Designers of Discerning Holidays
Designers of Discerning Holidays
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An active itinerary with an indepth look at Peru's diverse cultures and geography, along with the stunning Galapagos islands with its many snorkelling and hiking opportunities.
Departs 10 July 2019 and 04 Aug 2019
You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel where your tour leader will be waiting for you. There are no planned activities today, so relax and settle in.
Meet your fellow travellers at the morning trip briefing. Then join our insightful Lima reality city tour where take you to the historical center for half a day and visit a local community project in a colourful shanty this afternoon. These culturally sensitive tours let you see the real life of locals and gives back to the communities visited. This evening you’ll be treated to a welcome dinner of delicious Peruvian regional cuisine.
Meals included: Dinner
A short flight takes you to Peru’s second largest city, situated under the volcano "El Misti". You’ll be able to stroll around this beautiful city enjoying the local museums, churches, Santa Catalina convent and Arequipa's main plaza, which is particularly beautiful at night. The idea is to take it easy and start a slow acclimatization here at 2200m. The local cuisine is some of the best in Peru, and this evening we can sample some of the many traditional dishes from the province.
Meals included: 2 Breakfasts
From Arequipa, we travel to Chivay and then onto the Colca Canyon, home to the famous Andean Condor. Seldom anywhere else will you be able to view these birds close-up as they soar above us while on the edge of the deepest canyon in the world. With 2 nights, we will have the option to hike along the canyon rim, visit local villages, soak in thermal baths and sample the culture, music and spectacular scenery. You will come away with a true appreciation of how life is in this remote part of the Andes.
Meals included: Breakfast
Enjoy spectacular views of the countryside on this full day of travel from Colca to Puno through the high Altiplano region, which brings us to the shores of the magnificent "Lake Titicaca". The following morning, we board a boat bound for the floating islands of Uros and from there further along the lake to the islands of Amantani and Taquile, along the way learning of the legends and the ways of the lake and its people where life has remained relatively unchanged over the centuries. An overnight homestay will allow us to live with a family on the islands. We return to Puno for night 9. Puno is also known as the "Capital folklórica del Perú" (folkloric capital of Peru) due to its wealth of artistic and cultural expressions, particularly dance.
Meals included: 3 Breakfasts and 1 Dinner
Today we depart Puno and travel by road across the Altiplano to Cuzco and then we head out to the beautiful Urubamba Valley (Sacred Valley of the Inca’s) where we’ll have a unique experience that benefits not only the tourists, but also the communities, and shows their traditional lifestyle that Quechua (the ancient Inca culture) subsistence farmers, still practice today.
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning we'll explore the ancient township and Ollantaytambo Inca site, then drive through rural villages to Pisac. Here we're very privileged to visit a local farming community, where we're welcomed with a ceremony to Pacha Mama (earth mother). Spend time learning the ancient and traditional ways of life, from medicinal herbs and wool dying to helping with farm projects. Later explore the Inca site and vibrant Pisac market. In our tour leader’s words: We've had two fantastic days visiting the communities. The best part is that in both cases the experience reflects something real and not made up for tourists. I can tell you that even for me, travelling for so long in Peru, it was a very moving and unique experience.
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch
Take an early train to Aguas Calientes (now known as Machu Picchu village) where we'll check in to our hotel and make our way to Machu Picchu. You'll have free time until mid-afternoon to wander around this amazing site, then join our guided tour once the crowds have subsided. Relax at your
own pace for the rest of the day in Machu Picchu, head down to the village or soak in the hot springs. Meals included: Breakfast
***Inca Trail Option: If you still prefer to do the trail, we can book it for you as an independent tour. You will be with another group and have to advise us early, so that trail permits can be obtained. You would then stay in Cusco on day 10 and meet the group back in Cusco on day 14. Inca trail supplement will be approximately USD380 on a twin share basis.
An early morning train and bus takes us to the imperial city of the Incas, Cusco, visiting some interesting sites on the way. Rich in history and surrounded by ancient Inca sites, churches and museums and markets, there is plenty for all to do and see. Enjoy a half day city tour on day 14, then free time to enjoy the city, before taking part in a unique cooking class overlooking the city.
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
Free time to explore this beautiful city with great shopping, fascinating markets, or just relax in one of the many cafes and soak up the special atmosphere, which makes Cusco a truly unique place.
Meals included: Breakfast
An early morning flight takes us from Cusco via Lima to Quito for your Ecuador adventure. Head north to South America’s most famous market, Otavalo. We will spend the night in an ancient hacienda over 400 years old and have plenty of time to look around the market and enjoy the sights and sounds. The world-famous Saturday crafts market in Otavalo is one of the most well known throughout the Andes. The indigenous weavers from the villages around Otavalo are among the most talented in Ecuador and the Otavaleños, talented at adapting their products to market demands, have won recognition and prosperity on an international level.
On the way, back to Quito is the “Mitad del Mundo” (Equator) located 45 minutes from the city. Here we’ll visit the Inti, a local museum with different experiments showing that we’re right on the Equator. Tonight, we include a dinner at an authentic Ecuadorian fine dining restaurant.
Meals included: 2 Breakfasts and 1 Dinner
This morning, you’ll fly to Santa Cruz, or Baltra, to be exact. This little island off the coast of Santa Cruz is home to the airport. Your guide will be waiting for you and the adventure will begin right away! As you make your way to Puerto Ayora, the capital of Santa Cruz, you’ll begin your first activity with a stop in the highlands to visit a private giant tortoise reserve. You’ll be able to see these massive creatures in their natural habitat cooling off in a watering hole or munching away. You’ll also have the chance to explore some nearby lava tunnels and gain a better appreciation of the natural forces that created these islands. You’ll continue on to Puerto Ayora, and after a quick check-in, head out to explore town. Santa Cruz is the most populated of all the islands and its bustling port city is the tourist capital of Galapagos. Tonight, your guide will lead you to the Calle de los Kioskos (Kiosks Street). This little back street is closed down each night as the small stall restaurants set up a table and chairs in the middle of the street for open-air dining. If you’re looking for where the locals eat, look no further! Meals included: Lunch and Dinner
Day 19: Tortuga Bay and boat to Isabela - Charles Darwin Research Station
This morning we’ll take a short walk that ends in white sand and luscious waves. Tortuga Bay is a gorgeous beach accessible only by foot and laden with choices. Do you want to swim, sunbathe, bodysurf or do all three? A leisurely 45-minute path leads to the beach area and along the way you may spot lava lizards and birds in the surrounding trees.
Upon arrival at the first soft, white sandy beach you’ll be greeted by some perfect surf. Further along you can reach Tortuga Bay, a calm bay that is sheltered by mangroves and ideal for swimming, sometimes friendly baby sharks can be seen here too! There’s a nice walk through a cactus forest, a chance to spot nesting blue-footed boobies or massive marine iguanas.
We’ll head back to town at any time. For those interested, an optional visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station is suggested. We’ll learn about the stations successes in repopulating the islands with the once endangered land iguana and several species of giant tortoise. From the collection of the eggs to the age of release, we’ll observe how the giant tortoises are raised and readied for life on their own.
After lunch, we’ll hop on board for our boat ride to Isabela Island – the largest island in the Archipelago. After check-in, we’ll go for a stroll through the picturesque town of Puerto Villamil. Along it’s white sand beach we’re sure to find the perfect spot to toast in our first Isabela sunset, arguably the most beautiful of all the islands.
SURFING: Sometimes it’s possible to surf or boogie board at Tortuga Bay. Please tell your guide ahead of time if this is something you’d like to do..
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch
Enjoy a full day hike up Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Galapagos, and with the second largest crater in the world. As we hike to the perimeter of the caldera, we’ll be on the lookout for bird species found only in the highlands like the bright red Vermillion Flycatcher and the elusive short-eared owl. Here you can experience a bird’s eye view of this magical landscape. We’ll continue to traverse the vast lava fields of Volcan Chico in route for a lookout that boasts breathtaking views reaching to the north of Isabela.
After enjoying a hearty sense of accomplishment, we’ll make our way back to town in early afternoon. You are free to take is easy or partake in an optional activity - a leisurely kayak around the sheltered bay area of Puerto Villamil. Galapagos penguins (the only penguin found north of the equator), sea turtles and rays frequent these shallow waters and blue-footed boobies, frigate birds and pelicans may be seen resting along the shore and in some nearby mangrove trees. If you prefer, you also have the option to rent a bike and head to the Wall of Tears. Return to town just in time for a sunset dip before your independent dinner. As always, your guide will be more than happy to help you find a local spot to dine.
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch
After breakfast, we’ll head off for a leisurely walk through a coastal lagoon. If we’re lucky, we’ll see some pink flamingos along the way! The mangrove-lined path will lead us to Isabela’s Giant Tortoise Breeding Center where we’ll see giant tortoises in all stages of development. This afternoon, you’ll take an early flight to the island of San Cristobal, in time for lunch before you head out for your first activity: La “Loberia” It’s an area frequented by sea lions. In other words, it’s a sea lion hang out! There we’ll be able to watch sea lions sunbathing and vying for our attention. They play, they nap and sometimes, they pose for pictures! If you’re keen for a swim, hop on in. On the way back to town, your guide will point out their favourite spots to dine.
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch
Start with a short boat ride to Kicker Rock, observing the abundant marine life that Galapagos is renowned for. On the way, stop off at Isla de Lobos to observe nesting Frigate birds and Blue Footed Boobies, and swim/snorkel with playful young Sea lions. Kicker Rock, the remains of an underwater volcano rising vertically 150m out of the sea is a truly impressive sight! Here we can snorkel keeping an eye out below for Sea Turtles, Manta Rays and maybe the odd harmless Galapagos shark. Then we relax at one of the most beautiful beaches in the islands, feel free to spend your time swimming in the turquoise water or snapping photos of Kicker Rock in the distance. Heading back to town late afternoon and have some time to explore town. Perhaps you’ll want to grab a sunset beer or cocktail by the waterfront and watch the spectacular sunset. Another optional activity is to grab a bike and explore town.
Tonight, we head to one of our favourite spots for some open-air dining. It’ll be a well-deserved farewell feast as this is the last night in the Enchanted Islands! DIVING: Occasionally, the option to dive is available. Please inquire in advance.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today is the last day of your tour and you get to choose how you’d like to spend your morning. Squeeze in some souvenir shopping, head to the beach for one last swim or visit the Interpretation Center to learn about the history and mystery of the archipelago. This educational center explains how the islands were discovered and what makes them so special. You can learn about Charles Darwin’s visit and the present-day efforts to protect this amazing World Heritage site. There’s a short hike to Tijeretas, a panoramic lookout over the town and Kicker Rock, for those who are interested. This afternoon, you’ll fly back to the mainland for your last night in Quito. Meals included: Breakfast
While in Quito, we'll head out for a half day tour of the city, including the historical center and La Compania church and the Panecillo lookout over the city. Tonight, we include a farewell dinner at an authentic Ecuadorian fine dining restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
Today is the last day of the tour and we’ll be sure to get you to the airport if you have a flight out before noon. If you just can't bear to leave, our representative will be able to advise you and help with some of the many tours available in and around Quito.
Meals included: Breakfast
English and Spanish speaking Tour Leader, Licensed Guides for all sites, Naturalist guide in Galapagos
Flights within South America: Lima – Arequipa, Cusco – Quito – Galapagos - Quito
Airport Arrival Transfers
All air land and sea transportation within the tour
Entry to all Inca sites and Cusco tourist ticket
Meals as specified in the itinerary
All hotel accommodation, with private bathrooms (except one night on Lake Titicaca which has shared facilities)
Tips for Peru & Galapagos hotel staff, boat crew and drivers
International Airfares to and from South America
Galapagos National park entry fee USD100, and USD20 Ingala fee, cash only
Drinks except for water stations in the Galapagos
Personal Expenses and Tips for Tour leaders
Travel Insurance
Optional Activities and Diving
Single Supplement of USD980
Inca Trail option – See Notes in “Day 12”
From USD$6967.00 per person based on twin share (subject to change)
From Single supplement USD$1250.00
Includes a local payment of USD$300, which is paid in Peru to your tour leader
Includes internal airfares of USD$1045**, which are subject to change.
Price is subject to change until confirmed and paid in full.
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