Classic Peru and Galapagos

This adventure combines our 'Classic Peru' trip with our 'Galapagos Explorer' voyage.

In the 15th century Peru was the heartland of the Inca Empire with Cusco as its capital. But with the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadors, the conquest of the region was completed in just a few short years. Today, Peru is rich in both Inca and Spanish colonial culture and we 'conquer' it in just a few days (minus the destruction and savagery). Lima, the sprawling capital, is built on the coastal desert strip nestled between the mountains and the sea and has many excellent museums and buildings dating from the Spanish colonial period. Just a short flight away, over towering, snow-capped Andean peaks, is Cusco, a living, cultural treasure house built on the foundations and walls of the old Inca capital. The city is centred on the Plaza de Armas and dominated by the great cathedral, with the narrow, cobblestone streets radiating outwards, packed with ancient houses, shops and some excellent restaurants. Overlooking the main town is the massive temple complex of Sacsayhuaman and further out in the Sacred Valley is the colourful market-trading town of Pisac. A highlight of any visit to Peru is the world renowned 4-day Inca Trail trek. Arriving at the Sun Gate, the spectacular entrance to Machu Picchu, is an amazing experience that we are sure to remember forever.

After flying from Quito to the Galapagos, we continue on to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz. Here we see giant tortoise at the Charles Darwin Station. In the afternoon we board the 'Peregrine Endeavour' and cruise to Leon Domido and the large island of San Cristobel, where we visit the new interpretation centre and the rugged volcanic peaks of Cerro Brujo. Next stop is isolated Espanola Island, where we find waved albatrosses plus blue-footed and masked boobies, Galapagos hawks, Darwin finches, sea lions and marine iguanas. On the 'Buccaneer' hideaway island of Floreana we visit Post Office Bay and the island's volcanic cone. It is a great spot for snorkelling, full of sea lions and colourful fish. We also encounter stately pink flamingos, as they wade in the shallow waters of inland lagoons. Arriving back at Santa Cruz Island we visit Black Turtle Cove and cruise amongst the mangroves, where the array of wildlife kicks into overdrive! The lagoons are a nursery for many sharks and rays. Amongst all this activity we also find time to relax sunbath, swim, snorkel and enjoy new friendships.

Highlights

Colonial Lima

Cusco

Sacsayhuaman

Pisac

The Sacred Valley

Inca Trail Trek

Machu Picchu

Quito

Santa Cruz

Puerto Ayora

Charles Darwin Station

4 Night Galapagos Cruise

San Cristobal Interpretation Centre

Leon Domido

Cerro Brujo

Espanola

Punta Suarez

Floreana

Punta Cormorant

Black Turtle Cove

Itinerary:

1-2 (Mon) Arrive in Lima and transfer to hotel. City tour of colonial centre.3-4 Morning flight to Cusco. Afternoon walking tour. Day excursion to Sacred Valley and Pisac.5-7 Hike the Inca Trail reaching a height of 4200 metres.8 Arrive Machu Picchu for sunrise, explore ruins and Aguas Calientes. Train to Cusco.9 Free day in Cusco with time for optional activities.10 Fly to Lima and stay overnight.11 Fly to Quito and transfer to hotel.12 Fly to Baltra and transfer to Santa Cruz Island. Visit Charles Darwin Research Station. Board Peregrine Endeavour and sail.13 San Cristobal Island via Leon Dormido and Cerro Brujo. Visit the Interpretation Centre.14 Espanola Island including Bahia Gardner, Punta Suarez and Devil's Crown.15 Cruise to Floreana Island, visiting Post Office Bay and Punta Cormorant.16 Excursion to Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz Island and return to Baltra. Fly to Quito.17 Trip ends in Quito this morning (Wed).

Included: Peregrine tour leader in Peru, local guides, an experienced English-speaking naturalist on cruise, arrival transfer, porterage on Inca Trail trek, cruise transfers, four-night cruise, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees.
Not Included: International flights, airport departure taxes, international departure transfer, visas where required, meals not included in the itinerary, insurance, laundry, any optional tours or activities during free time, tips, items of a personal nature, Galapagos transit card, your flight from Lima to Quito and the entrance fee to Galapagos Islands National Park.
Notes: On this trip you may link up with travellers on another Peregrine tour. Very Important In order to obtain your permit to trek the Inca Trail it is vital that you provide Peregrine with accurate details of the passport you will be travelling on in Peru. If you are travelling on a different passport from what is shown on your permit, you will be refused entry at the entrance to the trail. Book Early 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 offer the alternative 'Lares' route, an equally challenging trek culminating in a visit to Machu Picchu. Peregrine Endeavour The Peregrine Endeavour is a modern vessel. She has a comfortable lounge and dining area, as well as a sun deck where you can view the wildlife or just kick back and relax. She has eight well-appointed, air-conditioned, twin cabins and yet, at 34 metres, she is small enough for us to offer an individual level of service. She's just perfect for a more personal look at this great marine reserve. 8 large double cabins with private facilities, all lower berths. 9 crew including bilingual Naturalist. Fully air conditioned, Radar, HF, VHF Radio, Satellite Navigation, 2 motor boats. The Peregrine Endeavour is listed in the Ecuadorian shipping registry as the M.Y. San Jose. Accommodation on board is based on twin share. Single supplements are available on request should you require a cabin to yourself; however, be warned, they are expensive. Please remember that the sun in the Galapagos can be quite fierce. Make sure you bring along a hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen. You should also bring insect repellant for use on some shore excursions and excursions into the mangroves. Peregrine Community Trust & The Galapagos Conservancy If, after having visited this unique and precious region of the world, you would like to make a donation towards the protection of the Galapagos, the recently launched Peregrine Community Trust is the easiest and most convenient way to do so. Peregrine supports the work of The Galapagos Conservancy. The Conservancy is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for Galapagos conservation. It is a membership-based organisation and the largest source of private support for conservation efforts. The 11,000 Friends of Galapagos are individuals and institutions who care deeply about the Galapagos Islands, and understand the scientific importance of preserving this one-of-a-kind ecosystem. Funds raised by the Galapagos Conservancy support the core operations of the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) and the Galapagos National Park Service (GNPS), both located on the island of Santa Cruz. Please see below for details on how to make a contribution to the Peregrine Community Trust or refer to the Pledge Card provided at your pre-cruise briefing which contains details for making a donation. Public Holiday Inconveniences Please be prepared for the inconvenience of sights such as museums and churches being closed to tourists on public holidays (ie. Christmas Day and New Years Day). Throughout Latin America, quite a few museums are closed on Mondays.
Meals: 16 breakfasts,7 lunches,7 dinners
Valid From: 1/01/2007
Trip Departure Notes: Fuel Levy Please note that the Ecuadorian Government has placed an additional fuel levy on Galapagos voyages departing prior to 31 December 2008. This is in addition to the price of the trip and will be collected at time of full payment, please contact us for details. Voyages after this date have the fuel levy included in the price. ? Your flights Lima-Cusco-Lima and Quito-Galapagos-Quito are included in the twin price as indicated below. ? Your flight from Lima to Quito on Day 11 (Thu) is not included in the tour cost. This should be booked by your travel agent. ? You can add our 'Amazon Jungle Extension' to the start of your trip. 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 offer the alternative ?Lares? route, an equally challenging trek culminating in a visit to Machu Picchu.
Starts/Ends: Lima/Quito
Trip Reference: PSCG