Land of the Incas
Operated by: Trafalgar
13 Days from $3,860 per person
Locations Visited
Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cuzco, Puno, Paracas ...more Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cuzco, Puno, Paracas"Our bucket list"The trip was great, the hotels were fab, the food was good. It was our bucket list we really enjoyed everything
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Day 1
Arrive Lima (2 Nights)
The Capital of the New World extends a warm welcome on your epic voyage through the iconic and unexpected highlights of Peru. Meet your local host on arrival and transfer to your hotel in the fashionable barrio of Miraflores. This evening, you'll join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception at 6 p.m.
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Day 2
Lima Sightseeing
Ease in to Lima life with a leisurely morning to enjoy the city. Next, you'll connect with the colonial heritage of Francisco Pizzaro's "City of Kings", joining your Local Specialist for a city tour that reveals Lima's colonial splendour. Admire the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre and see the Church of San Francisco, delving into its hidden catacombs, religious art museum and extensive library. Later, you'll embark on a scenic walk through Miraflores with your Travel Director and soak up the local sights and sounds.
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Day 3
Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley (2 Nights)
We'll fly to Cusco this morning, the gateway to Peru's treasured Sacred Valley, where you will enjoy a local Peruvian lunch with sweeping views of the Sacred Valley. Then we'll 'Dive into Culture', meeting a Shaman who will perform a special ceremony to welcome us to Peru. Tonight, you'll stay in a hotel along the banks of the Vilcanota River, on the grounds of an old 17th-century colonial hacienda. It is great for morning birders and afternoon walks in the gardens.
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Day 4
Sacred Valley
'Connect with Locals' over a 'Be My Guest' lunch, learn about the culture surrounding the production of Giant White Corn. Our hosts will demonstrate the differences between traditional farming techniques and the newer technologies used today. Revel in the romance of the local Marinera dance and admire the showmanship of the Peruvian Paso horses. This evening, meet 'Local Specialist', Peter Frost, a writer, photographer and independent scholar who has explored the Andes and Amazon for 47 years, locating and investigating the previously unknown Inca and pre-Inca site of Qoriwayrachina. He currently resides in Peru and works as an accompanying expert for National Geographic Expeditions.
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Day 5
Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu
Visit the mystical Incan stronghold of Ollantaytambo, en route to Machu Picchu, a village in the Sacred Valley, set on the Urubamba River amid snow-capped mountains. It's known for the Ollantaytambo ruins, a massive Inca fortress with large stone terraces on a hillside. Then, ascend to the Lost City in the Clouds aboard the Vistadome train (light snack included). Here you will delve into the mysteries of this once-great civilisation, joining your 'Local Specialist' for an exploration of the temples, palaces and terraces whose construction defy imagination. Visit the iconic great Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the intricately carved Intihuatana, most likely used as a sundial centuries ago. We return to our hotel where we'll dine tonight.
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Day 6
Machu Picchu – Cusco (2 Nights)
The ruins of Machu Picchu beckon yet again and we enjoy one final opportunity to reconnect with its story, spending some time on our own to explore the hill-top fortress. Next, we'll journey back to the Sacred Valley by train, stopping en route to Cusco to 'Dive into Culture' and learn about the natural dyeing techniques used by native weavers. Visit the Pisac handicraft market followed by sampling the sweet flavours of chicha as we 'Dive into Culture' yet again, savouring the favourite drink of the Andes. Then we 'Our 'Stay with a Story' tonight is a centuries-old mansion located in the historic centre of Cusco.
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Day 7
Cusco Sightseeing
Begin your day at the ruins of the UNESCO-listed Sacsayhuaman fortress overlooking Cusco. Your Local Specialist will guide you through Cusco's colonial centre. The afternoon is free.
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Day 8
Cusco Sightseeing – Juliaca – Puno (2 Nights)
Fly to Juliaca and meet a Local Specialist to learn about daily life on the Peruvian altiplano. After an included lunch, we'll visit Sillustani, a pre-Incan burial ground on the shores of Lake Umayo. Explore the towering chullpas (above ground tombs) before travelling to Puno along the shores of Lake Titicaca, the birthplace of the sun.
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Day 9
Lake Titicaca Excursion
Cruise the deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca with a 'Local Specialist', passing floating islands constructed by the Uros Indians. In the midst of South America's largest lake lies Taquile Island, where we'll embark on a private tour to gain insights into the tradition of knitting and weaving for which the local villagers-men and women-are renowned. Enjoy a lunch here and learn more about the islanders' unique way of life upon islets make of totora reeds, which grow in the lake, and are attached to sticks driven into the bottom of the lake. Tonight, we indulge in a Trafalgar highlight-a Regional Dinner at our favourite local restaurant in Puno.
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Day 10
Puno – Juliaca – Lima – Paracas (2 Nights)
Return to Lima this morning, then continue your journey to the coastal playground of Paracas. Discover what life is like in Peru's rural countryside before arriving to Paracas for dinner at your seaside hotel and an evening at leisure. Perhaps there's even time for a stroll along the Malecon?
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Day 11
Paracas – Nazca Lines Flight
Take to the skies, soaring above the coastal desert to see the enigmatic Nazca Lines, gigantic geometric designs viewable only from the air. Next, stop this afternoon at the Regional Museum of Ica where we'll explore the centuries-old cultures of the Paracas and Nazca. 'Dive into Culture' during a visit to Bodega El Catador to learn about and taste the finest pisco in the country. The rest of the day is free.
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Day 12
Paracas – Ballestas Islands – Lima
This morning, connect with nature, cruising around the uninhabited Ballestas Islands, a "mini-Galapagos" teeming with wildlife. See the mysterious Candelabra in Pisco Bay, then return to Lima where this evening, we'll visit the Larco Museum with a Local Specialist. Our journey almost at its end, we'll indulge in a festive Farewell Dinner in the museum's garden restaurant.
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Day 13
Depart Lima
Say hasta luego to Peru and its ancient treasures, and take transfer to the airport for your flight home or consider extending your holiday in Lima at the Hilton Miraflores.
Price Includes
Dining Highlights
- 12 breakfasts
- 5 lunches
- 6 dinners
First class travel Highlights
- Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- A Trafalgar bonus - All Intra-Air Flights: Lima to Cusco, Cusco to Juliaca and Juliaca to Lima, including porter service at all airports.
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- Handcrafted Highlights
- Optional Experiences and free time
- All porterage and local charges included
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
- VIP entry to many sights
Sightseeing Highlights
- CITY TOUR in Lima, Cusco
- VISIT the outdoor market at Pisac, Ollantaytambo, two visits to Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman, the Uros Islands, Lake Titicaca
- SEE the other-wordly Nazca Lines from the air
- CRUISE around Lake Titicaca, the Ballestas Islands
- SCENIC DRIVE through the Sacred Valley
- ICONIC TRAIN journey aboard the Vistadome train
Dates & Prices
Airfare is not included, but can be added to quote upon request-
Definite Departure
| Price | Discount | Availability | Price | |||
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Start Date:
Mon, Mar 16, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, Mar 28, 2020
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$4,292$3,905pp | SAVE: $387Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Mon, Apr 6, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, Apr 18, 2020
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$4,442$4,040pp | SAVE: $402Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Mon, Apr 20, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, May 2, 2020
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$4,292$3,905pp | SAVE: $387Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Mon, May 4, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, May 16, 2020
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$4,292$3,905pp | SAVE: $387Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Mon, May 11, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, May 23, 2020
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$4,292$3,905pp | SAVE: $387Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Mon, May 18, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, May 30, 2020
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$4,292$3,905pp | SAVE: $387Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Mon, Jun 1, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, Jun 13, 2020
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$4,292$3,905pp | SAVE: $387Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Mon, Jun 15, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, Jun 27, 2020
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$4,292$3,905pp | SAVE: $387Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Mon, Jun 22, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, Jul 4, 2020
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$4,292$3,905pp | SAVE: $387Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Mon, Jul 6, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, Jul 18, 2020
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$4,292$3,905pp | SAVE: $387Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Mon, Jul 13, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, Jul 25, 2020
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$4,292$3,905pp | SAVE: $387Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Mon, Jul 27, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, Aug 8, 2020
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$4,292$3,905pp | SAVE: $387Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Mon, Aug 10, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, Aug 22, 2020
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$4,292$3,905pp | SAVE: $387Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Mon, Aug 31, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, Sep 12, 2020
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$4,292$3,905pp | SAVE: $387Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Mon, Sep 14, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, Sep 26, 2020
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$4,317$3,928pp | SAVE: $389Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Mon, Sep 28, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, Oct 10, 2020
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$4,362$3,968pp | SAVE: $394Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Mon, Oct 5, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, Oct 17, 2020
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$4,242$3,860pp | SAVE: $382Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Mon, Oct 12, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, Oct 24, 2020
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$4,242$3,860pp | SAVE: $382Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Mon, Oct 26, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, Nov 7, 2020
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$4,242$3,860pp | SAVE: $382Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Mon, Nov 9, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, Nov 21, 2020
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$4,242$3,860pp | SAVE: $382Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Mon, Nov 30, 2020
Return Date:
Sat, Dec 12, 2020
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$4,242$3,860pp | SAVE: $382Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now |
Tour Extensions
PERUVIAN AMAZON
Please note: This extension cannot be booked online. For more information and to book, please call GET.
Delve into the expanses of the Amazon, gliding through rainforests in search of mythical tribes and meet a myriad of enchanting creatures. This trip shares a glimpse into million-year-old jungle worlds of biodiversity.
This locally hosted pre-itinerary extension is only available in conjunction with Highlights of Peru, In the Footsteps of the Incas, Land of the Incas, and Icons of South America.
Day 1: Arrive Lima
On arrival in Lima, you'll be escorted to your airport hotel and enjoy the day exploring the sights of this colonial capital on your terms.
Hotel: Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport
Day 2: Lima - Puerto Maldonado - Corto Maltes Amazonia (3 Nights)
This morning, we fly to Puerto Maldonado (internal flight included) and embark on a journey on the Madre de Rios River to our jungle lodge. Join an expert guide for insights into the forest, then keep a keen eye out for shy caiman during a pre-dinner boat expedition.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Corto Maltes Amazonia
Day 3: Amazon Exploration
A short boat ride takes us into the Tambopata Candamo National Reserve where we'll hike through the thick jungle. Arrive at Sandoval Lake, where you may spot a wide variety of birds, monkeys, giant river otters, black caimans, and the elusive anaconda.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Amazon Exploration
Immerse yourself in local culture with members of the Machiguenga tribe and visit a local farm.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Corto Maltes Amazonia - Puerto Maldonado - Lima
This morning, embark on an excursion to a popular feeding area for multi-colored parrots. After breakfast, your Amazon experience comes to an end as we head back to Puerto Maldonado for our flight to Lima (internal flight included) where we'll join our guided vacation on Day 1.
Meals: Breakfast
2020 Pricing
From $1325 Per Person twin-share
$295 Single Supplement
Land and Intra Air: Above prices include economy air and air-related charges for the flights from Lima to Puerto Maldonado and Puerto Maldonado to Lima. Please note: No linking flights are required on this extension program.
Guaranteed Room Share is not available on this extension.
EASTER ISLAND
Please note: This extension cannot be booked online. For more information and to book, please call GET.
Surrender to the magnetic allure of the imposing Moai statues that stand watch over Easter Island and are a testament to the mysterious Rapa Nui people, who called this remote, tempestuous Pacific island home.
This locally hosted post-itinerary extension is available in conjunction with Highlights of Peru, In the Footsteps of the Incas, Land of the Incas, South America Revealed, and Wonders of Patagonia.
Day 1: Arrive Easter Island (2 Nights)
Connect with the legend and lore of one of the world's most remote and remarkable islands, delving into the ancient culture of the Rapa Nui who once prospered on this land. Our first stop on this mystical adventure is Ahu Akivi, where we'll enjoy a private guided excursion to view its seven Moai statues, facing the ocean. Learn about their astronomically precise location and how they were placed there to use their mana to protect the inhabitants of the nearby village. Continue to ancient Ahu Hanga Poukura to see the tumbled Moai statues that stand as a testament to ancient battles. Then, visit the Puna Pau quarry with its red scoria stone.
Hotel: Taha Tai
Day 2: Easter Island Sightseeing
Embark on a privately guided excursion to the southern coast and witness the perfectly preserved ceremonial Ahu Vaihu in the bay of Hanga Te'e. Set out with your boxed picnic lunch and proceed to Rano Raraku, a quarry of almost 900 stone statues—397 of them still located at the slopes of the Rano Kau volcano. Visit Ahu Tongariki, the largest ahu on the island, then continue to the eastern coast and visit Ahu Te Pito Kura with its Paro Maoi, the largest maoi statue ever erected. Afterward, visit scenic Anakena beach, where the king first set foot on the island.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Easter Island Sightseeing - Depart Easter Island
Journey to the UNESCO-listed Rapa Nui National Park, joining a private excursion up the extinct Rano Kau volcano. Admire magnificent views of the island from its slopes, then drive to the ceremonial village of Orongo, where you'll see spectacular petroglyphs revealing the local culture. Later, we'll catch a glimpse of the three islets of Motu Nui, Motu Iti and Motu Kao Kao on the
opposite coast. Then it's on to Ahu Vinapu for further evidence of the pre-Incan architectural influence in present-day Easter Island. Our final stop is at the Ana Kai Tangata to view the ornate cave paintings from its mouth. Return to your hotel before being transferred to the airport this afternoon.
Note: Airport arrival is at 12 noon. Please be aware when booking your flights.
Meals: Breakfast
2020 Pricing
From $1,095 Per Person twin-share
From $825 Single Supplement
Triple Room Discount: $75
Please Note: Due to flight schedule, an additional complimentary overnight in Santiago for this post extension is required and is included in your trip. The hotel in Santiago will be the Holiday Inn Santiago Airport.
Linking air is not included in the prices listed. Please call to inquire about flight arrangements to and from Easter Island.
Guaranteed Room Share is not available on this extension.
GALAPAGOS CRUISE EAST
Please note: This extension cannot be booked online. For more information and to book, please call GET.
Immerse yourself in the natural splendor of Darwin's Galapagos. Walk among giant tortoises and swim with turtles, sea lions and manta rays—discovering another world in ways you could never imagine.
This locally hosted post-itinerary cruise is only available in conjunction with Highlights of Peru, Land of the Incas, or South America Revealed.
Day 1: Lima - Quito (2 Nights)
Enjoy a warm welcome in Quito where you will be greeted at the airport and taken to your hotel.
Hotel: Hilton Colon Quito
Day 2: Quito Sightseeing and Free Time
Visit the Equator and the historical center of Quito, the first place in the world to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 3: Arrive Baltra Island - Board Expedition Vessel (3 Nights)
On arrival at Baltra Airport, transfer to the M/V Galapagos Legend. Sail to Bartolomé Island, hiking to its summit for soul-stirring views, then snorkel in the midst of Galapagos penguins.
M/V Galapagos Legend
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: South Plaza Islet - North Seymour Island
Our first destination today is South Plaza Island, home to the famed Galapagos sea lions. Next is North Seymour Island, where resident sea lions and marine iguanas sun themselves.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: San Cristobal Island
Journey to Pitt Point this morning, ascending to a high point on the steep volcanic tuff hill. See Cerro Brujo's coral sand beach, where we connect with the resident sea lions or snorkel in the shadow of Witch's Hill.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Depart San Cristobal Island
Enjoy a first-hand encounter with the giant tortoises of La Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado, a tortoise reserve. Transfer to San Cristobal Airport for your flight to Quito.
Airport arrival time in Quito will be at 7 pm. Please be aware when booking your flights.
Meals: Breakfast
2020 Pricing
From $3,995 Per Person twin-share
From $2,695 Single Supplement
Guaranteed Room Share is not available on this trip.
Price Includes: Galapagos National Park Fee, Galapagos Transit Control Card, and all taxes and gratuities to shipboard personnel and cruise guides.
Land and Intra Air: These prices include economy air and air-related charges for flights from Quito to Galapagos and Galapagos to Quito, require the purchase of Highlights of Peru, Land of the Incas or South America Revealed vacation. Prices are accurate as of May 1, 2019. Call for up-to-date information.
Linking air is not included in the prices listed. Please call to inquire about flight arrangements to and from Quito.
GALAPAGOS CRUISE NORTH CENTRAL
Please note: This extension cannot be booked online. For more information and to book, please call GET.
Immerse yourself in the natural splendor of Darwin's Galapagos. Walk among giant tortoises and swim with turtles, sea lions and manta rays—discovering another world in ways you could never imagine.
This locally hosted post-itinerary cruise is only available in conjunction with Highlights of Peru, Land of the Incas, or South America Revealed.
Day 1: Lima - Quito (2 Nights)
Enjoy a warm welcome in Quito where you will be greeted at the airport and taken to your hotel.
Hotel: Hilton Colon Quito
Day 2: Quito Sightseeing and Free Time
Visit the historical center of Quito, the first place in the world to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stand on the Equator.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 3: Arrive Baltra Island - Board Expedition Vessel (3 Nights)
On arrival at Baltra Island Airport, transfer to the M/V Galapagos Legend, which will ferry you to the Highlands Tortoise Reserve on Santa Cruz Island where you'll see the world's largest tortoises.
M/V Galapagos Legend
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: El Barranco - Prince Philip's Steps
Visit Genovese Island today, climbing up the rocky Prince Philip Steps in search of wildlife, walk to the expansive lava field, then continue to Darwin Bay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Santa Cruz Island - Santa Fe Island
The marine iguanas of Santa Cruz view our arrival with indifference as we walk from the small lava dock. See the shallow lake where flamingos come to feed, then continue inland in search of land iguanas. Arriving on Santa Fe Island later, enjoy a snorkel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Depart Santa Cruz Island
Our final stop is Bachas Beach, a great place to swim, walk along the shore or visit the lagoon. Transfer to Baltra Airport for our return flight to Quito.
Airport arrival time in Quito will be at 4 pm. Please be aware when booking your flights.
Meal: Breakfast
2020 Pricing
From $3,995 Per Person twin-share
From $2,695 Single Supplement
Guaranteed Room Share is not available on this trip.
Price Includes: Galapagos National Park Fee, Galapagos Transit Control Card, and all taxes and gratuities to shipboard personnel and cruise guides.
Land and Intra Air: These prices include economy air and air-related charges for flights from Quito to Galapagos and Galapagos to Quito, require the purchase of Highlights of Peru, Land of the Incas or South America Revealed vacation. Prices are accurate as of May 1, 2019. Call for up-to-date information.
Linking air is not included in the prices listed. Please call to inquire about flight arrangements to and from Quito.
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