opuntia cacti. Due to their proximity with marine iguanas, this is the only place on Earth where you can find the Galapagos hybrid iguana.
Santa Fe. Wet landing on a white sand beach surrounded by a sea lion colony. You will continue walking through an endemic cactus forest in order to find the endemic Santa Fe land iguana, which are the largest in the islands, and a paler color. This island is home to a number of endemic species like the Galapagos Hawk, Galapagos Snake, rice rats, a variety of finches, and one of the four species of Galapagos mockingbirds. Option for deep water snorkeling. Overnight aboard the Galapagos Legend. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Pitt Point/Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal)
Pitt Point. Wet landing followed by a high intensity hike on rocky terrain. The trail includes an olivine beach of 90 meters long and a path that climbs to the top of a volcanic tuff, through several magnificent viewpoints. This is probably the only site where the three booby species of the Galapagos can be seen together. Nazca, Blue-footed, and Red-footed; as well as two species of frigatebirds and a sea lion colony. It is also excellent for dinghy rides and for snorkeling, where a good range of sea birds can be observed.
Cerro Brujo (wet landing) is an eroding tuff cone that at several locations is composed of AA lava formations, and a beautiful white sand beach, great for snorkeling and sunbathing. You also visit a lagoon where migratory bird species can be scene: Black-necked Stilts, Ruddy Turnstones, Whimbrels, other sandpiper species, and White-cheeked Pintail. This spot offers beautiful views of Kicker Rock, the southern part of San Cristobal, and the adjacent coast. Overnight aboard the Galapagos Legend. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno/Cerro Colorado (San Cristobal)/San Cristobal Airport/Quito/Lima
Dry landing in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno which is the capital of the Galapagos Islands. Passengers will visit the Cerro Colorado Giant Tortoise Breeding Center to learn about the National Park's conservation programs. Passengers will also have the opportunity to visit the port village, have a drink, or shop for arts and crafts and other souvenirs.
After the visit you will go straight to the airport for your return flight to Quito and then Lima, Peru. After passing through immigration and customs, proceed to the reception area, where our inbound services representative will be holding a sign with your name on it. You will be greeted and then transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Lima. (B)
Day 7: 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 8: Lima/Cusco/City Tour
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 9: 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 10: Cusco/Machu Picchu
Morning transfer to the train station for the ride to Machu Picchu, 'the Lost City of the Incas' (7,900 feet). 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 11: 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 12: Cusco/Puno
Early morning transfer to the train station for the train ride to Puno (12,566 feet) on the Andean Explorer. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Puno. (B,L)
Note: The Andean Explorer operates every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday year-round. During high season from April to October, it also operates on Fridays.
Day 13: Lake Titicaca/Taquile Island/Floating Islands of Uros
Morning departure by boat to Taquile Island on Lake Titicaca. The island is known for the hospitality of its people, their distinctive knit clothing, and its landscape with Inca terracing where potatoes, corn, and quinoa are cultivated. Lunch is included. On the return to Puno, you will stop at the Floating Islands of the Uros people, which are part of the Titicaca National Reserve. These islands, as well as the houses and boats used by their inhabitants, are made of totora, a water reed that can grow to 10 feet tall. Overnight in Puno. (B,L)
Day 14: Puno/Chullpas of Sillustani/Lima
Morning transfer to the airport for your return flight to Lima. On the way to the airport, you will visit the chullpas of Sillustani on the shores of Lake Umayo. Some of these stone funerary towers stand nearly 40 feet tall. They house the remains of the nobility who were buried in family groups along with food and their possessions for the afterlife. Upon arrival in Lima, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Lima. (B)
Day 15: Lima
Check out at noon. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to your final destination. (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Galapagos, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca
Single
Double
Triple
3 Star
$6,799
$4,139
$4,209
4 Star
$7,179
$4,699
$4,589
5 Star
$8,869
$5,569
$5,379
Deluxe
$10,729
$6,539
$6,709
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 Suite.
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, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca
The Price of This Tour Includes
South American Vacations' expert pre-departure planning services and documentation.
Round trip Quito-Galapagos-Quito airfare in economy class.
Airport/hotel transfers including baggage handling.
Hotel accommodations including service fees and taxes.
Accommodations on board the M/V Galapagos Legend.
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.
Transportation to Puno via Andean Explorer train.
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.
