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Galapagos Multi Sport & Alternative Inca Trail Hike

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

Duration: 19 days
4+ Passengers: $5,320
3 Passengers: $5,850
2 Passengers: $6,370
Here's a trip for those with the desire but not the time to experience Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands on separate vacations. For you, we've put these two magical destinations into one unforgettable South America adventure tour. This pairing of the Alternative Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu with our land-based Galapagos MultiSport Adventure is the ultimate for active travelers who want to stay off the beaten path. The tour travels first to the Andes where you'll take the least populated route to the country's most popular destination, tracing the Incas' cultural traditions and engineering feats through the Sacred Valley. Accompanied by our expert local guides, this informative Alternative Inca Trail tour offers the rare opportunity to meet and mingle with the indigenous populations that dwell here. After your unforgettable stay in the Inca heartland, it-s off to the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador. During these nine enchanting days, you-ll stay on the archipelago's central and southern islands with accommodations in comfortable hotels. By kayaking, snorkeling, mountain biking and trekking, you will observe Galapagos wildlife close up in ways few tourists can. Visiting one of civilization's most stunning achievements and one of the world's last bastions where wildlife is king, all in a single trip, makes this the vacation of a lifetime.
To arrange a private departure for the Galapagos Multi Sport & Alternative Inca Trail Hike, please contact us regarding details and private departure costs.

Itinerary for Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands

• Day 1 (Wed) LIMA View Lima accommodations picture gallery Arrive and transfer to your hotel. If you arrive early, city tours, museum visits or sightseeing excursions tailored to your interests may be arranged. Overnight in Lima.
  View Optional Pre-Itinerary Tour Extensions
• Day 2 (Sun) LIMA - CUSCO View Cusco accommodations picture gallery Today we kick off our Peru tour with a morning departure flight to Cusco, colonial jewel and center of the Inca Empire. Southern Explorations' guides pick you up at the airport and take you on a quick tour around the beautiful Plaza de Armas on the way to your hotel, leaving you free for the remainder of the day to relax and get used to the altitude (10,856 ft). Overnight in a charming Cusco hotel. (B)
  View Optional Mid-Itinerary Tour Extensions
• Day 3 (Mon) CUSCO View Cusco accommodations picture gallery The morning begins with a guided walking tour of the local markets of Cusco, the colonial cathedral and the city's major Inca ruins, the Koricancha, the impressive Temple of the Sun. After lunch, you'll tour Cusco's temples and visit several nearby distinctive Inca sights, including the fortress of Sacsayhuaman with its megalithic terraces; Kenko's stone surfaces and subterranean alters, Puka Pukara, the small terrace that protected the royal capital from attacks, and the water temple site, Tambo Machay. An evening briefing session orients you to the upcoming trek. Overnight in a charming hotel in Cusco. (B)
  View Optional Mid-Itinerary Tour Extensions
• Day 4 (Tue) CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY - OLLANTAYTAMBO View Sacred Valley accommodations picture gallery Today's Peru ecotour consists of a day-long excursion through snowcapped mountains to the Incas' legendary Sacred Valley. Along the way, you'll pass Inca agricultural terracing on steep valley walls and the Pisac temple ruins, setting off panoramic views of jagged granite mountains. Pisac is home to one of the most important textile markets in the Andes, offering a pleasant way to get acquainted with the local culture. After lunch, you'll head to Ollantaytambo (9,185 ft), a small town with an imposing Inca fortress. Overnight at a pleasant hotel in Ollantaytambo. (B)
• Day 5 (Wed) SACRED VALLEY - RAYAN Life on the Alternative Inca Trail gallery From Ollantaytambo, today's travels begin with a thirty minute drive in a private van to the village of Socma. Before starting the day-s trek, you-ll stop to visit a small school, meet the children and donate chool supplies. The trek begins with a gradual climb offering fantastic views of the valley below. After two hours of hiking, you-ll arrive at the spectacular Piruchayoc waterfalls (10,745 ft) where you-ll stop to gaze at the view. Thirty minutes further along the trail are the Raccaypata ruins. Here you-ll have lunch in scenic splendor and explore the ruins before hiking a final two miles to today-s campsite, Rayan (11,795 ft). You-ll arrive in time to relax and enjoy the sun setting behind the Andes before dinner (B,L,D)
  Hiking Details: 5.6 miles | 6 Hours Altitude: Camp elevation: 11,794 ft.
• Day 6 (Thu) RAYAN  - CANCHACANCHAYOK
  
  

  Some will tell you that the Alternative Inca Trail Hike offers even more spectacular surroundings en route to the same amazing Machu Picchu

  Life on the Alternative Inca Trail gallery After a hearty breakfast, you'll hike a winding ascending trail to reach Charcahuylla pass at 13,910 feet, surrounded by the Vilanota mountain range with Mt. Veronica rising above the peaks. This segment of the hike is a step back in time as you pass Peruvians working in fields of potatoes and other local crops. After about an hour, you'll come to a small straw house, the setting for lunch. Continuing your Peru travel downhill, you'll pass through a small village before dropping into a beautiful valley to reach the mountain town of Canchacanchayok near tonight's camp. (B,L,D)
  Hiking Details: 6.8 miles | 6 Hours Altitude: camp elevation 12,785
• Day 7 (Fri) CANCHACANCHAYOK - QHESQA Life on the Alternative Inca Trail gallery Today's route intersects an ancient Inca road that gains altitude and eventually affords views of the stunning Anccascocha alpine lake. After stopping for an energy-boosting snack, you'll continue the ascent to the second and final high alpine pass, 14,875-ft. Huayanay, with views of the mountains and lake. From here, you'll hike into a valley with views of famed Mt. Salkantay, stopping to camp near a small village. You'll be able to visit with the villagers and enjoy some Peru cuisine with a traditional lamb barbecue prepared especially for our guests in the ancient method called Pachamanca.  Vegetarian options are available. (B,L,D)
  Hiking Details: 9.3 miles | 7 Hours Altitude: camp elevation 12,395
• Day 8 (Sat) QHESQA - QUENTE - KM 88 Life on the Alternative Inca Trail gallery Today, you continue along the Old Inca Trail, stopping to visit the small school of Qhesqa (where gifts for the students are appreciated) before reaching your lunch destination, the Inca ruins of Paucarcancha. The next stop is the town of Huayllabamba where you'll join the stream of visitors on Peru's most popular path, the classic Inca Trail. You'll stop at the Inca ceremonial and work site, Llactapacta that affords great views of elaborate Incan aqueducts. From there you'll walk to the nearby campsite of Machu Quente for a last night of camping under the stars. (B,L,D)
  Hiking Details: 6.8 miles | 5 Hours Altitude: camp elevation 8,300 ft
• Day 9 (Sun) KM 88 - AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU View Machu Picchu accommodations picture gallery The day begins with a short early morning walk to board the Vista Dome train for your picturesque ride beside the Urubamba River and through a magnificent cloud forest to Aguas Calientes. From here, you'll go by bus to reach the ultimate destination, the awe-inspiring city of Machu Picchu (7,875 ft.). You'll have the whole day to explore the famous ruins before returning to nearby Aguas Calientes for a late afternoon soak in the hot springs and a dinner of Peru cuisine. Overnight at a local hotel. (B)
• Day 10 (Mon) MACHU PICCHU - CHINCHEROS ARTISAN MARKET - CUSCO View Cusco accommodations picture gallery This second unforgettable day of Machu Picchu history will be spent exploring the site with opportunities to climb to the sacred peak of Huayna Picchu for a perfect view of the entire complex or walk through a lush cloud forest to the Temple of the Moon. Lunch will be enjoyed back in Aguas Calientes before the early afternoon train returns you to Ollantaytambo. Traveling through the Sacred Valley, you'll stop at the Chincheros Market, a cooperative weavers' community that produces some of the best quality textiles in Peru. The local weavers will show you their craft and share its rich history. There will be time for some last-minute shopping before returning to Cusco for the evening. (B)
  View Optional Mid-Itinerary Tour Extensions
• Day 11 (Sat) 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 12 (Sun) QUITO or GUAYAQUIL - SAN CRISTÓBAL (Hiking) View San Cristóbal accommodations picture gallery 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 Baquerizo 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. Spend the night at a charming San Cristóbal hotel. The remainder of the evening is free to explore this quaint island town. (B,L)
• Day 13 (Mon) SAN CRISTÓBAL (Sea Kayaking and Snorkeling) View San Cristóbal accommodations picture gallery
  
  

  Experience close encounters with sea lions, marine turtles, blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and much more every day on this active Galapagos vacation

  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)
• Day 14 (Tue) SAN CRISTÓBAL - SANTA CRUZ (Hiking) View Santa Cruz accommodations picture gallery 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)
• Day 15 (Wed) SANTA CRUZ (Charles Darwin Center, Sea Kayak and Hike) View Santa Cruz accommodations picture gallery 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)
• Day 16 (Thu) ISABELA ISLAND (Bike and Sea Kayak) View Isabela Island accommodations picture gallery 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)
• Day 17 (Fri) ISABELA ISLAND (Hiking) View Isabela Island accommodations picture gallery After breakfast, you'll travel to Santo Tomas for the start of today's excursion, a two-three hour hike over six miles of steep terrain. The destination is the rim of volcano Sierra Negra which possesses the second largest caldera in the world. From this vantage point, the views of the five by six mile-wide caldera and Perry Isthmus are astonishing. Following a tasty lunch, you'll hike to Volcano Chico to see if there is any evidence of volcanic activity. This site is a natural museum containing examples of the geologic events that have formed the Galapagos Islands. In the late afternoon, you'll return to your hotel for the night. (B,L,D)
• Day 18 (Sat) ISABELA - SANTA CRUZ - BALTRA - QUITO or GUAYAQUIL View Quito accommodations picture gallery The morning begins with a peaceful boat ride back to Santa Cruz Island where we transfer by bus to Baltra Island for the return flight to Quito. Depending upon weather conditions and schedules, we may alternatively take a flight back to Baltra Island to connect with our return flight to Quito. Arrive in the late afternoon and transfer to your comfortable Quito hotel. (B)
• Day 19 (Sun) QUITO or GUAYAQUIL- 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

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1.877.784.5400
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OUTSIDE
THE U.S.A. CALL
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2010 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES

Wednesday Departures
2 person minimum / 10 maximum

Mar 02/24-03/14 SOLD OUT!
Apr 03/31-04/18
May 12-30 SOLD OUT!
Jun 09-27 6 spaces left
Jul 06/30-07/18 6 spaces left
Aug 04-22 6 spaces left
Sep 08/25-09/12
Oct 09/29-10/17
Nov 10-28
Dec 12/15-01/02 5 spaces left

Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding private departure costs.

INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS

Included in tour cost

- Professional, english-speaking local guides and camp staff

- Meals as indicated

- Plentiful, nutritious meals and snacks while on the trek (Vegetarian option available)

- All hotel and camping accommodations (twin shared basis)

- All airport/hotel transfers

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

- Porters to carry camping equipment and any excess gear

- North Face tents - three person

- Air mattresses

- Kitchen, dining and latrine tent

- Hot water in the morning for washing

- Drinking water through out the trek

- 2 tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu

- Train Ticket back to Cusco - Vista Dome train

- First Aid and Oxygen Bottle

- Snorkeling gear

- Mountain bicycling gear

- Sea kayaking gear

- Southern Explorations pre departure services

Excluded in tour cost

- International airfare to Lima, Peru and from Quito, Ecuador

- Domestic Airfare:
Low Season: $1,240
High Season: $1,290
includes Lima > Quito
Quito < > Galapagos
Lima < > Cuzco

- 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

- Hiking boots and other necessary sports gear

- Wetsuit rental ($35 per week), recommended during May - November

- 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

Strenuous

ACCOMMODATION

Galapagos Multi Sport & Alternative Inca Trail:

14 nights hotels
4 nights camping
(North face 3 person tents for 2)

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

Additional $835

- 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