GALAPAGOS & MACHU PICCHU ADVENTURE

Transcription

1 GALAPAGOS & MACHU PICCHU ADVENTURE

2 Itinerary Overview Explore the fascinating blend of Indian and Spanish culture in Quito, South America's oldest capital city and designated UN World Heritage Site, and voyage among the unique Galapagos Islands. Discover plants and animals unique to particular islands as you travel throughout the archipelago. Our expert naturalist guides explain how these species have evolved and adapted over time. During an 8 day voyage you will visit the major wildlife sites, meeting exotic and bizarre wildlife as you venture among cinder cones, lava flows, and black sand beaches, capping most hikes with snorkeling in wildlife-rich waters. Continue your explorations as you discover the best of Peru, traveling to the high Andes and the magnificent ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, the most important and impressive archaeological monument in South America. Accompanied by guides specialized in archaeology, history and Andean culture, visit monumental Inca stone temples, and the fascinating towns and Quechua Indian markets of Cusco and the Urubamba Valley. Guides meet you at every transfer point and assist with check-in to assure the most informed and in-depth experience in Peru. DAY DATE OVERNIGHT HOTELS MEALS HIGHLIGHTS 1 Friday QUITO Casa Aliso Arrive Quito 2 Saturday QUITO Casa Aliso B Half day City tour 3 Sunday GALAPAGOS ISLANDS Fly to the Galapagos. Playa Ochoa, Leon Dormido 4 Monday GENOVESA Prince Phillip s Steps, Darwin Bay 5 Tuesday SANTA CRUZ /NORTH SEYMOUR Bachas Beach 6 Wednesday FERNANDINA / ISABELA Punta Espinosa, Tagus Cove 7 Thursday ISABELA Elizabeth Bay, Urbina Bay 8 Friday SANTIAGO / RABIDA Puerto Egas 9 Saturday SANTA CRUZ / SANTA FE Highlands or Darwin Station 10 Sunday LIMA Costa del Sol Ramada B Fly to Quito, continue to Lima, Peru 11 Monday CUSCO Casa Andina Private Collection B Fly to Cusco, half day city tour + nearby ruins 12 Tuesday URUBAMBA VALLEY Sol y Luna BL Visit Pisac and Ollantaytambo 13 Wednesday MACHU PICCHU Machu Picchu Pueblo Train to Machu Picchu, guided visit to the site 14 Thursday CUSCO Casa Andina Private Collection BL Free morning, afternoon return to Cusco by train 15 Friday LIMA Casa Andina Private Collection B Fly to Lima, dayroom and evening departure -2-

3 Itinerary in Detail DAY 1: ARRIVE QUITO Arrive in Quito and transfer to Casa Aliso, a charming boutique-style hotel conveniently located in the stylish La Floresta neighborhood. Overnight Casa Aliso. DAY 2: QUITO We begin our Ecuador vacation with a half-day city tour of colonial Quito, including the bustling Independence Plaza, the dazzling gold-leafed altars of La Compania Church, and the impressive San Francisco Church. Visit the Mitad del Mundo Equatorial marker and ethnographic village and museum. Afternoon and evening are free to explore this beautifully restored city with its busy pedestrian plazas, shops, coffee bars, pubs, and many excellent restaurants. Overnight Casa Aliso. [B] DAY 3: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS Private transfer in the morning to the domestic airport for the flight to the Galapagos. You are met by your naturalist guide and transferred to the M/Y. After the welcome buffet lunch and safety drill, we travel by bus into the interior of San Cristobal to visit La Galapaguera Cerro Colorado, where the National Park has established a breeding program for the tortoises. Browse the helpful information center before setting out with your naturalist guide on your first exploration. Along the trail, we find the San Cristobal (Chatham) mockingbird and Calandrinia plant, both endemic to this island. Observe the terrestrial tortoises living in their natural habitat and learn about their origin, evolution and threats by introduced animals. This evening, your naturalist guides hold your first briefing followed by the Captain s welcome cocktail. Overnight onboard the Eric,. [] DAY 4: GENOVESA We spend the entire day on Genovesa (Tower), considered to be one of the most spectacular Islands in Galapagos for bird species. This morning, a dry landing at Prince Philip s Steps takes us to a forest of Palo Santo trees, where red-footed boobies nest. Striking Nazca (formerly masked) boobies nest near the trail. In an open lava field, observe large numbers of storm petrels, and iif you are lucky, we will see the elusive short-eared owl. Following the walk, kayaks are available for paddling along the shoreline. Look for the beautiful red-billed tropic bird usually found in the crevices. Following lunch, we have a wet-landing on Darwin Bay, a coral sand beach where swallow-tailed and lava gulls gather near the tide pools. Enter a forest of Optuntia cactus and mangroves where colonies of great frigate birds nest. In a dramatic display, the earthbound males inflate their red-throated pouches to attract females as they fly overhead. The trail leads through a rich inter tidal zone where your naturalist guide helps you identify a wide diversity of wildlife. After the walk, we can swim and snorkel from the beach with sea lions in these warmer northern waters. Returning to the Eric, we set sail early to motor to the western islands. Enjoy your naturalists briefing followed by dinner. Overnight onboard the Eric,. [] DAY 5: SANTA CRUZ / NORTH SEYMOUR This morning we visit Las Bachas, which is the Spanish translation for barges. There is a long stretch of a soft white sand beach and interior lagoons where we find the greater flamingo. There is also a wonderful chance to snorkel here from the beach. Remnants of the US presence from World War II; a floating pier, is found here. This afternoon, we have a dry landing at North Seymour, a small geological uplift. We follow a trail that leads us to swallow-tailed gulls, blue-footed boobies and the endemic land iguanas. Visit the largest colony of magnificent frigate birds found in Galapagos. As we stroll along the beach, we find marine iguanas and sea lions body surf the northern swells. Following the walk there is a snorkeling opportunity offered in deep water. Overnight onboard the Eric,. [] DAY 6: FERNANDINA / ISABELA This morning, we have a semi-wet landing at Punta Espinoza, Fernandina; the youngest and most pristine Island in Galapagos. Recent lava flows formed by an active volcano stretch their way around the coast. Hundreds of marine iguanas, the largest colony in Galapagos, bask in the sun along the rugged shoreline. Observe sea lion harems with resident bulls carefully guarding their territory. Flightless Cormorants build -3-

4 their nests on the point and Galapagos Hawks soar overhead. After lunch, we cross the Bolivar Channel where we often spot whales and dolphins riding the bow wave. This afternoon, a dry landing at Tagus Cove places us on the adjacent island of Isabela. Six volcanoes flowing together formed the largest Island in Galapagos. During the walk, we discover a salt-water lagoon, a scenic overlook with a spectacular view of the surrounding ocean and neighboring islands, lava fields and volcanic formations. Graffiti dating back to the 1800's is scrawled on the rocky cliffs. Explore the Coves by Zodiac or in one of our clear-bottom sea kayaks to find Galapagos penguins, boobies, pelicans and other seabirds. An excellent snorkeling opportunity is offered here after the walk. Following the evening s briefing and dinner, a sky full of stars draws us out on deck to observe the galaxy. Overnight onboard the Eric,. [] DAY 7: ISABELA This morning, our excursion is a zodiac ride to Elizabeth Bay. We begin with a visit to a secluded cove lined with large red mangrove trees sheltering turtles, rays, and shore birds. We motor to the rocky islets known as Las Marielas, where a colony of nesting penguins, flightless cormorants and giant marine iguanas may be found. We disembark this afternoon at the base of Alcedo Volano, at Urbina Bay. Here we find 4 miles of exposed coastal seabed and remnants of marine life, brought to the surface during a dramatic uplift in 1954, following a volcanic eruption. The marine remains of coral skeletons, some of them waist-high, are visited after a wet landing on the beach. You may observe nesting brown pelicans and flightless cormorants here, as well as giant marine iguanas which also inhabit this area. Overnight onboard the Eric,. [] DAY 8: SANTIAGO / RABIDA This morning, we have a wet landing at Puerto Egas, Santiago. Stroll with your naturalist guide along the shoreline looking for octopus, starfish and other sea life caught in the tide pools. At low tide, catch a glimpse of marine iguanas as they feed on exposed green algae. Watch for great blue herons, lava herons, American oystercatchers and yellow-crowned night herons. Our walk ends at the grottos, deep pools of clear water where we encounter fur sea lions once on the verge of extinction. Before returning to the yacht, there is a snorkeling opportunity with opportunities to view massive numbers of brilliant tropical fish. As an alternative, you may use the kayaks to explore the marine environment and residents without getting wet. Following lunch this afternoon, we disembark on Rabida Island, located off Santiago. Rabida sports the most diversified volcanic rocks of all the islands and is considered the geographic center of Galapagos. The dark red sand beach originated from the erosion of volcanic stones. Follow a trail leading to a salt-water lagoon, and hopefully observe Greater Flamingos as they feed. Brown Pelicans also nest in the mangroves at the far side of the lagoon. Following the walk, the snorkeling is excellent at the beach. Overnight onboard the Eric,. [] DAY 9: SANTA CRUZ / SANTA FE Travel by bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. The scenery gradually changes as we wind our way through all seven vegetation zones found in Galapagos. Here we visit the tortoise reserve where we encounter giant tortoises in their natural habitat. We visit Los Gemelos, Spanish for The Twins, a pair of large pit craters, and habitat for the brilliant red male vermilion flycatcher. A special treat is a stop at "the tunnels," the largest lava tubes found in Galapagos, and eye-popping evidence of the Islands volcanic origins. Alternately, we may choose to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. We observe all three tortoise corrals and the breeding center with new hatchlings and miniature tortoises not yet ready to be repatriated to the wild. Scientists from all over the globe work at the station and conduct biological research from anatomy to zoology. We also visit the Van Straelen Hall with exhibits and a short video presentation. Visitors can see the pen of famous Lonesome George, the last surviving member of the Pinta Island subspecies. -4-

5 This afternoon, we visit Santa Fe, a volcanic uplift, starting with a wet landing on a beach populated by lazing sea lions. Here, we can observe one of the few remaining land iguanas of the species (Conolophus pallidus) endemic to Santa Fe Island. Some of these iguanas can be 5 feet long and have very pronounced spines along the back. We also walk through a forest of giant prickly pear cactus. Back on board the yacht, enjoy the Captain s Farewell cocktail followed by dinner and a briefing. Overnight onboard the Eric,. [] DAY 10: RETURN TO QUITO After a morning visit to the San Cristobal Interpretation Center, your guide returns you to the airport for your mainland flight. Arrive in Quito by late afternoon. Remain at the airport for your ongoing flight to Lima, Peru. Arrive in Lima, with airport assistance and overnight at the Costa del Sol Ramada Airport Hotel just a short 2-minute walk outside customs. PLEASE NOTE: Due to varying Galapagos-Quito and Quito-Lima air schedules and availability, we cannot guarantee same day departures on this day. DAY 11: CUSCO WALKING TOUR Assistance with early morning check-in for one hour flight to Cusco. Airport reception and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon half-day guided orientation of ancient Inca temples, Spanish churches and the surrounding ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Qenko, Puca Pucara and Tambo Machay. Our guide will also direct you to shops, museums, markets and restaurants where you can shop, dine and explore on your own. Overnight at the Casa San Blas. [B] Note: LAN Airlines has a 50lb checked baggage limit for Lima-Cusco flights. You may check up to 2 bags totaling 50lbs per person, with additional standard carry-on and personal bag. Optional upgrade at an additional cost to luxury Orient Express Monasterio Hotel, a restored 400 year old former monastery available for $235 per person. DAY 12: URUBAMBA VALLEY On our full day guided adventure through the Sacred Valley of the Incas you visit the village of Pisac and the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. Depending on the season and your interests we stop to chat with farmers, artisans and visit Quechua villages where highland Indians tend their fields and sell handcrafts in outdoor markets. Overnight in the serene Urubamba Valley at the Hotel Sol y Luna. [BL] DAY 13: MACHU PICCHU Transfer to catch the morning train to Machu Picchu. After assisting with your hotel check in, our guide accompanies us on a private tour throughout the principal temples and important sectors of Machu Picchu leaving you free to photograph and explore on your own time. Included are first-class reserved train tickets, bus tickets up and down the mountain, lunch and one-time entrance fee. Overnight at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. [] Please note the Peru Rail Luggage Restrictions regarding luggage weight and size. Consult with your guide this evening if you need any additional luggage taken back to Cusco. PLEASE NOTE: It is possible and highly recommended to do our KM104 hike into Machu Picchu on this day. This 4-5 hour trek covers basically the last day of the famed Inca Trail Trek, allowing you to see the spectacular ruins of Winay Wayna and enter Machu Picchu through the Intipunku or Gate of the Sun. The cost for this trek is $185 per person (based on minimum 2 trekkers) and includes your trekking permit. DAY 14: CUSCO You have time this morning to return to Machu Picchu on the early shuttle bus (transport and entrance fee included). Enjoy contemplating, exploring and photographing the most impressive archaeological monument in South America on your own time wandering through the mysterious maze of streets and -5-

6 stone buildings in this magnificent citadel. Hike up the towering Wayna Picchu peak, or back up the Inca Trail to the Intipunku, Gate of the Sun entrance. Or, simply explore the trails and lush orchid gardens of the Machu Picchu Pueblo. Late-afternoon return on the Pullman train to a station in the Urubamba Valley where we transfer to a private vehicle back to Cusco arriving by evening to our hotel. Overnight at the Casa Andina Private Collection. [BL] DAY 15: LIMA AND DEPARTURE Transfer to Cusco airport for flight to Lima. Airport reception and transfer in to Casa Andina Miraflores Hotel to use as a day room until your evening flight. [B] Note: Optional half-day tour of colonial Lima and its museums available upon request for $120 per person or $130 per person if you prefer to do the tour on a bike. Observe the blend of cultures in one of South America s oldest capital cities on a tour of the old colonial center of downtown Lima, the church and catacombs of San Francisco and the cathedral of Lima. The most comprehensive museums in Lima that feature Peru s archaeological heritage are the Gold Museum and the Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology. We can also arrange a special farewell dinner at one of Lima s premier Nuevo Andino restaurants before you depart. END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. PRICING 2014 (SAMPLE FOR THIS ITINERARY ONLY, BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY. PRICES WILL CHANGE WITH YACHT & CABIN SELECTION. THIS MAY ALSO BE DONE IN REVERSE WITH PERU-GALAPAGOS SEQUENCE) CABIN CATEGORY PER ADULT Iguana Deck $7120 Booby Deck $7570 Dolphin Deck $7920 *Please call for child rates. Child discounts are not available on holiday departures. Single and triple rates may be available on select yachts. ADDITIONAL FEES (THESE WILL APPEAR AS SEPARATE LINE ITEMS ON YOUR INVOICE) Roundtrip airfare Quito Galapagos (Currently $535 per person adult, $330 per child 11 and under, subject to change) Galapagos National Park fees (Currently $110 per person adult, $60 per child 11 and under) INCLUDED SERVICES All guided tours and excursions English-speaking certified naturalist guides Guided Tours and excursions Airport-hotel transfers, land and sea transportation 14 nights + 1 day room accommodation as indicated Meals as indicated [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner] Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services NOT INCLUDED SERVICES International airfare / Internal airfare within Peru -6-

7 Tips and gratuities Airport departure taxes (This should be included in your international air tickets. Please consult with your carrier or agent) Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation Any other items not mentioned above You will need to carry about $500-$700 extra cash (must be in local currency or US dollars cash, not travelers checks nor credit cards) to cover the fees, taxes, tips and meals not included in your itinerary. NOTE: For Galapagos travelers, please note that due to weather conditions, vessel operation, and Galapagos Park management, cruise itineraries are subject to change. All yacht operators reserve the right to change vessels prior to departure due to maintenance or replacement. On very rare occasions when this occurs passengers will be transferred to another vessel and cabin of comparable or better class (comfort, services, amenities, equipment, etc.) at no extra charge. -7-

8 Accommodations CASA ALISO Casa Aliso is a charming boutique hotel in the style and comfort of a small, luxurious home. This luxury Ecuador vacation accommodation is located in the fashionable residential neighborhood of "La Floresta", a quiet, forested area in the northern sector of the city a close to restaurants, shops and plazas of downtown Quito. Each room is individually designed featuring classic décor with modern style. They are well appointed with a sitting chair, desk, and comfortable beds, with telephones and cable TV. The bathrooms have a bathtub and shower, bathrobes, hairdryers and are equipped with 220v and 110v sockets. Your Ecuador adventure will be enhanced by the fine cuisine and the exceptionally professional and personal service of the staff at Casa Aliso. M/Y ERIC, FLAMINGO OR LETTY These first-class 83-foot vessels provide the greatest overall value in Galapagos yachts considering the on-board amenities, cabin quality, variability in berth configurations, passenger-to-guide ratio (10-1 or less) and reasonable price. We've been working with this signature fleet of Galapagos boats more consistently than any other vessels in the Galapagos Islands. Refurbished annually, three decks of well-appointed and spacious staterooms feature polished teak and brass detailing. The interior common areas are clean and bright with air-conditioning throughout and large picture windows for spectacular panoramic views. A wide variety of international and Ecuadorian specialties are served in the natural light of the spacious dining room. The conference room and separate lounge with fully stocked bar provide ample public area space for daily briefings together and a place where adults and young people can gather to watch movies or play games. These Galapagos yachts are self-contained and ecologically sound, and equipped for noise-reduction and fuel-efficiency. A false keel provides stability to ensure a smooth ride. COSTA DEL SOL RAMADA, LIMA Located within the Lima airport complex, the Costa del Sol is an easy stop after a late arrival from Quito. The hotel features 130 guest rooms all with high speed Internet access, air conditioning and a marble bathroom. Enjoy a delicious meal in the restaurant offering a variety of local and International cuisine or relax in the pool. -8-

9 CASA SAN BLAS, CUSCO The hotel is in an original colonial building peacefully removed from Cusco s fast pace like a sophisticated country hotel in the city. Rooms offer superb distant views of Cusco s tiled rooftops and surrounding mountains or of the handsome arcaded interior courtyard, central fountain, and ample terrace. Tucked away in the heart of the city s most atmospheric neighborhood, San Blas, the hotel is perfect for visitors looking for a relaxed, spacious option, and ideal for families. SOL Y LUNA, URUBAMBA VALLEY Nestled in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Hotel Sol y Luna combines comfort with a rustic Andean ambience. Clustered in a landscape of flowers and majestic Andean peaks, individual hotel bungalows offer doubles, family bungalows, and one suite. Each bungalow features a colorfully decorated interior, private bathroom and shower, king-sized beds and a private terrace. The hotel features a swimming pool, restaurant with brick oven pizza, and the welcoming warmth of an open fireplace, featuring typical Peruvian dishes as well as international plates. MACHU PICCHU PUEBLO, MACHU PICCHU The Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is an intimate 85-cottage luxury hotel in sprawling Andean style village within the secluded 12 acres of exquisite beauty, where guests follow stone pathways to their rooms, located in comfortable one- or two-story whitewashed casitas. The hotel has the world s largest native species orchid garden open to the public with over 372 species. A lush garden, stone-paved paths and canals flowing with spring water set the tone for a relaxing atmosphere. Large and bright rooms are furnished with wooden furniture specially made by local craftsmen. The UNU Spa features massage, sauna and aromatherapy. CASA ANDINA PRIVATE COLLECTION, MIRAFLORES The Casa Andina Private Collection is a contemporary hotel located in Miraflores. Surrounded by the greatest density of restaurants, shopping and nightlife, Miraflores has become the most fashionable, upscale district of Peru s cosmopolitan capital, renowned for its gastronomic scene. Spacious rooms are wellequipped featuring cable TV, Wi-Fi access, a safety deposit box, and air conditioning. The property features two restaurants, a coffee shop, spa, gym and heated swimming pool, all available for your convenience and relaxation. -9-

10 Booking your Wildland Adventure HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form and initial trip deposit. All travelers must sign and submit a Release of Liability. Deposit requirements are as follows:* $1000 per person. This deposit is non-refundable *Some trips require additional non-refundable deposits, especially when yachts have been chartered, or if permits to visit archaeological or wildlife sites have been purchased in advance. CUSTOM TRAVEL This trip isn t exactly what you re looking for? We are happy to design a private custom itinerary to accommodate your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at , send an to info@wildland.com, or use the Ask The Program Director button on the trip itinerary page on our website. PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS Full payment of the trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional non-refundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local operators: Days Prior to Departure: Fee per person 61 or more: Initial deposit amount days: 50% of land cost 30 or less: 100% of land cost PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Predeparture Dossier. This contains important information to help you prepare including immunizations, visas, trip insurance, packing checklist, reading list, maps, cross-cultural information, optional trip extensions and more. You will receive a final trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior to departure. REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS Have any questions or concerns? Call us a or info@wildland.com. We re here to help and are happy to provide you with references from previous Wildland travelers. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local incountry ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary. It is however possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality. (If upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply.) All information and services provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions -10-