From Machu Picchu to Darwin’s Enchanted Islands

Peru & Galápagos

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This incredible journey offers one of the most fascinating travel combinations on the planet: the great Inca realms of Cusco and Machu Picchu together with Darwin’s legendary Galápagos Islands, a haven of phenomenal wildlife and a natural history destination like no other place in the world. In Peru, we enjoy a full exploration of Cusco, the Inca capital, and the great Inca monuments of the Sacred Valley, then spend a night at Machu Picchu, the glorious “lost city” that truly enchants its visitors. We head 600 miles out into the Pacific to take in the wonders of the Galápagos Islands, enjoying it the ultimate way—by small, luxurious yacht—with daily island hikes and snorkeling in a kaleidoscopic underwater world of playful sea lions and tiny penguins.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-3
Cusco / Sacred Valley of the Incas

In Cusco, ceremonial heart of the Inca Empire, we explore magnificent Inca sites including Saqsayhuaman, a monolithic Inca fortress overlooking the city. In the Sacred Valley, we climb up to Pisac, the largest fortress-city complex of the Incas, and the Ollantaytambo fortress, where solid stone terraces lead along natural contours to the sun temple at the top. Below these mysterious ruins are traditional villages where the old central plaza is still the heart of civic life. Our visit to the market at the adobe village of Chinchero, where women still wear traditional dress, is a fascinating introduction to Quechua culture, past and present.

Days 4-5
Machu Picchu

A morning journey by train carries us to Machu Picchu, so well hidden in the jungle-covered ramparts of the Cordillera Vilcabamba that the Spaniards never found it. Built, occupied, and then abandoned in the course of 100 years, Machu Picchu allows us an extraordinary glimpse into the Inca world. We climb around the ruins, marveling at the altars, terraces, fountains, and mysterious chambers of this most perfect surviving example of Inca architecture. The sheer exaltation of its surroundings must be seen to be believed. Our overnight stay offers us the opportunity to explore and enjoy a full experience here, returning to Cusco on the last afternoon train on Day 5.

Days 6-7
Cusco / Quito, Ecuador

Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, is a city with many charms. After a day to enjoy the colonial architecture, bustling cafés, and artisan markets, we fly to Quito, capital of Ecuador, on Day 7.

Days 8-9
Galápagos Cruise / Santa Cruz / Isabela

Flying to the Galápagos, we board our yacht and head out into Darwin’s world, visiting the highlands of Santa Cruz. On Isabela, the largest of all the islands, we hike on Punta Moreno, with its black lava flows, Darwin’s finches, tiny Galápagos penguins, and flightless cormorants. Elizabeth Bay offers a mangrove channel where lava herons fish and sea turtles glide.

Days 10-13
Galápagos Cruise / Fernandina / Santiago / Bartolomé

At Fernandina, westernmost of the islands, we visit beautiful Punta Espinosa, a promontory surrounded by six volcanoes. Dolphins can be seen in these waters, while hundreds of marine iguanas, Darwin’s “imps of darkness,” sun themselves along the beaches. At Santiago Island, we hike to tide pools where fur seals and sea lions swim in lava-ringed pools. A hike up Pinnacle Rock on Bartolomé gives us fitting grand finale views of the islands. After a morning panga ride, return to Quito and depart on Day 13, or join our Hacienda Zuleta Extension.

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Tour Costs Prices are for 2008 only Aboard the Diamante $4995 (10-12 members) $5295 (8-9 members) $5495 (6-7 members) Aboard the Sagitta $5195 (14-16 members) $5495 (11-13 members) $5695 (8-10 members) Single supplement (hotels): $865 Single supplement (boat) from: $1100 Park fee: $100 Transit card: $10 Internal airfare: $1200 (subject to change) Child discount: $250 Hacienda Zuleta extension from: $780 Prices for 2009 to be Announced **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

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Departures & Leaders

2009 DEPARTURES

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