Galápagos and Machu Picchu

Description du séjour

Hébergement

Programme du séjour

• jour 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 problems, please contact our agents. Our driver will then take you to your accommodation.

• jour 2

  Quito: visit of the old town, cycling adventure on the Chaquiñán.

  

  Our guide will come 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 visit will show you the highlights, such as Plaza de la Independencia, the church of San Francisco, and the impressive Basílica del Voto Nacional. You will also discover Quito’s eventful history, as well as the images and sounds of everyday Ecuadorian life. Then, you will head to the Tumbaco neighborhood to begin your biking adventure at El Chaquiñan, where you can explore and enjoy the bike path, while sharing a moment with nature. Meals included: breakfast

• jour 3

  Baltra, Isabela

  

  Once you arrive at Baltra airport, a Spanish-speaking driver will be waiting for you to take you to Puerto Ayora and help you take the public boat from Puerto Ayora to Isabela Island. From the Santa Cruz dock to the Speed boat, you will have to pay the water taxi (0,50 $). Once you arrive in Isabela, you will have to pay the water taxi (1 $pp) from the Speed boat to the Isabela dock. Upon your arrival, you will pay a 10 $ entrance tax (local tax of Isabela). A Spanish-speaking driver will pick you up at Flamingos Lagoon to take you to your hotel. Meals included: breakfast

• jour 4

  Sierra Negra Volcano, shared services, diving at Shell Pearl

  

  Sierra Negra Volcano: the ascent to the volcanic crater of Sierra Negra is a must for geology and adventure enthusiasts. Since its last eruption in 2005, the geographically unique Sierra Negra volcano is home to incredible lava flows, highlighted by the local plant and animal life. On the way to Sierra Negra volcano, you will observe many changes in landscapes. Indeed, as you get closer to the highlands, you go from volcanic aridity, with black soil and little vegetation, to a humid forest with local and exotic plants. Sierra Negra is an excellent place for birdwatching (finches and “curracas”, among many others). Two routes are possible, depending on each person’s endurance: one is a circuit that leads to the viewpoint of Sierra Negra volcano. Shell Pearl (on your own) is ideal for activities like swimming or snorkeling. It is a bay with shallow, calm, and clear waters, which makes it possible to observe the fascinating marine fauna of the Galápagos. You can swim with sea lions and penguins. Meals included: breakfast and picnic

• jour 5

  Cabo Rose Tunnels, shared services, wetlands

  

  It is the most spectacular place 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 below and above the water, constituting 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 along 800 meters and the average water temperature varies 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 will also be able to observe different species, such as turtles, iguanas, sea lions, penguins, lobsters and sea snakes. In the afternoon, you will visit the wetlands by bicycle. This is a complex of trails that will take you to: Cerro Orquilla (tourist viewpoint), the Estero (mangrove and majagual forests, penal colony), Poza Escondida, Poza Redonda (lava tube), the Estero Tunnel (lava tunnel, seascape), 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. Please note that you will not visit all of these places; this depends on your local guide and your itinerary. Meals included: breakfast and picnic

• jour 6

  Tintoreras Islet, shared services, fast boat transfer 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 fissure to the crystal-clear water, which closes at low tide. In this fissure, it is possible to see white-tip sharks swimming with other tropical fish and sea lions. It is necessary to travel by boat to reach Tintoreras; the trails are easily accessible. It takes approximately 10 minutes from the dock of the port of Villamil to reach Las Tintoreras. There, you will find the local Galápagos penguin, as well as reef sharks, sea turtles and sea lions. THIS VISIT TO TINTORERAS CAN BE DONE WITH THE KAYAK OPTION. HOWEVER, PLEASE CONSIDER THAT YOU DO NOT GO AROUND ALL THE ISLANDS; YOU WILL SIMPLY OBSERVE THE SURROUNDINGS OF THE PLACE AND THE BAY. Boat excursion from Isabela to Puerto Ayora: at 14:30, please report to the dock to check in for the speedboat. From the Isabela dock to the speedboat, you must pay the water taxi (1$pp). Once you arrive in Santa Cruz, you must pay the water taxi (0,50 $) from the speedboat to the Santa Cruz dock. Finally, you can take a taxi (1$pp) to get to your hotel. Meals included: breakfast

• jour 7

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

  

  Today, you will be transferred 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, contrasting wonderfully with a large part of the dry and low islands. The dominant vegetation of the Highlands is made up of Scalesia trees, creating a lush green. Then, we will take a short drive to a private reserve of 240 hectares, where the Galápagos giant tortoises move freely, graze, and sleep. Walking among the wild tortoises will be one of the most precious moments of your trip. After observing these prehistoric creatures in their natural habitat, we will take a 5-minute drive to the entrance of a 450-meter lit lava tunnel, with a ceiling reaching nearly 6 meters in height in most places. Upon your arrival in Quito, you will take the transfer from the airport to your hotel. Meals included: breakfast

• jour 8

  Flight Quito, Lima, arrival and transfer to your hotel

  

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

• jour 9

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

  

  Breakfast at your hotel. At an agreed 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 NEIGHBORING RUINS In the afternoon, departure from your hotel and city tour to discover the main square, known in Inca times as Huacaypata, or “the Warriors’ Square”. It was the scene of numerous key events in the history of Cusco. 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 period, richly carved wooden altars, and a magnificent 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 sheets of gold. In addition, the convent was built on a base of polished stone structures, the most finely carved in Cusco, from the Inca sanctuary. Then, we will continue to the neighboring ruins: Kenko, where you will see its underground galleries and its semicircular amphitheater; Tambomachay, a complex of walls connected by stairways, equipped with fountains that feed a pool through channels in which, apparently, the Inca bathed, since it is believed that he also venerated water there; Puca Pucara, the red fortress located on a hill, perhaps intended to defend Tambomachay; and the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, an impressive example of Inca military architecture. This fortress was built with the help of large granite slabs to protect the city from attacks by the Antis or invading forces. Meals included: breakfast and picnic

• jour 10

  Full day at Rainbow Mountain, shared services

  

  The Rainbow Mountain of Peru, also known as Vinicunca, is magnificent and can be admired during the spectacular Ausangate Trek. Ausangate Mountain itself is considered a sacred mountain (or mountain spirit) by the local inhabitants 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 hike, you will see picturesque villages, beautiful traditional-style houses, herds of llamas and alpacas, and enjoy a magnificent view of the Ausangate glacier (6 385 m), the highest mountain in the Cusco region. CUSCO - VINICUNCA - CUSCO Box lunch - box lunch Departure around 4 a.m. from Cusco. To begin, our journey heads toward Puno, and we take a stretch of paved road on the Altiplano, through the fertile Vilcanota valley. We will stop after 2 hours and 30 minutes, on an unpaved road, in the picturesque village of Checacupe. We arrive in the town of Pitumarka for a brief stop: we can buy basic snacks before continuing to the village of Kairahuiri. We will have an early breakfast, then begin a hike of about 2 and a half hours toward the Vinicunca pass. At this stage, our breathing will become more and more difficult as we gain altitude. Once at the top of the pass, there may be gusts of cold wind; make sure you are well covered and protect your head with a wool 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 impressive views of the colorful mountain itself, you will have a spectacular view of the snow-capped Apu Ausangate when the sky is clear. The downhill return will be much faster than the ascent and should take about 2 hours. Many magnificent landscapes will delight our eyes 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 undertake a 3-hour drive to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel. The approximate arrival time is between 17 h and 18 h. Meals: box lunch - breakfast Lowest altitude: 4 326 m Highest altitude: 5 020 m Walking distance: 10 km Approximate walking time: from 2 to 3 hours; 2 hours for the return Difficulty level: difficult OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: Information meeting one or two days before the trek Transfer by private bus from the hotel to Kairahuiri (starting point of the trek) Site entrance fees A professional English-speaking guide Assistant guide from 9 passengers A first-aid kit including an emergency oxygen bottle A box lunch on the first day DOES NOT INCLUDE: Emergency horse Walking poles Meals not mentioned in the itinerary Additional services not mentioned in the program Tips for guides, riders, cooks, and additional expenses Alcoholic beverages RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR GEAR: Original passport Small backpack Water Waterproof jacket / poncho Winter hat and gloves Waterproof pants Snacks: cookies, energy bars, chocolate, etc. Sunscreen, factor 35+ recommended Sunglasses and hat Camera with spare batteries - batteries drain faster at altitude Binoculars Trekking poles (recommended, especially for steep descents; rental possible with us) Towel and toilet paper ------ Meals included: breakfast and picnic

• jour 11

  Bicycle tour in Maras and Moray, shared services

  

  Level: Easy to moderate. Off-road circuit. Duration: 7 hours (approximately 4 hours by bike). Full excursion with guide. Off-road routes through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, agricultural fields, Andean terraces and villages. It is possible to observe the Andean people in 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 cycling adventure while admiring impressive views of the Andean peaks, many cactus plants and the Andean inhabitants in their daily activities. You will also discover the agricultural terraces of Moray. A picnic will be provided on site. Then, we will continue along a dirt road to Maras, where we will stop to visit the salt mines. Return to the hotel. Includes - Briefing (orientation meeting) - Private transport from the hotel to the starting point, and from the end of the route to the hotel - Professional bilingual mountain bike guide - First aid kit - Repair kit - Mountain bike with front suspension - Helmet - Gloves - Water bottles - Picnic-style lunch - Entrance fees to Maras -- Meals included: breakfast and picnic

• jour 12

  Cusco, Sacred Valley, shared services

  

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

• jour 13

  Trip to Machu Picchu, shared services

  

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

• jour 14

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

  

  At the agreed 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***