Islands and Incas

The Inca ruins of Machu Picchu and Darwin’s enchanted islands await for you on this 16 day journey through the Andean Mountains and the Galapagos Islands. The adventure begins as you explore the great ruins of Machu Picchu and wander through village markets where ancient traditions live on in the hearts of the Andean people. Shop and barter, dine on local cuisine, and observe how textiles have been made for centuries. After several days of walking it will be time to set sail on one of three yachts, Eric/Letty/Flamingo, to the Galapagos Islands. Here you will experience the islands during 8 days of natural discovery, viewing nature and incredible wildlife along the way. Join us for this expedition that takes you back in time!

Day 1 : Arrive Lima
Arrive to Lima on the flight of your choice today. After picking up your luggage and clearing customs, walk across the street to the comfortable and conveniently located Ramada Costa del Sol Hotel. Settle into your room and rest up after your travels. You have an exciting journey ahead, filled with ancient ruins, local markets and the beautiful Andes Mountains!

Day 2 : Fly Cusco
Andean history comes alive in Cusco. Quechua-speaking descendents of the Incas fill the streets and markets, colonial churches sit atop bases of smooth stonework laid centuries before the Conquistadors, and campesinos (Peru's rural farmers) in colorful dress move busily back and forth across the plazas. In the afternoon, you'll tour Cusco's largest open market and the adjacent witches' market. After tasting a few unique local foods, you will visit the Center for Traditional Textiles in Cusco, a local organization committed to preserving the region's weaving traditions. (If visiting the Sacred Valley on Sunday, you will visit their center in Chinchero instead). Watch weavers demonstrate their craft and learn about the history and processes of Peru's most well-known art form.

Day 3 : Sacred Valley
This morning, journey into one of the most beautiful areas of Peru. The Sacred Valley often becomes one of the highlights of your trip and you will soon see why! You'll test your bargaining skills with the locals while visiting one of the great textile markets in the area. You may also hike to the inspiring ruins of Pisac or take a short walk through the countryside to the seldom-visited town of Maras, where pre-Columbian salt mines still operate today. Visit the Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, thought to have been a nursery to experiment with and modify different varieties of crops. Eventually, you will make your way to the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo where you can relax for the night. (L)

Day 4 : Train to Machu Picchu
Follow the Urubamba River as it tumbles its way towards the Amazon and the sacred city of Machu Picchu. Ancient canals still bring water from the high mountains to the baths used by Inca priests. As visitors, you are welcomed to respectfully dip your hands in the cool water. After your tour of Machu Picchu, you'll return to the village of Aguas Calientes (located at the base of Machu Picchu). Enjoy one of many excellent local restaurants or end your day soaking in the hot springs after exploring one of the most magical archaeological sites in the world.

Day 5 : Explore Machu Picchu
Today is your chance to watch the sunrise at Machu Picchu and to listen to the spirits of the city's past inhabitants before the hikers from the Inca Trail arrive. Later, you can climb the sacred peak of Huayna Picchu, hike to the Sun Gate which overlooks the ruins or take a walk through the lush cloudforest to the Temple of the Moon. In the late afternoon you'll return by train to Cusco with your guide.

Day 6: Free day to shop and explore Cusco
Today is free to relax and explore with your guide or on your own. You can visit the churches and surrounding ruins, such as the enormous Sacsayhuamán ruins that overlook Cusco (these ruins showcase building blocks the size of pickup trucks). You can also wander through the bustling Plaza de Armas in the heart of Cusco, shop for love potions in the local markets, or people watch from the cafes and restaurants that line these lovely streets. For those bursting with energy, horseback riding, mountain biking, or even whitewater rafting (Class III-IV) can be arranged. The evening is yours to take in some of Cusco's varied and exciting nightlife. Live folk music and excellent food abounds in Cusco!

Day 7 : Fly Lima. Fly Quito
Transfer to the airport for your flights from Cusco to Quito. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and overnight in Quito.

Day 8 : Galapagos
An early morning flight from Quito brings you to the Galapagos Archipelago. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to your yacht, Eric/Letty/Flamingo – your home for the next seven nights. This afternoon we begin our Galapagos cruise, a week filled with mysteries of the natural world, by heading to our first island. (D)

Day 9-14 : Galapagos
You will visit 8-10 islands during your unforgettable Galapagos voyage. Each day you'll leave the comfort of the yacht and go ashore in your panga (the local word for dinghies, Zodiacs etc.) to remote areas of the islands for natural history walks through the Galapagos’s unique ecology. This is everyone’s chance to photograph strange marine iguanas, snorkel with playful sea lions, and just wonder at the unusual landscape of ancient volcanic turmoil. Except for a few settlements, the entire archipelago is a national park, and the beaches and meandering footpaths invite relaxation and fanciful dreams. (6B,6L,6D)

Day 15 : Galapagos to Quito
This morning you say goodbye to Darwin’s inspiration as you complete your Galapagos cruise. Transfer back to the airport for your flight back to Quito. Overnight in Quito. (B)

Day 16 : Return Home

Included:

• 8 nights comfortable hotels, double occupancy
• 7 nights in twin share cabins on a Galapagos yacht (Eric/Letty/Flamingo)
• All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, most of the hotels offer free continental breakfast)
• Bilingual guide(s) for duration of tour