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Legacy of the Incas & the Galapagos Islands
March 28 - April 13, 2009
Our journey begins with an introduction to the colonial heritage of Lima, with visits to the cathedral and the San Francisco Monastery. Then we drive to Ica for a flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines-geometric etchings left by ancient Peruvians-and a cruise to Ballestas Islands. Return to Lima and fly to Cuzco, once the capital of the Inca empire, and spend the day in the Sacred Valley. While there, visit the Inca baths of Tambomachay and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, and stop in Pisac to shop for souvenirs. Visit the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo before traveling through Urumbamba Valley by train on your way to Machu Picchu. Back in Cuzco, visit the cathedral and the Santo Domingo Monastery, and then travel to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Enjoy a hydrofoil cruise on this world-famous lake, including sightseeing on Moon Island and Sun Island. After a morning at leisure in Puno, return to Lima via Juliaca, and head for the stunning Galapagos Islands.
DETAILED ITINERARY:
March 28: Arrival in Lima, Peru.
Your flight to South America arrives early this morning where you will be met by your Tour Director. Transfer to your hotel for time to relax and refresh before an afternoon city tour. Your local Guide focuses on the city's colonial heritage during a walking tour. Start at the Plaza de Armas to see the Government Palace and visit the CATHEDRAL, where the skeleton of Francisco Pizarro is sealed in a wooden coffin. From here, stroll to the venerable SAN FRANCISCO MONASTERY with its splendid 17th-century cloister murals. This evening meet your Tour Director and enjoy a WELCOME DINNER with your fellow traveling companions. (D)
March 29: Lima-Ica. Nazca Lines.
Enjoy a scenic drive south along the Pan American Highway to the town of Ica, the wine capital of Peru. Have your camera handy today as you board your aircraft for a FLIGHT over the Nazca plains, which can only be appreciated by air. Your pilot will point out the famous, mysterious markings known as the NAZCA LINES-a series of drawings of animals and geometric figures etched into the parched soil, with some up to 1,000 feet long. Theories vary, but the most accepted belongs to German mathematician Maria Reiche, who dubbed the land the "astronomical calendar" of the ancient Peruvians. Enjoy a dinner this evening at your hotel. (B, D)
March 30: Ballestas Islands Cruise-Lima.
Head north to the Bay of Paracas. CRUISE out to the Ballestas islands, which are inhabited by a wide variety of sea mammals and exotic birds, including boobies, sea lions, and Humboldt penguins. The huge Candelabro, a candelabra-shaped etching on the Paracas Cliffside, can also be seen as you cruise back to shore. Re-board your coach and arrive in Lima by late afternoon. (B)
March 31: Lima-Cuzco-Sacred Valley.
Fly to Cuzco, the impressive Andean city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Spend the day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas with a visit to the Inca baths of TAMBOMACHAY and the semi-circular Kenko amphitheater with its stone altars and labyrinth of passages. See the ancient site of Puca Pucara before reaching the TEMPLE OF SACSAYHUAMAN, perched on a hillside overlooking Cuzco. It still remains unfathomable how and when this fortress of gigantic stones-with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons-was built. Next visit PISAC, an old mountain village, where you will have the opportunity to visit a home, meet some of the locals, and experience their way of life. Also, enjoy free time here to shop for local wares such as alpaca sweaters and blankets, jewelry, or hand-painted ornamental dishes and vases. Tonight stay in the Sacred Valley. Dinner is at the hotel. (B, L, D)
April 1: Sacred Valley-Machu Picchu.
Visit the Inca Fortress of OLLANTAYTAMBO this morning before boarding a TRAIN for a short journey through the lush Urubamba Valley. Then transfer to a motor coach for the ascent to legendary MACHU PICCHU, "The lost City of the Incas," high above the steep valley overlaid with dense tropical jungle. Your local Guide will bring you closer to the lives and mysteries still hidden in these amazing structures, built by the pre-Columbian masters of this sacred land. Tonight stay at a nearby hotel. (B, L, D)
April 2: Machu Picchu-Cuzco.
Today enjoy the tranquility of the morning. You will have some free time to wander the ruins at your own pace and inhale the magic that is Machu Picchu. After lunch, return to the Sacred Valley by TRAIN and continue on to Cuzco. Tonight enjoy dinner at a local restaurant accompanied by ANDEAN FOLKLORIC MUSIC. (B, L, D)
April 3: Cuzco-Juliaca-Puno (Lake Titicaca).
This morning, learn more about the Incas and their futile struggle with the invading Spaniards on your Cuzco city tour with visits to the imposing CATHEDRAL and the SANTO DOMINGO MONASTERY. Board an afternoon flight to Juliaca where you will continue on to Puno, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca. (B, D)
April 4: Puno. Excursion to Lake Titicaca and Bolivia.
This morning, embark your sleek HYDROFOIL for a day exploring LAKE TITICACA. Stop first at MOON ISLAND to see the Virgins of the Sun Temple and the Palace, which was re constructed in the 1960s and proves that this island was used by pre-Inca cultures. Also see SUN ISLAND considered to be the birthplace of the Incan Empire. Here, visit the Inca Stairway and the Sacred Fountain believed to give eternal youth and happiness. Enjoy a typical lunch while taking in the breathtaking views of sacred Lake Titicaca and the royal range of the Andes. Return to Puno this evening where your Tour Director hosts a memorable FAREWELL DINNER. (B, L, D)
April 5: Puno-Juliaca-Lima.
This morning enjoy a visit to the UROS FLOATING ISLANDS made of totora reeds which grow in Lake Titicaca. Today several hundred Uros Indians live on top of these floating islands which were originally formed to escape the Inca who ruled the mainland. Return to Juliaca for your afternoon flight to Lima. (B)
April 6: Lima-Quito, Ecuador.
Fly to Quito and join up with the Galápagos Highlights Monograms vacation (non-escorted but aided by insightful local Hosts). (B)
April 7: Quito, Ecuador.
Your included city tour showcases the rich legacy left by the Incas and later the Spaniards. See INDEPENDENCE SQUARE dominated by its formidable CATHEDRAL and SAN FRANCISCO PLAZA CHURCH and the BASILICA with its marvelous stained glass windows. (B)
April 8: Quito-Baltra island-Santa Cruz.
Fly to Baltra and transfer to Santa Cruz island and the Finch Bay Hotel, your home for the next four nights. Each day enjoy an included day cruise with a naturalist to outlying Galápagos islands. Today, stop for a guided tour of the CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION. Since 1965 the research Station has been the breeding place for the famous Galápagos Giant Tortoise. (B, L, D)
*Special Feature: Named after the famous Darwin's finches abundant in the surroundings, the Finch Bay Hotel offers a private seaside location, surrounded by mangroves. Amenities include a bar, lounge, restaurant, outdoor pool, and Jacuzzi-and beachfront access. All rooms offer twin beds, private facilities, and air conditioning. Guests will enjoy daily boat excursions to various Galapagos Islands, kayaking, snorkeling, bicycle rides in town, and viewing the local flora and fauna.
April 9: Santa Fé Island.
Travel to Santa Fé where you will see the endemic Santa Fé land iguana. Also see the large Opuntia cactus forest. The beach area is covered with California sea lions, and the coastline is an excellent location for snorkeling with sea turtles. (B, L, D)
April 10: South Plazas and Punta Carrion Island.
Board a yacht bound for South Plazas and Punta Carrion islands. Wildlife includes sea lions, land iguanas, and hybrid iguanas, which are the result of a cross between male marine iguanas and female land iguanas. Also known as a birdwatcher's paradise where you will see nesting swallow-tailed gulls, masked boobies, blue-footed boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds, pelicans, and audubon's shearwaters. (B, L, D)
April 11: North Seymour Island and Las Bachas Beach.
Visit North Seymour Island and las Bachas Beach, recognized for tropical birds. a colony of sea lions is located on the north side of the island. There are also opportunities to see small groups of fur seals. (B, L, D)
April 12: Santa Cruz-Baltra-Guayaquil.
Fly from the Galápagos today to Guayaquil and transfer to the hotel for the final night of your vacation. (B)
April 13: Guayaquil-U.S.
Depart this afternoon for hometown connections. (B)
BOOK BY 15 JULY 08 AND SAVE $150.00 per person
COST: Based on Twin Sharing
$7199.00 Taxes Included per person
Single Supplement: +$1370.00
Tour Inclusions:
- Includes 16 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 11 Dinners
- International air from Miami
- Intra - Tour flights
- Transfers to and from hotel to airport
- Superior First Class & First Class Hotels in all destinations
- Professional Tour Director, Local Hosts and Local Guides
- Private deluxe motor coach with air conditioning & washroom
- Sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Tips for baggage handling
Additional Costs:
- Flights from your home city to Miami
- Any insurance - Medical & Cancellation
- Gratuities for Local tour guides
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages
- Items of a personal nature
*** Please Note***
During this tour there will be "wet Landings" meaning passengers will need to be able to jump in the water, out of the boats/zodiacs and walk a couple meters to the beaches. Terrain is rocky and uneven.
Bring Water Shoes
