CONTACT US
CALL 877.784.5400 TOLL FREE
(outside USA call +1.206.784.8111)

SELECT COMBO TOUR

ECUADOR TOUR EXTENSIONS

PERU TOUR EXTENSIONS

TRIPS BY ACTIVITY

CURRENT LOCAL WEATHER

Provided by The Weather Channel

 
© 2005-2010
World Wide Explorations, Inc.
 
Website design and programming
TerraRhythm
Media for Vibrant Change

Galapagos, Machu Picchu & Amazon Tour

Combine the natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands with the ancient mysteries of Machu Picchu

Total Duration: 15+ days
4D/3N Cruise Tourist Superior: +$4,285 
First Class: +$4,515 
Cruise Ship: +$4,500  5D/4N Cruise Tourist Superior: +$4,635 
First Class: +$4,845 
Cruise Ship: +$5,030 
Luxury: +$5,310  8D/7N Cruise Tourist Superior: +$5,040 
First Class: +$5,425 
Cruise Ship: +$6,220 
Luxury: +$6,805  Internal flights are not included in trip costs
Internal airfare: $1,375 low season / $1,430 high season (subject to change)
Please for cruise itinerary and pricing specifics during your timeframe.
We can arrange this itinerary to either begin or end in Galapagos, depending on your preference.
This most scenic of Ecuador Peru eco-tours includes three top South America destinations. You'll marvel at one of civilization's greatest achievements, Machu Picchu, witness the unparalleled biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest, one of nature's true wonders, and experience the otherworldly destination of the Galapagos Islands where wildlife rules. In your Andean travels learning about Peru culture, you'll explore the charming colonial town of Cusco, once the center of the Inca Empire and spend time in the magnificent Sacred Valley on your way to the hidden Inca city of Machu Picchu. You'll stay in an indigenous Amazon eco-lodge in a lush rainforest setting. These South America tours kick off with the Galapagos cruise of your choice. Three indelible, distinctly different, experiences, all incorporated into one great trip, truly make the most of your South America travel time.
To arrange a private departure for the Galapagos, Machu Picchu & Amazon Tour, please regarding details and private departure costs.

Itinerary for Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands

• Day 1 ARRIVE LIMA View Lima accommodations picture gallery Arrival and transfer to your hotel. If you arrive early, we can arrange optional tours to explore the city, including museum visits, and other sites of interests.
  View Optional Pre-Itinerary Tour Extensions
• Day 2 LIMA - PTO MALDONADO - AMAZON JUNGLE LODGE Posadas Amazonas Jungle Lodge picture gallery Sandoval Jungle Lodge picture gallery A morning transfer gets you to the airport for a flight to Puerto Maldonado in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest. To reach your accommodations, you'll take a one-hour motorized canoe ride up the Tambopata River. After unpacking and relaxing a bit, you'll be welcomed and receive a briefing about the lodge and Ecotourism Project before the afternoon's amazing Amazon Rainforest activity, climbing the Canopy Tower. The Canopy Tower is a 115-ft scaffold that offers spectacular views of the river and the surrounding Amazon Rainforest. (B,L,D)
• Day 3 PUERTO MALDONADO Posadas Amazonas Jungle Lodge picture gallery Sandoval Jungle Lodge picture gallery Early in the morning, you visit the Tres Chimbadas oxbow lake where fascinating wildlife is sure to be found. After breakfast, you'll depart from Posada Amazonas by boat and take a brief walk to the shore followed by a long, easy canoe ride around the lake. Here you may see giant river otters, turtles, hoatzin and wading birds. Returning to the Amazon Rainforest eco-lodge trails, you'll visit a small parakeet clay lick where dozens, and sometimes hundreds, of parakeets congregate on clear days to ingest clay. This afternoon's Amazon Rainforest tours consist of an excursion to the community's ethno-botanical center and a hike along the surrounding trails with a resident guide who will explain the everyday uses of forest resources in medicine, construction, food and fiber. The relaxing evening will be spent at the lodge. (B,L,D)
• Day 4 PTO MALDONADO - CUSCO View Cusco accommodations picture gallery Your Amazon tours end with an early departure downriver to the airport of Pto. Maldonado for the short flight to Cusco, center of the Inca Empire. Your Peru tour begins as Southern Explorations' guides pick you up at the airport, stopping for a quick tour of the colonial Plaza de Armas. From there, you will be taken to your hotel and be free for the rest of the day to explore the city and acclimatize to the altitude (10,856 ft). (B)
  View Optional Mid-Itinerary Tour Extensions
• Day 5 CUSCO View Cusco accommodations picture gallery This morning, your Peru travels take you on a guided walking tour through the colorful markets of Cusco, the colonial cathedral and Koricancha, the impressive Temple of the Sun. After a lunch of regional cuisine, depart for an afternoon tour of prominent Inca sights in and around Cusco. You'll see the fortress ofSacsayhuamán, with its megalithic stone terraces; Kenko, with its carved stone surfaces and subterranean altars; the small Puka Pukara fortress that protected the royal capital from attacks; and the water temple, Tambo Machay. In the late afternoon, return to your hotel to relax or further explore the fascinating mix of Cusco cultures. (B)
  View Optional Mid-Itinerary Tour Extensions
• Day 6 CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY View Sacred Valley accommodations picture gallery Embark on a day-long guided excursion through the Andean countryside of the legendary Sacred Valley, passing Inca terraces along the steep valley walls before reaching the ruins of Pisac temples that offer panoramic views of granite peaks. In the town of Pisac, you'll find bargains at one of the best textile markets in the Andes. After lunch, you reach the small town of Ollantaytambo (9,185 ft.), to visit its famous Inca fortress and spend the night. (B,L)
• 
  

  Machu Picchu offers mystical scenes from every angle

  Day 7 SACRED VALLEY - OLLANTAYTAMBO - MACHU PICCHU View Machu Picchu accommodations picture gallery You'll enjoy a satisfying breakfast at your hotel before beginning a walking tour of the Ollantaytambo ruins and town. By midmorning, you'll take a leisurely walk from the hotel to the train station at Ollantaytambo. Following the Urubamba River through a scenic cloud forest, you arrive at the station in time for lunch before boarding a bus that will take you to the hidden citadel of Machu Picchu (7,875 ft.). Here you'll spend an unforgettable day, learning about Machu Picchu history as you explore the famous ruins. You'll return in the late afternoon to nearby Aguas Calientes for a soak in the local hot springs, a dinner of Peru cuisine and overnight at a nearby hotel. (B)
• Day 8 MACHU PICCHU - CHINCHEROS TEXTILE MARKET - CUSCO View Cusco accommodations picture gallery If you choose to wake before dawn, you can see a once-in-a-lifetime Machu Picchu sunrise with few other visitors. Your morning will be spent exploring Machu Picchu on your own which might include a climb to the sacred peak of Huayna Picchu or a walk through the lush cloud forest to the Temple of the Moon. You'll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then take the mid-afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo. Your private van will travel to the cooperatively run Chincheros Market, source of some of the most remarkable textiles in Peru. Here you'll enjoy an informative session with weavers, learning how they shear, dye, spin and weave using traditional methods. This is a perfect opportunity for last-minute shopping before returning to Cusco and a final evening at the hotel. (B)
  View Optional Mid-Itinerary Tour Extensions
• Day 9 CUSCO – LIMA – QUITO View Quito accommodations picture gallery In the morning you'll be taken to the airport for the return flight to Lima and your connecting international flight to Quito. Arrival and transfer to your Quito hotel. (B) View Optional Mid-Itinerary Tour Extensions
• Day 10 QUITO – GALAPAGOS View Galapagos Cruise Vessel Options Morning transfer to the Quito airport for a flight to the Galapagos Islands to board your cruise. (B,L,D)
• 
  

  Spend exciting days exploring the Galapagos Islands and observing the unique Galapagos wildlife

  Day 11-13 GALAPAGOS CRUISE View Galapagos Cruise Vessel Options Here you'll spend exciting days exploring the Galapagos Islands and observing the unique Galapagos wildlife, staying on a comfortable yacht. Itinerary specifics vary based on which Galapagos cruise vessel you select. Please to discuss available Galapagos cruise options during your timeframe. (B,L,D)
• Day 14 GALAPAGOS - QUITO View Quito accommodations picture gallery You return to mainland Ecuador today, landing at Quito's airport to connect with your international flight to Lima, Peru. On arrival, you'll be taken to your lodging. (B) View Optional Post-Itinerary Tour Extensions
• Day 15 QUITO - HOME Transfer to the airport for the international departure home, the end of Southern Explorations services. If you are interested in more Galapagos tours, trip extensions to other regions or extra days in Quito, we would be happy to arrange them. (B)
• Key: (B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner

GALAPAGOS & ECUADOR EXTENSIONS

PERU EXTENSIONS

ARTICLES & INFORMATION ABOUT GALAPAGOS
TOURS AND TRAVEL

SOUTHERN EXPLORATIONS
IS A PROUD
MEMBER / SPONSOR / AWARDEE OF THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS

CONTACT US

CALL
1.877.784.5400
TOLL FREE
OUTSIDE
THE U.S.A. CALL
1.206.784.8111

2010 TRIP DATES

Departure dates depend on the duration of your Galapagos cruise and the boat of your choice. Please for more details.
2 person minimum / 8 maximum

INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS

Included in tour cost

Meals as indicated

All hotel accommodations (twin shared basis)

All airport/hotel transfers

Entrance fees for all scheduled tours and archaeological sites (except Galapagos National Park)

Galapagos Cruise (Duration depends upon preference and availability)

English speaking certified guides

Southern Explorations pre departure services.

Excluded in tour cost

International airfare to Lima, Peru and from Quito, Ecuador

- Domestic Airfare:
Low Season: $1,375
High Season: $1,430
includes Lima > Quito
Quito < > Galapagos
Lima > Pto Maldonado > Cuzco > Lima

Airport taxes international (around $70) and local (around $5)

Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee ($100 Adult/$50 Child)

Tips and gratuities

Alcoholic beverages

Travel insurance

Continental breakfasts are included at all hotels. All other meals are not included unless specified in the itinerary.

High Season Galapagos Airfare:  Jan 1 - April 30 / June 15 - Sept 14 / Nov 1 - Dec 31

Low Season Galapagos Airfare: May 1 - June 14 / Sept 15 - Oct 31

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

ACCOMMODATION

Machu Picchu & Galapagos:

8 nights hotels
2 nights Amazon Lodge
3-7 nights at sea

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

Single Supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy. We will match you with another same gender traveler unless you request single accommodations.

Prices based on 3% cash discount