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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: 17 days
4+ Travelers: $4485  per person
3 Travelers: $4955 per person
2 Travelers: $5925 per person
Internal flights are not included in trip costs
Internal airfare: $1170 low season / $1225 high season (subject to change)
 
Here's a trip for those with the desire but not the time to experience both the Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu on separate vacations. For you, we've put these two magical destinations into one unforgettable South America adventure tour. This combination trip pairing our land-based Galapagos MultiSport Adventure with the Alternative Inca Trail route to reach Machu Picchu is the ultimate for active travelers who want to stay off the beaten path. The Galapagos segment features exciting stays on the archipelago's central and southern islands with accommodations in comfortable hotels. By kayaking, snorkeling, mountain biking, trekking and horseback riding, you will see Galapagos wildlife close up in ways few tourists can. After nine enchanting days in the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador, Peru awaits with a distinctly different adventure. Here 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 make their home in the Inca heartland. 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 (Sat) ARRIVE QUITO or GUAYAQUIL View Quito accommodations picture gallery On your arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel in Quito, Ecuador. If your arrival is early, you may wish to schedule optional tours to museums or other attractions in the Ecuador capital.
  Begin Optional Pre-Itinerary Tour Extensions
• Day 2 (Sun) QUITO or GUAYAQUIL - SAN CRISTÓBAL (Hiking) View San Cristóbal accommodations picture gallery This morning we get you to the airport for the flight to the Galapagos Island of San Cristóbal. After checking in at a comfortable hotel, you'll take an invigorating hike to nearby Frigate Hill offering breathtaking views of the coastline and Puerto Baqueriz Moreno. At this excellent birdwatching spot, magnificent frigatebirds, with wing spans of over six feet, soar above and blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and Darwin's finches are frequently found. On the return, you'll stop for a pleasant swim along the white sands of Mann Beach. Your first night is spent at a charming San Cristóbal hotel. (B,L)
• Day 3 (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 beach, you'll board sea kayaks and spend the day paddling in turquoise waters. You'll watch sea lions, marine turtles, blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds on the way to your first stop, Playa Ochoa. Here you'll have a chance to stretch your legs on the beach and take a swim with friendly sea lions, enjoying a hearty lunch before paddling to Roca Leon Dormido. These jagged remains of an old tuff cone are often covered with seabirds and offer excellent snorkeling. Certified divers find this location to be one of the best dives in the Galapagos Islands because its abundant marine life includes hammerheads, white-tipped sharks, eagle rays, golden rays, clams, starfish, marine invertebrates and dozens of tropical fish species that swim in and out of the rocky channels. You'll return to your hotel for another relaxing evening. (B,L)
• Day 4 (Tue) SAN CRISTÓBAL - SANTA CRUZ (Biking) View Santa Cruz accommodations picture gallery Following breakfast, a fast boat will get you to the Galapagos Island of Santa Cruz, where you'll be taken to El Chato Reserve, a natural habitat of the Galapagos tortoise. Pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches and frigatebirds may be seen here in freshwater lakes. You'll explore the unique volcanic tunnel formations of lava caves, and in clear weather, be able to see Media Luna, an ancient collapsed crater at the top of the island. The afternoon's drive takes you to Cerro Mesa high on the island to begin a twelve-mile mountain bike excursion through highland farmlands and the village of Bellavista, ending at the Islands' most populous town, Puerto Ayora. The terrain of dirt and paved roads is mostly downhill. You'll spend the night at a Puerto Ayora hotel. (B,L)
• Day 5 (Wed) SANTA CRUZ (Hiking and Charles Darwin Center) View Santa Cruz accommodations picture gallery After breakfast, you'll hike around Cerro Crocket to search for the Galapagos tortoise species and to visit the lava tunnels. It is possible you may be able to go sea kayaking in Divine Bay but new regulations have for the time being prohibited all sea kayaking in this area. Government regulations change unexpectedly, so if kayaking is available, your guide will change the itinerary. Next you'll visit the famed Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about Galapagos Island wildlife management and conservation efforts. If so inclined, passengers may choose to add on an optional self-guided hike through dry forest habitat to Tortuga Bay, one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the archipelago. One of the few unguided Galapagos Island hikes, this is a four mile loop trail. In the afternoon, you'll return to your hotel and have the evening free to sample the Santa Cruz cuisine and nightlife. (B,L)
• Day 6 (Thu) ISABELA ISLAND (Hiking and Snorkeling) View Isabela Island accommodations picture gallery In the morning, you'll take the boat to Puerto Villamil, capital of Isabela Island, the largest Galapagos Island. Isabela was created by the merging of six shield volcanoes: Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra, and Wolf. All but one 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. In the afternoon, you'll visit the Isabela Breeding Center, important for the preservation of the giant tortoise, and explore various trails along the coastline. Hike through thick mangroves and salty lagoons, where graceful herons and flamingos may be observed. Once a penal colony, Isabela Island is the site of the famous "Muro de las Lagrimas," a lava stone wall built by prisoners. With curious Galapagos penguins looking on, you'll snorkel in the bay, perhaps catching a glimpse of marine iguanas or sharks in the crystal clear waters. You'll spend the night at a hotel on the island. (B,L)
• Day 7 (Fri) ISABELA ISLAND (Horseback Riding and Hiking) View Isabela Island accommodations picture gallery After breakfast, you'll travel to Santo Tomas for the start of today's excursion, a two-hour horseback trip 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 8 (Sat) ISABELA - SANTA CRUZ - BALTRA - LIMA View Lima accommodations picture gallery A peaceful boat ride back to Santa Cruz Island starts the day. From there, you go by bus to Baltra Island for the return flight to Quito, Ecuador and your connecting flight to Lima, Peru where you'll be transferred to a comfortable Lima hotel. (B)
• Day 9 (Sun) LIMA - CUSCO View Cusco accommodations picture gallery In the morning, you'll fly to Cusco, Peru, colonial icon and center of the Inca Empire. After Southern Explorations' guides pick you up at the airport, you'll enjoy a guided walking tour of the local markets, the colonial cathedral and begin to learn about Machu Picchu history by visiting the city's major Inca ruins, the Koricancha, the impressive Temple of the Sun. After lunch, you'll tour the temples of Cusco and several nearby Inca sights, including the fortress of Sacsayhuaman with its megalithic terraces, Kenko, known for its stone surfaces and subterranean alters, Puka Pukara, the small fort that protected the royal capital from attacks, and the water temple site called Tambo Machay. An evening briefing session by the guides prepares you for the upcoming trek. Overnight at your comfortable hotel in Cusco. (B)
• Day 10 (Mon) CUSCO- SACRED VALLEY - OLLANTAYTAMBO View Sacred Valley accommodations picture gallery Moving ever closer to Machu Picchu, today's day-long excursion through snowcapped mountains begins your exploration of the Incas' legendary Sacred Valley. Along the way, you learn about Inca agricultural practices from the remnants of terracing on the steep valley walls and visit the ruined temples of Pisac that set off panoramic views of the jagged granite mountains. Pisac is home to one of the most important Andean textile markets where you'll be able to souvenir-shop and get acquainted with the local Peru culture. After lunch, you'll travel to Ollantaytambo (9,185 ft.), a small town with a famous Inca fortress. You'll spend the night at a charming Ollantaytambo hotel. (B)
• Day 11 (Tue) SACRED VALLEY - RAYAN Life on the Alternative Inca Trail gallery 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 meet students at a small school, and have the opportunity to donate much-needed school supplies. A gradual climb begins the hike, offering fantastic views of the valley below. After two hours, you'll stop to view the spectacular Piruchayoc waterfalls (10,745 ft). Thirty more minutes of hiking brings you to the Raccaypata ruins where you'll enjoy lunch in scenic splendor and have time to explore the ruins before hiking a final two miles to today's campsite, Rayan (11,795 ft). You'll arrive in time to see the sun setting behind the Andes and be able to relax before dinner. (B,L,D)
  Hiking Details: 5.6 miles | 6 Hours Altitude: Camp elevation: 11,794 ft.
• Day 12 (Wed) 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 13 (Thu) 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 14 (Fri) 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 15 (Sat) 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 (7,800 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 16 (Sun) 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)
• Day 17 (Mon) CUSCO - LIMA - HOME On your final morning, you'll be transferred to the airport for the return flight to Lima and your connecting international flight. This marks the end of your Southern Exploration services on your Peru tours. If your time allows, trip extensions to other regions or extra days in Lima or Cusco may be arranged. (B) Begin Optional Post-Itinerary Tour Extensions
• Key: (B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner

GALAPAGOS & ECUADOR EXTENSIONS

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2009 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES

Saturday Departures
2 person minimum / 10 maximum

January
  17-02/02
8 spaces left
February 14-03/02
March 14-30
April 11-27
May 23-06/08
June 20-07/06
July 18-08/03
August 08-24
September 05-21
October 10-26
November 21-12/07
December 12/26-01/11/10

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 Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and all scheduled tours and archaeological sites

- 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

- Horse back riding gear

- Southern Explorations pre departure services

Excluded in tour cost

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

- Domestic Airfare: Quito / Galapagos / Quito
Low Season: $360
(May 1 - June 14 / Sept 15 - Oct 31)
High Season: $415
(Jan 1 - April 30 / June 15 - Sept 14 / Nov 1 - Dec 31)

- Domestic Airfare: Guayaquil / Galapagos / Guayaquil
Low Season: $320
(May 1 - June 14 / Sept 15 - Oct 31)
High Season: $465
(Jan 1 - April 30 / June 15 - Sept 14 / Nov 1 - Dec 31)

- airport taxes international (around $30) 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

Moderate

ACCOMMODATION

Galapagos Multi Sport & Alternative Inca Trail:

12 nights hotels
4 nights camping

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

Additional $225

- 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