Classic: Galapagos Central Islands & Inca Discovery (SED07MB)

Countries Visited: Ecuador, Peru
Trip Style: Classic - Designed for maximum variety, these trips are geared towards travellers searching for a healthy mix of active exploration, uncommon landscapes, amazing wildlife and local cultures.
Service Level: Standard
  • Great value, reasonable prices, quality experiences
  • Comfortable and varied tourist-class accommodations chosen for location and character
  • Mix of public and private transport for the best overall experience
  • All the top highlights included, plus plenty of time to explore on your own
    Physical Demands Rating: 4 - You might encounter a few high-altitude hikes or other more strenuous activities. Pro tip: Put down that pastry, buster.
    Group Size: Max 16, Avg 12
    Meals Included: 13 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners
    Accommodations: Hotels (6 nts), twin-share cabins on board our motorized yacht (4 nts), camping (3 nts).

    Highlights
    Cruise the Galapagos for four nights aboard the Xavier III, snorkel with sea lions and discover spectacular marine life in protected bays, Visit a tortoise ranch to see these ancient creatures, Soak in the views and culture of the Sacred Valley, climb the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

    Description
    From the unique wildlife of the Galapagos to the towering peaks of Peru, discover two of South Americas iconic highlights in one comprehensive adventure - explore the Galapagos aboard the Xavier III before flying into the Andean highlands. As one of the larger tour operators in the Galapagos, our exclusively operated fleet of yachts offers great value and in Peru we run our own treks, ensuring the fair treatment of our porters and the quality of food and equipment as you follow the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Experience the intense variety and striking beauty of two of South Americas most dramatic regions.
  • Call (269) 657-5529 for more information or to book today! Mention code 13722994

    Tour Operator
    G Adventures
    Duration
    14 Days
    Escorted
    Escorted - Yes
    DayDestinationDescription
    Day 1QuitoDay 1 Quito
    A G Adventures representative will greet everyone at the hotel and brief the group on the various aspects of the tour. Additional Notes: If you are not able to attend the welcome meeting, a representative will leave all important information at the hotel's reception indicating what time to be ready on day 2 of the trip. If there is any confusion on arrival, please do not hesitate to call the contact number listed in this dossier. We recommend booking pre nights in Quito for time to take advantage of the optional activities listed below. Included Activities: Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
    Day 2Puerto AyoraDay 2 Quito/Puerto Ayora (1B, 1L, 1D)
    Flights from Quito to Baltra depart between 6:40am and 9:40am depending on the day of the week. These will arrive into the Galapagos between 9:30am and 12:30pm with a short refuelling stop in Guayaquil (you will not disembark the plane). You will generally arrive at the boat in time for lunch before the afternoon activity. Additional Notes: The National Park charges a visitor fee of USD100, payable on arrival, which funds park maintenance and supervision in the Galapagos as well as ecological study, conservation, and infrastructure development in Ecuadors other National Parks. Entry fees and the funds they generate for the National Park System are among measures taken by the Ecuadorian government to protect its natural heritage. Included Activities: Highlands Giant Tortoises Visit Transport: Plane (2.00 hour(s)) Xavier III
    Day 3Black Turtle CoveDay 3 Chinese Hat/Black Turtle Cove (1B, 1L, 1D)
    Spot Galapagos penguins and explore marine life that is fantastic for snorkelling. There is also a large sea lion colony at Chinese Hat as well as many marine iguanas that can be seen on the guided walk. Hike among the volcanic scenery, with good views to the cone of the islands volcano. In the afternoon, take an excursion by "panga" to Black Turtle Cove to witness the extensive mangrove system and interesting waterway canals. Sea turtles and different species of rays can often be seen in this cove, offering a peaceful and fascinating glimpse into the diversity of the area. Included Activities: Chinese Hat Visit Snorkelling (Chinese Hat) Black Turtle Cove Excursion Transport: Xavier III
    Day 4Islas DaphneDay 4 Cerro Dragon/Islas Daphne (1B, 1L, 1D)
    Visit Cerro Dragon on the west coast of Santa Cruz Island to see land iguanas and a salt water lagoon frequented by flamingos and other species of birds. Continue to Daphne Island in the afternoon to spot birds and wildlife. Included Activities: Cerro Dragon Visit Daphne Island Visit Transport: Xavier III
    Day 5Santa Fe IslandDay 5 Islas Plaza/Santa Fe Island (1B, 1L, 1D)
    Land at South Plaza in the morning for wildlife spotting opportunities. Afternoon visit to Santa Fe Island for guided walks to observe the wildlife and plentiful marine iguanas. Opportunities for swimming and snorkelling with the sea lions. Included Activities: South Plaza Island Visit Santa Fe Island Visit Transport: Xavier III
    Day 6QuitoDay 6 San Cristobal Island/Quito (1B)
    Transfer to the group hotel upon arrival, and enjoy one last night on the town. Additional Notes: Flights from San Cristobal to Quito depart between 11:30am and 1:30pm depending on the day of the week. These will arrive into Quito between 4:00pm and 5:40pm with a refuelling stop in Guayaquil (you will not disembark the plane). You will arrive back at the hotel in the early evening in time for dinner. Included Activities: Interpretation Center Visit Transport: Plane (3.00 hour(s))
    Day 7LimaDay 7 Quito/Lima (1B)
    Your transfer to the airport and your flight to Lima are included in this trip. Please note that this flight is unescorted and your transfer will be waiting for you at the Lima airport and will bring you to your hotel. Included Activities: Meet and Greet Hotel Welcome Meeting Transport: Private Vehicle Plane Private Vehicle
    Day 8CuscoDay 8 Lima/Cusco (1B)
    Transfer to the airport for the flight to Cusco (the flight usually departs early - the group may leave the hotel by 4:30am). The day is free to relax and explore the fascinating city of Cusco, and to acclimatize to the altitude. Transport: Plane (1.00-1.50 hours)
    Day 9OllantaytamboDay 9 Cusco/Ollantaytambo (1B, 1L)
    Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting a G Adventures-supported womens weaving co-op. Meet the women and learn about traditional weaving and dyeing. Opt to pick up some handmade souvenirs and textiles directly from the women who made them. Take a guided tour of the impressive Pisac ruins, the colourful artisan market (on market days only), and the small indigenous village of Huchuy Qosco. Have lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa community restaurant. Learn about the G Adventures for Good project and eat a delicious buffet-style lunch. Proceeds of this meal go directly back to the remote community. Continue on to the town of Ollantaytambo. Take a guided tour of the large ruin site adjacent to the town. Ollantaytambo is the first taste of what lies ahead in Machu Picchu. Included Activities: Ccaccaccollo Community and Womens Weaving Co-op visit Pisac Ruins Guided Tour Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley Ollantaytambo Ruins Guided Tour Transport: Make stops along the way as you pass through this gorgeous valley - the elevation descends the whole way. Private Vehicle (95km)
    Day 10Inca TrailDay 10 Inca Trail (1B, 1L, 1D)
    Trek through beautiful scenery, with a variety of flora that changes with the seasons, passing several smaller ruin sites like Llactapata. Additional Notes: A crew of local porters, cooks, and guides will take care of all the details for the duration of the hike. Porters carry the majority of the gear so you'll only need to carry a small daypack with water, rain gear, snacks, a camera, etc. Included Activities: Inca Trail Hike Transport: Private Vehicle (0.75 hour(s))
    Day 11Inca TrailDay 11 Inca Trail (1B, 1L, 1D)
    Start early to climb the long steep path to WarmiwaNusca, better known as Dead Woman's Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with ample time to rest and relax. Included Activities: Inca Trail Hike
    Day 12Inca TrailDay 12 Inca Trail (1B, 1L, 1D)
    Cross two more passes and ruins along the way. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through cloud forest on the gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley. At 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds." Camp here or go another 1.5 hrs to the WiNay Wayna ruins ("forever young") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft). Included Activities: Inca Trail Hike
    Day 13CuscoDay 13 Machu Picchu/Cusco (1B)
    The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu on a clear day. Hike down to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the site and free time to explore until noon as permitted by the tourist ticket. Opt to visit the Inca Bridge, if time allows. Catch the bus to Aguas Calientes to meet any non-hiking members of your group. Eat and relax before your train back to Cusco in the afternoon. Included Activities: Inca Trail Hike Machu Picchu Guided Tour Transport: Train (1.50 hour(s), 118km) Private Vehicle (2.00 hour(s))
    Day 14CuscoDay 14 Cusco (1B)
    Depart at any time.
    Dates/Pricing

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    Disclaimer

    Local Flights: All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

    Dossier Disclaimer:The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

    VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

    Itinerary Disclaimer: While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

    Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
      
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