The Best of the Galápagos and Peru: From Enchanted Islands to Machu Picchu
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Overview
Highlights
- Walking is the best way to get to know a new place
- I’m energetic and enjoy a good physical challenge, so I’m always ready to spend the day on the move
- Whether it’s public transit, city streets or village cobblestones, I’m game
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Itinerary
Elevations in Quito range from 9,223 ft - 9,883 ft. To minimize the chances of experiencing altitude sickness while in Quito: get plenty of rest before travel, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, fatty foods, consume high carbohydrate foods, & avoid strenuous exercise a...
Orientation at 8:30 a.m. We will meet our Quito group leader and fellow Road Scholar participants during a welcome and introduction session at the hotel. We will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergen...
Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are determined by the Galápagos Nat'l Park. The cruise itineraries, field trips and excursions are subject to change without notice based on sea and weather conditions. Therefore, the cruise itinerary should always be regard...
Sullivan Bay: wet landing and moderate difficulty due to rocky, volcanic terrain. Good walking shoes are a must, as the volcanic terrain is sharp and rough.Rabida Island: wet landing, easy to moderate trail conditions due to hills and sandy terrain.
Wet landing ...
Punta Espinoza: dry landing, moderate trail conditions due to slippery rocks at low tide and uneven terrain. Good walking shoes are a must for the 1.2 mile walk on sharp volcanic rocks. Elizabeth Bay: an approximately 2 hour panga ride along mangroves and islets.
<...Urbina Bay: strong waves can make disembarkation tricky at this site. Use a zip-lock bag to protect cameras and binoculars from splashes during the wet landing. Please take steps to remain hydrated during this approximately 2-mile hike.
After breakfast we will m...
Puerto Egas: wet landing and easy to moderate walking conditions. Bartolome: dry landing. The 1.2 mile walk to the top of the volcano includes a climb up a long wooden staircase (375 steps) with railings.
A short panga ride will take us to Santiago Island in pre...
Sombrero Chino: wet landing. Cerro Dragon: dry landing; easy to moderate trail conditions due to rocky, uneven terrain.
We will start the day by navigating around Sombrero Chino to observe its resident wildlife and lava formations. We may also make a wet or dry ...
Driving approximately 1.5 hours throughout the day. Walking on grassy forest trails and flat paved areas.
We will disembark on Santa Cruz and will board a bus for a drive into the highlands. Once in the highlands, we’ll stop en route to view Los Gemelos (The Twi...
North Seymour: dry landing. Walking approximately 1.5 miles. There is a 50 lb weight limit for checked luggage on the flights to and from the islands.
After a dry landing, our naturalist will lead us on a 1.5-mile walk on local trails. North Seymour Island is co...
After breakfast, we will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Field trip to the Larco Museum. A presentation by a museum curator will introduce u...
There is a weight limit of 23 kg (approximately 50 lb) for checked luggage on the internal flights in Peru. Elevation in Cusco is approx. 11,000 ft. Elevation in Yucay is approx. 9,375 ft. To minimize your chances of experiencing altitude sickness, try to get plenty o...
Elevations range from 12,500 feet in Chincheros to 9,400 feet in Yucay. Ollantayambo is very hilly with about 100 stone steps to the top of the fortress.
Transfer by coach to the Ollantaytambo ruins. Next, our Group Leader will take us on a stroll through the ru...
Elevation in Aguas Calientes is approx. 6,695 ft. Walking approx. 3 hours at ruins over uneven terrain, stone steps and narrow paths.
Early morning transfer to Ollantaytambo train station. Board a train to Machu Picchu. This scenic journey by rail follows the me...
Participants who plan to return to Machu Picchu this morning should purchase their entrance tickets in advance. Park tickets are sold in Aguas Calientes but availability is not guaranteed. Please see the program notes section of your Road Scholar program materials for...
We’ll board the bus and ride to the Sacsayhuaman Ruins. Once there, we’ll accompany our Group Leader on an exploratory walk through the historic site. The fortress of Sacsayhuaman forms the head of the Puma design of old Cusco. It is a wonder of technical achievement ...
The flight from Cusco to Lima takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes. The weight limit for checked luggage on this flight is 50 lb. Transfer to the airport is approximately 45 min.There is no hotel stay for this day. Please book flights departing Lima after 9:00PM....
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Accommodation
- Number of Breakfast: 16
- Number of Lunch: 14
- Number of Dinner: 12
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