CONTACT US
CALL 877.784.5400 TOLL FREE
(outside USA call +1.206.784.8111)
CONTACT US
CALL 877.784.5400 TOLL FREE
(outside USA call +1.206.784.8111)
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Duration: 13 days
4+ Travelers: $3995 per person
3 Travelers: $4370 per person
2 Travelers: $5265 per person
Internal flights are not included in trip costs
Internal airfare: $1170 low season / $1225 high season (subject to change)
In just two action-packed weeks, this trip allows you to explore two of the top attractions in South America, Peru's Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador. Your Galapagos hiking adventure begins with a land-based week in the pristine Galapagos Islands, observing its unique wildlife at close range. On hiking trails, by sea kayak, snorkeling, and mountain bike, you'll explore several of the central and southern islands, staying in comfortable hotels and taking advantage of your prime location to experience the unique Galapagos Island culture. Next, it's off to the magnificent Andean highlands of Peru, to experience the highlights of the impressive Inca Empire. Our native guides will take you off the beaten path to visit the legendary Inca ruins of Sacsayhuamán, Ollantaytambo and the hidden city of Machu Picchu. You'll have a chance to shop at the colorful markets of Cusco and Chincheros along the way. For travelers on a schedule, this Ecuador Peru adventure to the countries' most well known sights makes a unique South America travel odyssey.
To arrange a private departure for the Galapagos Multi Sport & Machu Picchu Tour, please contact us regarding details and private departure costs.
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The morning begins with a transfer to the airport for the flight to San Cristóbal Island. After arrival and check-in at a comfortable hotel, enjoy a welcome lunch and briefing. We’ll hike out of town to the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, for an overview of the island’s geology, evolution and natural history. From here take an invigorating hike to nearby Frigate Hill where you witness breathtaking views of the coastline and Puerto Baqueriz Moreno on the other side. This is an excellent bird watching spot where magnificent frigate birds, with wing spans of over six feet, soar above. The great frigates share the hill with blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and Darwin's finches. On the way back, you'll stop for a tropical swim along the white sands of Carola or Mann Beach. The first night is spent at a charming San Cristóbal hotel where we will enjoy dinner. The remainder of the evening is free to explore this quaint island town. (B,L,D)
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From the sparkling coast, slip into sleek ocean kayaks and spend the day paddling along the turquoise waters to Playa Ochoa, watching sea lions, marine turtles, blue-footed boobies and frigate birds from bays and coves along the way. We will stop in Darwin Bay, the first landing site of the MS Beagle. After reaching Playa Ochoa, we will continue to nearby Isla Lobos looking for marine iguanas and swimming with friendly sea lions. Enjoy a hearty lunch before paddling to Roca Leon Dormido, the jagged remains of an old tuff cone often covered with seabirds. The jutting rocks offer excellent snorkeling in the Galapagos. Here, marine life is abundant, with hammerheads, white-tipped sharks, eagle rays, golden rays, clams, starfish, marine invertebrates and dozens of tropical fish species swimming in and out of the rocky channels. Return to the hotel to relax for the evening. (B, L)
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After breakfast, you'll take a fast boat from San Cristóbal to the island of Santa Cruz, where you'll be transferred to El Chato Reserve, a natural habitat of the Galapagos tortoise. Here we’ll hike to learn about these giant and search for pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches and frigate birds may be seen bathing in freshwater lakes. You'll explore unique volcanic tunnel formations in lava caves, and if the weather is clear, be able to see Media Luna, an ancient collapsed crater at the top of the island. We’ll continue to Los Gemelos, two volcanic craters near the top of the island and hike around through a beautiful Scalesia forest. This is the habitat for the short eared owl, one of two owl species on Santa Cruz. In the afternoon we return to Puerto Ayora and your hotel. (B, L)
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After breakfast, you'll visit famed Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about Galapagos conservation and wildlife management efforts. Here we meet Lonesome George, the last giant tortoise of his species. After exploring the Research Station, we will slip into kayaks and paddle through the calm turquoise waters of Divine Bay and Punta Estrada, winding through high-walled lava channels home to white-tipped sharks and rays. Above, colonies of blue-footed boobies, tropic birds, herons, crabs and marine iguanas perch along the cliffs. Making the relaxing paddle back to Puerto Ayora, we hike to Tortuga Bay, one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the archipelago and nesting site of thousands of marine turtles. This four mile loop is on trails through dry forest habitat home to hundreds of iguanas. You'll return to your hotel in the afternoon and have the evening free to sample the cuisine and nightlife. (B, L)
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In the morning, travel by boat to Puerto Villamil, capital of Isabela Island, the largest island in the Galapagos. During the crossing we will be on the lookout for migrating dolphins and whales (July to October). Isabela was formed by the merging of six shield volcanoes - Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra, and Wolf. All but one of these volcanoes is still active, making this island one of the Earth's most volcanically active places. Despite the island's potential for destruction, Isabela's wildlife is rich beyond comparison. We arrive and prepare to mountain bike the beautiful coastline, enjoying its scenery and ample wildlife. We first visit the Wall of Tears, a wall built from lava blocks by prisoners between 1946 and 1959 when Isabela was used as a penal colony. The wall was intended to keep prisoners busy and represents an interesting history of the island. We continue mountain biking along the coast exploring the white sand beaches, mangroves, and brackish lagoons. The area is filled with impressive birdlife, including herons, flamingos, finches, American oyster catchers, and many shore birds. Sea lions and marine iguanas can also be found. After returning for lunch, we don ocean kayaks and paddle to Tintoreras, a small set of wildlife-filled islets within the bay. Here we may be able to encounter the Galapagos Penguin, the only penguin that lives near the equator. Sharks, sea lions, illusive marine turtles and other wildlife abounds. Return to the hotel in the afternoon for a relaxing evening and dinner. (B,L,D)
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| Have more time to spend? Why not customize your trip with some of these trip extensions? Add extensions to the beginning or the end of your trip, or add to both ends. | |
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| Have more time to spend? Why not customize your trip with some of these trip extensions? Add extensions to the beginning or the end of your trip, or add to both ends. | |
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SOUTHERN EXPLORATIONS
IS A PROUD
MEMBER / SPONSOR OF THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS
CALL
1.877.784.5400
TOLL FREE
OUTSIDE
THE U.S.A. CALL
1.206.784.8111
Saturday Departures
2 person minimum / 10 maximum
January
17-29
8 spaces left
February
14-26
March
14-26
April
11-23
May
23-06/04
June
20-07/02
July
18-30
August
08-20
September
05-17
October
10-22
November
21-12/03
December
12/26-01/07/10
Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding private departure costs.
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