Galápagos & Machu Picchu

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  YOUR ARRIVAL IN QUITO – TRANSFER

  Welcome to Ecuador! Upon your arrival in Quito, you will be greeted by one of our drivers, who will be holding a sign with your name. In case of delay or other issues, please contact our agents. Our driver will then take you to your accommodation.

• day 2

  Quito: visit of the old town, bike adventure at Chaquiñan.

  Our guide will pick you up at your hotel and you will start your day by exploring the historic center of Quito. This colonial city was the first to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, due to the presence of the best-preserved historic center in the Americas. The tour will show you highlights such as the Plaza de la Independencia, the Iglesia de San Francisco, and the impressive Basilica del Voto Nacional. During this time, you will discover the turbulent history of Quito as well as the sights and sounds of everyday Ecuadorian life. Next, you will head to the Tumbaco neighborhood to begin your cycling adventure at El Chaquiñan, where you can explore and enjoy the bike path, sharing a moment with nature. Meals included: breakfast.

• day 3

  Baltra, Isabela

  Once you arrive at Baltra airport, a Spanish-speaking driver will be waiting to take you to Puerto Ayora and help you catch the public motorboat from Puerto Ayora to Isabela Island. From the Santa Cruz pier to the Speed boat, you will need to pay for the water taxi ($0.50). Once you arrive at Isabela, you will need to pay for the water taxi ($1 per person) from the Speed boat to the Isabela pier. Upon your arrival, you will pay a $10 entrance fee (local Isabela tax). A Spanish-speaking driver will pick you up at Flamingos Lagoon to take you to your hotel. Meals included: breakfast

• day 4

  Sierra Negra Volcano, shared services, diving at Shell Pearl

  Sierra Negra Volcano: the ascent of the Sierra Negra volcanic crater is not to be missed for geology and adventure enthusiasts. Since its last eruption in 2005, the geographically unique Sierra Negra volcano is home to incredible lava trails adorned with local plant and animal life. On the way to Sierra Negra volcano, you will witness many changes in landscape. Indeed, as you approach the high plateaus, you go from volcanic dryness, with black soil and little vegetation, to a humid forest with local and foreign plants! Sierra Negra is an excellent place for birdwatching (finches and “curracas” among many others). There are two paths to take, depending on each person's endurance; one is a circuit that goes up to the Sierra Negra volcano viewpoint. Shell Pearl (on your own) is ideal for sports such as swimming or snorkeling. It is a bay with shallow, calm, and clear water, allowing you to observe the fascinating marine wildlife of the Galápagos. You can swim with sea lions and penguins! Meals included: breakfast and picnic.

• day 5

  Cabo Rose tunnels, shared services, wetlands

  It is the most spectacular site for snorkeling on Isabela Island. The water is shallow, calm, and very clear, a true marine sanctuary. A series of lava flows has produced unique geological formations: a succession of arches and tunnels under and above the water, providing a habitat for many local Galápagos species. The entrance to the site is shallow and the waves can be strong. For this reason, access can be complicated. It is an exciting moment of adventure, a truly unique geological site, a paradise for snorkeling! The site is home to various incomparable species of the enchanted islands. It stretches over 800 meters and the average water temperature ranges between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius. Large numbers of seabirds, such as albatrosses, flamingos, blue-footed boobies, and the magnificent frigatebird, can be found on the shores. You can also observe different species such as turtles, iguanas, sea lions, penguins, lobsters, and sea snakes. In the afternoon, you will visit the wetlands by bike. This is a network of trails that will take you to: El Cerro Orquilla (tourist spot), El Estero (mangrove and majagual forests, penal colony), La Poza Escondida, Poza Redonda (lava tube), El Túnel del Estero (lava tunnel, marine landscape), La Playa del Amor (coral and sand beach), Mirador de Tunos and Pozas Verdes (the beach). The cemetery is also on the way to Puerto Villamil. Keep in mind that you will not visit all these sites; it depends on your local guide and your itinerary. Meals included: breakfast and picnic.

• day 6

  Tintoreras Islet, shared services, fast boat shuttle to Puerto Ayora.

  "Las Tintoreras" is a chain of small islets full of coves and secret beaches. The Tintoreras islet is located south of Puerto Villamil. There is a bay where it is possible to see sea lions, sea turtles, iguanas, manta rays, etc. This bay is connected by a shallow crack to the crystal-clear water, which is closed at low tide. In this crack, it is possible to see white-tip sharks swimming with the rest of the tropical fish and sea lions. It is necessary to travel by boat to get to Tintoreras, the routes are easy to access. It takes about 10 minutes from the Villamil port dock to get to Las Tintoreras. There, you will find the local Galapagos penguin, as well as reef sharks, sea turtles, and sea lions. THIS VISIT TO TINTORERAS CAN BE DONE WITH THE KAYAK OPTION. HOWEVER, CONSIDER THAT YOU WILL NOT DO ALL THE ISLANDS, YOU WILL SIMPLY LOOK AROUND THE PLACE AND THE BAY. Boat excursion from Isabela to Puerto Ayora: At 2:30 p.m., please go to the dock to check in for the speedboat. From the Isabela pier to the speedboat, you will need to pay the water taxi ($1pp). Once you arrive in Santa Cruz, you will need to pay the water taxi ($0.50) from the speedboat to the Santa Cruz dock. Finally, you can take a taxi ($1pp) to get to your hotel. Included meals: breakfast

• day 7

  Puerto Ayora, transfer, Santa Cruz Islands ranch, Baltra, return flight to Quito

  Today, you will have your transfer from the hotel to the airport with a Spanish-speaking driver. During the journey, you will visit the Highlands and finally Puerto Ayora. The highlands of Santa Cruz are a deep green, beautifully contrasting with much of the dry, low-lying islands. The dominant vegetation in the highlands consists of Scalesia trees, creating a lush green color. Next, we will take a short drive to a private 240-hectare reserve where the Galapagos giant tortoises roam freely, graze, and sleep. Walking among the wild tortoises will be one of the most precious moments of your trip. After visiting these prehistoric creatures in their natural habitat, we will take a 5-minute drive to the entrance of a 450-meter illuminated lava tunnel, with a ceiling nearly 6 meters high in most places. Upon your arrival in Quito, you will take the airport shuttle to your hotel. Meals included: breakfast.

• day 8

  Flight Quito, Lima, arrival and transfer to your hotel

  Arrival in Lima, welcome and transfer to your hotel. Flight to Lima (not included) Meals included: breakfast

• day 9

  Flight from Lima to Cusco, visit of the city of Cusco and the nearby ruins, shared service.

  Breakfast at your hotel. At a coordinated time, transfer to Lima airport. Flight to Cusco (not included) Arrival in Cusco, welcome and transfer to your hotel. AM VISIT OF CUSCO AND THE 4 NEARBY RUINS: In the afternoon, departure from your hotel and city tour to discover the main square, known in Inca times as Huacaypata or "The Square of the Warriors." It was the scene of many key events in the history of Cuzco. The cathedral, built between 1560 and 1664 with large red granite stones from the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, is one of the most imposing structures in the city. It also houses one of the most important collections of gold and silver from the colonial era, richly carved wooden altars, and a beautiful collection of oil paintings on canvas from the Cusco School. Koricancha and the Convent of Santo Domingo: the convent was built on the spectacular Koricancha (site of gold), the most important temple dedicated to the worship of the sun, whose walls were covered with gold leaves. In addition, the convent was built on top of a foundation of smoothed stone structures, the finest carved in Cusco, taken from the Inca sanctuary. Next, we will continue to the nearby ruins: Kenko, where you will see its underground galleries and semi-circular amphitheater; Tambomachay, a complex of walls connected by stairs, with water sources that feed a well via channels in which, apparently, the Inca bathed, as it is believed he also worshipped water there; Puca Pucara, the red fortress located on a hill, perhaps to defend Tambomachay; and the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, an imposing example of Inca military architecture. This fortress was built using large granite slabs to protect the city from anti attacks or invading forces. Meals included: breakfast & picnic.

• day 10

  Full day at Rainbow Mountain, shared services.

  The Rainbow Mountain of Peru, also known as Vinicunca, is magnificent and can be seen on the spectacular Ausangate Trek. The Ausangate mountain itself is considered a sacred mountain (or mountain spirit) by local Peruvians and is the deity of Cusco. Since pre-Inca times, the mountain has been a place of worship and offerings, and this tradition continues today. During this trek, you will see picturesque villages, beautiful traditional-style houses, herds of llamas and alpacas, and you will have a magnificent view of the Ausangate glacier (6,385 m), the highest mountain in the Cusco region. CUSCO - VINICUNCA - CUSCO. Picnic box - Lunch box We leave around 4 a.m. from Cusco. To start, our journey heads towards Puno, and we travel on a section of paved road of the altiplano through the fertile Vilcanota valley. We will stop after 2 hours and 30 minutes on an unpaved road, at the picturesque village of Checacupe. We arrive at the town of Pitumarka for a brief stop: we can buy basic refreshments before continuing to the village of Kairahuiri. We will have an early breakfast and begin a walk of about two and a half hours towards Vinicunca Pass. At this point, our breathing will become increasingly labored as we gain altitude. Once at the top of the pass, there may be some gusts of cold wind, so make sure you are well covered and that your head is protected by a woolen hat. You will be rewarded for your efforts when you finally see the incredible Vinicunca, with its colorful layers of rock sediments: turquoise, orange, brown, and red! In addition to the superb views of the colorful mountain itself, you will have a breathtaking view of the snow-capped Apu Ausangate, when the day is clear. The descent back will be much faster than the ascent and should take about 2 hours. There will be plenty of beautiful scenery to feast our eyes on along the way. We will have lunch in Kairahuiri, say goodbye to our local team, then return to Cusco in our private transport. We will embark on a 3-hour drive to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel in Cusco. The approximate arrival time is between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Meals: Box - Breakfast Lowest altitude: 4,326 m Highest altitude: 5,020 m Walking distance: 10 km Approximate walking time: 2 to 3 hours; 2 hours later Level of difficulty: difficult OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: Briefing one or two days before the trek Private bus transfer from the hotel to Kairahuiri (starting point of the trek) Site entrance fees A professional English-speaking guide Assistant guide for more than 9 passengers A first aid kit including an emergency oxygen bottle A lunch box on the 1st day NOT INCLUDED: Emergency horse Walking sticks Meals not mentioned in the itinerary Additional services not mentioned in the program Tips for guides, horsemen, cooks, and extra expenses Alcoholic beverages RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR LUGGAGE: Original passport Small backpack Water Rain jacket / poncho Winter hat and gloves Rain pants Snacks: cookies, energy bars, chocolate, etc. Sunscreen, SPF 35+ recommended Sunglasses and hat Camera with spare batteries - batteries drain faster at high altitude Binoculars Trekking poles (especially recommended for steep descents, can be rented from us) Towel and toilet paper ------ Meals included: breakfast and picnic

• day 11

  MTB in Maras and Moray, shared services

  Level: Easy to moderate. Off-road circuit. Duration: 7 hours (4 hours by bike, approximately). Fully guided tour. Off-road circuits through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, agricultural fields, Andean terraces, and villages. It is possible to observe the Andean people during their daily work. After picking you up at your hotel, we will transfer you to Cruzpata, on the Maras plateau, where we will begin our mountain biking adventure while admiring impressive views of the Andean peaks, many cactus plants, and Andean villagers during their daily activities. You will also discover the agricultural terraces of Moray. A picnic will be provided here. Then, we will continue on a dirt road to Maras, where we will stop to visit the salt mines. Return to the hotel. Included - Briefing (orientation meeting) - Private transport from the hotel to the starting point and from the end of the trip to the hotel - Professional bilingual mountain bike guide - First aid kit - Repair kit - Front suspension mountain bike - Helmet - Gloves - Water bottles - Picnic lunch - Entrance fees to Maras -- Meals included: breakfast and picnic.

• day 12

  Cusco, Sacred Valley, Shared Services

  You will visit the typical Pisac market, where you will have the opportunity to bargain with the vendors. Lunch is included at the local Sacred Valley restaurant. After lunch, you will visit the Ollantaytambo fortress. This is a typical Inca community located 21 km from Urubamba, at an altitude of 2,800 meters, named in honor of Chief Ollanta, famous for having courted an Inca princess, daughter of Pachacutec. Meals included: breakfast and lunch.

• day 13

  Trip to Machu Picchu, shared services

  Early in the morning, you will go to Ollantaytambo station to board the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, a small bus will be waiting to take you to the ruins of Machu Picchu. You will enjoy a guided tour of the ruins discovered in 1911 by explorer Hiram Bingham. This citadel is considered one of the most extraordinary examples of landscape architecture in the world. Located in an enclave on the saddle of a mountain overlooking the deep canyon of the Urubamba River, in an area of lush rainforest, it served as a place of worship, a site for star observation, and a private estate for the family of Inca Pachacutec. It consists of two main areas: an agricultural one, formed mainly of terraces and food stores, and an urban one, known for its sacred area with temples, plazas, and royal tombs. The stairways and channels carved into the stone are recurring features in this remarkable archaeological site. In the afternoon, you will take the train back to Ollanta or Poroy. Transfer to your hotel in Cusco. Meals included: breakfast.

• day 14

  Transfer to the airport, flight to Lima, arrival and connection with your international flight.

  At a coordinated time, you will be transferred from your hotel to Cusco airport. Flight to Lima (not included) Meals included: breakfast We hope you enjoyed your stay in Ecuador. Thank you for choosing Gulliver Expeditions. ***END OF OUR SERVICES***