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PERU & THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Day 1 London to Lima
Fly from London Heathrow with Iberia Airlines via Madrid to Lima. On your
arrival you will be met and transferred to the Miraflores Park Plaza Hotel.
Day 2 Lima
This afternoon explore the city with your guide. Places of interest include
the Plaza Mayor – the original site on which Lima was founded by the
Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535 – as well as the historic
cathedral, grand Presidential Palace and Church of San Francisco with its
collection of fine frescoes. The fascinating Archaeological Museum, depicting
the progression of Peru’s various early civilizations from the Chavin
in 1,000 BC to the Incas, is also well worth visiting and an excellent to
the countries history. (B)
Day 3 Lima to Cusco – by air
Today take the morning flight to Cusco, the former ancient capital of the
Inca Empire, and take time to relax and acclimatize to the altitude. In the
afternoon enjoy a walking tour of Cusco to absorb its wonderful atmosphere
and colonial architecture. Stay for two nights at the Monasterio Hotel. (B)
Day 4 Cusco (3,400m)
Today visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas to see the colourful and traditional
market of Pisac and the massive fortress of Ollantaytambo. Enjoy lunch at
Huayocari Hacienda a private residence overlooking the mountains, offering
one of the finest views of the valley below. After lunch continue on to Ollantaytambo.
Constructed of rose-coloured granite, this huge fortress was once a thriving
complex of baths, temples and barracks. (B/L)
Day 5 Cusco to Machu Picchu – by train
This morning board your train bound for the legendary ‘Lost City’
of the Incas – Machu Picchu. Upon your arrival at Aguas Calientes station,
a twenty-five minute bus ride will bring you to the ruins of Machu Picchu.
Accompanied by your guide, explore the ruins as you visualize the lives of
the people who inhabited this remarkable citadel. Stay overnight at the Machu
Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 6 Machu Picchu to Cusco – by train
Rise early this morning to witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu. Later explore
this magnificent citadel on your own or take a hike with your guide, perhaps
to the famous Sun Gate for excellent views of the ruins, or up Huayna Picchu
for a unique panorama of the entire city. In the early afternoon return by
train to Cusco and stay overnight at the Monasterio Hotel. (B/L)
Day 7 Cusco to Quito – by air
via Lima
This morning fly via Lima to Quito the stately capital of Ecuador and the
second highest capital city in the world. The remainder of your day is at
leisure to rest and acclimatise. On your arrival you will be met and transferred
by car to either the Swissôtel or Patio Andaluz Hotel. (B)
Day 8 Quito (2,820m)
Today tour this stately capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site, starting your
day with a visit to La Compania with its awe-inspiring gold-leaf interior
and fine collections of colonial art. Also visit the baroque-style San Francisco
Convent – the first great religious building in South America dating
from 1535 – and the Equatorial Monument before finishing the day at
Panecillo Hill. Topped with a statue of Quito’s ‘Winged Virgin’
there are spectacular views of both the surrounding mountains and city below.
(B)
Day 9 Quito to Galapagos Islands – by air
This morning fly via Guayaquil to Baltra Island in the Galapagos to board
the Galapagos Explorer for the seven night cruise. The diversity of species
on these fascinating islands, named after the local tortoises, inspired Darwin’s
Theories on natural selection and ultimately the ‘Origin of Species’.
Due to the strong conservationist efforts and strict regulations in the archipelago,
the endemic wildlife and fauna Darwin noted in his studies remain unique to
the area even today. (B/L/D)
Day 10 Galapagos Islands
to
Day 15 Galapagos Islands
Enjoy six full days exploring these fascinating islands. Weather, water and
wildlife conditions will affect your actual day-to-day itinerary throughout
the week, but visits are planned for the main islands and their landmarks.
On hand to advise and inform is a naturalist guide for every twelve guests.
Most expeditions with your guide are by pangas – inflatable rubber crafts
with outboard motors. (B/L/D)
Day 16 Galapagos Islands to Quito – by air
This morning disembark and fly back to Guayaquil and then onto Quito. On your
arrival you will be met and transferred by car to either the Swissôtel
or Patio Andaluz Hotel. (B)
Day 17 Quito to London Heathrow
via Madrid
This afternoon return to Quito Airport and depart on the Iberia Airlines flight
via Madrid to London. (B)
Day 18 Arrive London
Arrive into London Heathrow in the evening.
High Altitude: In many places of this itinerary the altitude exceeds 3,000m above sea level. Please consult your doctor as to the suitability of this journey in relation to your health and the possible risks of altitude sickness.
STAYING ON
Walk the world famous Inca Trail which follows part of the ancient path used by the Inca messengers who once carried news between Cusco and the mysterious citadel of Machu Picchu. Easily added, this is an awe-inspiring trek although please note that this will be undertaken at high altitude.
Marvel at the mystical Nazca Lines. Reached by air from Lima fly to Ica and board a light aircraft for the 45 minute flight over the Nazca Lines. One of Peru’s foremost archaeological treasures arguments abound as to meaning of these great designs.
Remote and untouched, the northern Amazon can be reached by air from Lima to Iquitos in northeast Peru. From here a speedboat will take you the 40kms along the Amazon to your base, Ceiba Tops, which is an excellent place from which to explore the beautiful primary rainforest reserve of this great river.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – PERU & THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £7,190. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
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