Globus > DISCOVER THE GALAPAGOS and PERU (WGG2008)

DISCOVER THE GALAPAGOS and PERU (WGG2008)
15 Days starting from $4,529

Countries Visited:
Not Available

Check Rates & Availability

Length: 15 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: CRUISE AND TOUR
Operator: Globus
Tour Code: WGG-2008
   
 
About This Tour



Vacation Overview
Natural and historic treasures await you on this 15-day cruise vacation in Peru and the Galápagos Islands. Begin your adventure in Lima, with a walking tour that visits the cathedral and San Francisco Monastery. Next, fly to Cuzco, once the capital of the Inca Empire. Continue into the Sacred Valley and visit the nearby Inca baths of Tambomachay, the ancient site of Puca Pucara, and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman. On to the mountain village of Pisac, then visit the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. A train ride ushers you through the Urubamba Valley before you arrive at the mystical Machu Picchu, “The Lost City of the Incas.” Return to Cuzco for a guided visit of its cathedral and Santo Domingo monastery, and dinner featuring Andean Folkloric Music. Next, fly to Quito, with an excursion to Cotopaxi National Park and a ride on the Chiva Express. From Quito, fly to Baltra Island and board the M/V Santa Cruz yacht for four days of cruising among various Galápagos Islands and a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Return to Quito, with a full day at leisure.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing Highlights
  • Additional Details
  • SPECIALS

Hotels
LIMA Melia Lima (SF), SACRED VALLEY Casa Andina Private Collection (SF), MACHU PICCHU Sumaq Hotel (F), CUZCO Libertador (MF), QUITO Hilton Colon (SF), GALÁPAGOS CRUISE M/V Santa Cruz

Meals
American breakfast daily (B), 7 lunches (L) and 8 dinners (D), including a farewell dinner in Quito
Day 1:
Fly to Lima, Peru. Board your flight to Lima, the capital of Peru and known as the City of Kings. Your flight to South America arrives late this evening where you will be met by your Local Host.

Day 2:
Lima. Your Local Guide focuses on the city’s colonial heritage during today’s walking tour. Start at the Plaza de Armas to see the Government Palace and visit the CATHEDRAL, where the remains of Francisco Pizarro, the founder of Lima, are housed. From here, stroll to the 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. (B,D)

Day 3:
Lima–Cuzco–Sacred Valley. Fly to Cuzco, the impressive Andean city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Continue into the Sacred Valley and visit the nearby 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. It 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 chance to visit a local home and experience their way of life. Enjoy free time in the town center to browse colorful stalls where vendors sell their handicrafts, ranging from fine alpaca sweaters and blankets to hand-painted ornamental dishes and vases. (B,L,D)

Day 4:
Sacred Valley–Machu Picchu. Begin the morning with a visit to the Inca fortress of OLLANTAYTAMBO. Next, board a TRAIN through the lush Urubamba Valley. Ascend to legendary MACHU PICCHU, “The Lost City of the Incas,” high above the valley and 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. (B,L,D)

Day 5:
Machu Picchu–Cuzco. Enjoy the tranquility of the morning with free time to wander the ruins at your own pace and absorb the magic that is Machu Picchu. After lunch, return to Ollantaytambo by train and continue to Cuzco. (B,L)

Day 6:
Cuzco. Learn more about the Incas and their struggle against the invading Spaniards, visiting the imposing CATHEDRAL and the SANTO DOMINGO MONASTERY on your guided tour. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant accompanied by ANDEAN FOLKLORIC MUSIC. (B,D)

Day 7:
Cuzco–Quito, Ecuador. Today, fly to Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, and begin the Ecuadorian portion of your vacation. Tonight enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 8:
Quito. Excursion to Cotopaxi National Park and Ride the Chiva Express. Today’s adventure begins with a ride on the “CHIVA EXPRESS,” a colorful one-coach train, like a bus on tracks. A highlight of the trip is to “ride the roof” and take in the panoramic views of the stunning Andean region of Ecuador. Up top in the open air you will enjoy the ever-changing scenery as you roll along the rails, passing local villages and country homes. Stopping in the moorlands surrounding COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK enjoy lunch at a local family’s hacienda where your meal comes from the surrounding area—with fresh cheese from the farm, vegetables just picked from the garden, homemade desserts, and natural seasonings. There will be time to horseback ride, bird watch or explore the surroundings on foot before the return to Quito in the afternoon. (B,L)

Day 9:
Quito. An included sightseeing tour showcases Quito’s treasures: the historic stone murals of the LEGISLATIVE PALACE; Independence Plaza and the 16th-century SAN FRANCISCO MONASTERY; the Jesuit’s LA COMPANIA CHURCH with its stunning golden altars; and the impressive paintings at the WORKSHOP AND MUSEUM of Oswaldo Guayasamin. Be sure to have your photo taken in front of the EQUATORIAL MONUMENT, “the center of the world.” (B)

Day 10:
Quito–Baltra–Galápagos Islands (Embarkation)–Cruising. A morning flight to Baltra, one of the remote GalápagosIslands. Upon arrival, board the sleek MV Santa Cruz and enjoy four days of CRUISING among various Galápagos Islands. Each day, travel ashore to the remote islands with your expert naturalist who introduces you to the unique fauna living free and fearless of man. Today, visit San Cristobal Island, where Charles Darwin first set foot in the Galápagos back in 1835. This island is home to seabirds like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, and frigate birds. Also look for the Chatham (San Cristobal) Mockingbird and Chatham Lava Lizard—both species are endemic to this island and seen nowhere else in Galápagos. (B,L,D)

Please note: The ship’s itinerary may vary according to the Galápagos National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, and seasonal changes to create the perfect crosssection of sites visited.

Day 11:
Galápagos Islands Cruising. Your exploration continues on Española (Hood Island). Here, you will see unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April-December), Nazca and blue-footed boobies, Darwin’s finches, and the famous blowhole. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas and a rookery of sea lions right at the landing site. This afternoon, visit a brackish-water lagoon on Floreana where Greater Flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, and sandpipers may be observed. For marine enthusiasts this is a great place for snorkeling! (B,L,D)

Day 12:
Galápagos Islands Cruising. This morning brings you to the youngest island, Fernandina. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment and the highest density of marine iguanas. Sharing their habitat are sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and hawks. In the afternoon, enjoy coastal exploration along the cliffs of sunken Ecuador Volcano by panga, where our naturalist guides explain the dramatic geology of the area with remains of lava flows and tuff stone layers. This is the nesting place for flightless cormorants, the only birds in the world that have changed from flying birds to diving birds. Wildlife here includes sea lions, Galápagos penguins, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, and noddy terns. (B,L,D)

Day 13:
Galápagos (Disembarkation)–Quito. Early this morning, visit the CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION, established to help conserve the Islands’ natural habitat and protect the famous giant tortoises. Depart the Galápagos today for Quito. This evening, gather with your fellow traveling companions as your Tour Director hosts a special FAREWELL DINNER to celebrate an unforgettable experience. (B,D)

Day 14:
Quito. Enjoy time in Quito today and explore at your leisure. (B)

Day 15:
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)


Click here
to check rates and availability online, 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Or, to speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
12/10/2008 - 12/24/2008
$4,529
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
         

Price Details US
Price will incur a fuel surcharge.

  • Single Room Supplement : $1900
  • Triples are not available

Extra nights per person in Lima
in single room $178; in twin room $100

Extra nights per person in Quito
in single room $117; in twin room $76

  • Cruise pricing is based on cabins located on the main deck. Upgrades are available. Please call for pricing

Please note: Land-only passengers should book their homebound flight anytime on Day 14 of the tour; hotel accommodations are not provided Night 14.


Related Tours
WGGE|Add the Amazon to your vacation.

Ship
Santa Cruz

City Highlights
LIMA
Sightseeing with a Local Guide, visit the cathedral, San Francisco Monastery, Welcome Dinner

SACRED VALLEY
Visit Ollantaytambo ruins and the market town of Pisac

MACHU-PICCHU
Guided visit to the Inca ruins

CUZCO
Visit the Inca baths of Tambomachay, the Temple of Sacsayhuaman; sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit the cathedral, the Santo Domingo Monastery; enjoy dinner with Andean music

QUITO
Sightseeing with a Local Guide, Legislative Palace, San Francisco Monastery, La Compania Church, Workshop and Museum of Oswaldo Guayasamin, Equatorial Monument; Farewell Dinner

COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK
“Ride the roof” on board the Chiva Express; view the Andean region of Ecuador; lunch at a local family’s hacienda

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
Three nights cruising the Galápagos National Park aboard the M/V Santa Cruz; Charles Darwin Research Station; guided sightseeing each day with a local naturalist

ALL INTRA-TOUR FLIGHTS

Price Details US
Price will incur a fuel surcharge.

  • Single Room Supplement : $1900
  • Triples are not available

Extra nights per person in Lima
in single room $178; in twin room $100

Extra nights per person in Quito
in single room $117; in twin room $76

  • Cruise pricing is based on cabins located on the main deck. Upgrades are available. Please call for pricing

Please note: Land-only passengers should book their homebound flight anytime on Day 14 of the tour; hotel accommodations are not provided Night 14.


Related Tours
WGGE|Add the Amazon to your vacation.

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Save $200 per couple on the air-inclusive price of 2009 Europe Vacations

*Book a 2009 Globus air-inclusive European vacation to receive the $100 per person discount. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between October 8, 2008 and November 30, 2008 for travel commencing between January 1, 2009 and October 31, 2009. Offers not valid with any other offer and applies to new 2009 European bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.


Standard Offers and Specials provided by Globus

Discount for young travelers

Share the pleasure of a Globus vacation with your children and grandchildren and take advantage of a 10-percent discount on the land-only price. For eligibility, children must be under 18 years of age on the departure date and must be accompanied by an adult. On escorted vacations we don’t accept children under eight years old because we have found that they are too young to enjoy these vacations.

Pay less for your second vacation

We charge you vacation price for your first vacation in 2008, but for every additional Globus vacation you take in the same year, you pay US$35 under list. Our vacations are designed and scheduled so you can combine them almost any way you want. It’s fun to play the add-a-vacation game yourself or talk to your travel agent.

Triple room reduction

On most Globus vacations you receive a reduction when three people travel together and share the same accommodations. Triple room reductions, when available, are listed on the itinerary pages. A word of caution: Triple rooms usually are no larger than twin rooms and the third bed, if there is one, is often a rollaway put in a twin-bedded room.

Avoid the single room supplement

We do not take reservations on a “share” basis because we have found that strangers rarely enjoy sharing a room for the duration of their vacation. Avoid the single room supplement by traveling with a friend. It’s less expensive and much more fun!


Right now when you book a 2009 vacation between 5 and 7 people before December 31, 2008, each passenger will save $75

Do you have a large party of friends or family that wants to travel? Right now when you book a 2009 vacation between 5 and 7 people before December 31, 2008, each passenger will save $75.* For example, book 5 passengers and receive a $375 discount, 6 passengers equals a $450 discount and 7 passengers will receive a $525 discount. With an offer like this, the world’s greatest destinations are now closer than ever!

*Book a 2009 Globus vacation for five, six or seven travelers to receive the $75 off per person offer. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between Jun 4 and Dec 31, 2008 for travel through December 31, 2009. Individuals must be traveling together from the same origination point to receive the discount. Not valid with any other offer and applies to new 2009 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.


   
Send This Tour to a Friend:
   
Your Name: Required.
Your E-Mail Address: Required.Invalid format.
   
Your Friend's Name: Required.
Your Friend's E-Mail Address: Required.Invalid format.
   
Comments:  
Required.