Cusco & the Inca Trail with Galapagos Adventure

This combination trip includes both the highlights of Peru and a cruise out to the fabled Galapagos Islands. It covers the major highlights of the Inca Empire, showcasing Cusco, the Sacred Valley and the magnificent Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Then it's on to Ecuador for a cruise that gives us a great overview of the southern islands of the Galapagos. After flying to the islands, we board our Gecko's boat and cruise to Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz, then on to South Plaza and Santa Fe. Next is isolated Espanola Island, where we find waved albatross, blue-footed booby, masked booby, Galapagos hawk, Darwin finch, sea lion and the prehistoric looking marine iguana. On the buccaneer hideaway island of Floreana we visit Post Office Bay, this is a great spot for snorkelling and is full of sea lion and colourful fish. We also encounter the stately pink flamingo wading in the shallow waters of inland lagoons before arriving at Santa Cruz Island checking out the giant tortoise at Charles Darwin Research Station.

Highlights

Colonial Lima

Cusco

The Sacred Valley

Inca Trail Trek

Machu Picchu

4 Night Galapagos Cruise

Las Bachas

Las Plazas

Espanola

Floreana

Santa Cruz

Charles Darwin Station

Itinerary:

1 Lima2-3 Cusco4-7 Trekking the Inca Trail - Cusco8 Cusco9 Lima10 Quito11 Galapagos Cruise - Las Bachas12 Las Plazas - Santa Fe13 Espanola14 Floreana15 Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Station - Quito16 Quito

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the 'must see' sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included: An English speaking naturalist guide on board the Galapagos vessel, Gecko's tour leader for the remainder of the tour, all transport including return flights between Quito and Baltra and between Lima and Cusco (all paid for separately), accommodation and meals as indicated.
Not Included: International flights including flight from Lima to Quito, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, entrance fees, Galapagos transit card, US$100 Galapagos National Park fee, other meals, optional tours or activities during free time, snorkel hire, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.
Meals: Allow US$160 for additional meals not included in the itinerary.
Valid From: 1/10/2008
Starts/Ends: Lima/Quito
Notes: ? The local flights are from Lima to Cusco (return) and Quito to Galapagos (return).

? Your flight from Lima to Quito on Day 10 is not included in the tour cost. This should be booked by your travel agent.

Remember to book early for this trip!
The Peruvian Government has introduced strict quotas on the number of permits issued for hiking the ?Classic? Inca Trail route. These can often be sold out months in advance. To apply for your group?s permits, we will need your deposit and your passport details, so we ask that you book your holiday early. In the event that we are unable to obtain permits for the ?Classic? route we will use the alternative ?Lares? route, an equally challenging trek culminating in a visit to Machu Picchu.

Trip Reference: GSGT