DAY 1 SATURDAY -ARRIVAL QUITO
Meeting and assistance upon arrival in Quito and transfer to the Hotel. Overnight. (No meals)

DAY 2 SUNDAY - QUITO – SANTA CRUZ
Early breakfast and transportation to the Airport. Departure from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra (2 hours flight). Passengers
are picked up at the airport by our naturalist guides and taken on a ten minute
bus drive to the pier to board the M/Y Corals

PM – Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz)
Dry landing. We visit the Station where the Galapagos giant tortoise breeding program takes place and you will have the opportunity to meet Lonesome George, the last surviving specimen of his species and symbol of our efforts

to preserve the fragile Galapagos environment. It is an excellent place for visitors to be photographed with them. Admire a prickly-pear cactus forest and a variety Darwin’s finch and other land birds. The Darwin Station also works providing environmental education to communities and schools within the islands, and to tourists visiting the Galapagos Islands. You will also have some free time to visit the town and shop for souvenirs.

Difficulty level: intermediate
Type of terrain: flat
Duration: 1h30 visit

DAY 3 MONDAY – SANTA FE
Wet landing on a white sand beach surrounded by a sea lion colony; we continue walking through an endemic cactus forest as we search for the endemic Santa Fe land iguana, the largest in the islands and distinctively paler. This island is home to a number of endemic species including Galapagos Hawk, Galapagos Snake, rice rats, a variety of finches and one of the four species of Galapagos mockingbirds. Deep-water snorkeling.

Difficulty level: intermediate
Type of terrain: rocky
Duration: 1h30 walk

PM - SOUTH PLAZA (PLAZA ISLAND)

Dry landing on the northern part of the Islet. The walk begins with an impressive cactus forest surrounded by land and marine iguanas; as we reach its highest point, be on the lookout for tropicbirds and a bachelor sea lion colony.

In South Plaza there is a large colony of the smaller sized land iguanas. The population is approximately 300 individuals. They feed on all kinds of vegetation, but during the dry season survive on the fruits and flowers of Opuntia cacti. Due to their proximity with marine iguanas, where we will encounter the one and only Galapagos hybrid iguana.

Difficulty level: intermediate
Type of terrain: rocky
Duration: 2 hours walk 

DAY 4 TUESDAY – RÁBIDA
Wet landing. Dark-red sand covers these unique beaches; Rábida is considered the epicenter of the Galapagos Islands due to the diversity of its volcanic geology. Nesting Brown Pelicans are found from July through September and nine species of the famous Darwin’s finches can be seen. We will also take a dinghy ride along cliffs to observe nesting seabirds, and snorkel off the coast, where marine life is particularly active.

Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: flat
Duration: 1h30 walk / 1 hour snorkeling / 1 hour dinghy ride

PM – BACHAS BEACH (SANTA CRUZ)
Wet landing on the north side of Santa Cruz; behind the beach lie two small flamingo ponds with iguanas, coastal birds, Darwin finches, mockingbirds, and gulls, as well as interesting native and endemic vegetation, red and black mangroves, salt bushes, and much more. This beach is one of the main nesting sites of sea turtles in the Galapagos. A female can lay eggs 3 or 4 times with an average of 70 eggs each, but then spend 3 or 5 years without breeding.

At this paradisiacal site we will also find the remains of barges that sank long ago, once property of the United States Navy when they operated an airbase on Baltra Island during World War II. That is why the beach is called “Bachas” because the word “barges” in English was hard to pronounce for the local people.

Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy
Duration: 1 hour walk / 1 hour snorkeling/swimming 

DAY 5 WEDNESDAY – DAPHNE
We circumnavigate the islet of Daphne, an eroded tuff cone formation that was created by successive volcanic activity, for an opportunity to see Darwin’s finches, Blue-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies, Red-billed Tropicbirds, Swallow-tailed Gulls, and Brown Noddies. Afterwards, we transfer directly to Baltra Airport for return flight to Guayaquil or Quito (Airfare Included) Meeting and assistance upon arrival in Quito and transfer to the Hotel. Overnight (B).

DAY 6 THURSDAY - QUITO - LIMA
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your connection flight to Lima (Airfare Not Included) to take an exciting extension to Peru, Cusco and Machu Picchu. Upon arrival transfer the Hotel. Overnight. (B)

DAY 7 FRIDAY - LIMA – CUSCO
Transfer to the Lima airport for the flight to Cuzco (Airfare Not Included). Upon arrival to Cusco Airport. Reception and transportation to the Hotel where you will receive an aromatic coca tea to stimulating for the height, will have the free morning to rest and also we suggest you have a light lunch either at your hotel or in one of the surrounded; in the afternoon we will depart on a guided city tour, where tourist have the opportunity to visit 6 places (entrance to the archaeological centers and museums including) we will visit the Main square, Cathedral, the Koricancha (temple of the sun) and in addition we will make a route bordering archaeological centers like Sacsayhuaman Fortress, Q'enko, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay, tour finishes 6:30pm approximately at the main square in order you can take dinner in one of the exquisite restaurants in the area, then overnight. (B)

NOTES:
*City tour: from 1.45pm to 6:30pm approx. (Pickup from the hotel starts at 1:15pm)
*Optional Buffet Dinner with Folkloric Show: Adding $30 per person  

INCA TRAIL 4DAYS 3 NIGHTS

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is definitely one of the most requested tours for those who visit Peru looking for adventure. We will offer a walking adventure with unique style. You will enjoy from the beginning to the end, of amazing landscapes of the Andes and a great mix of highlands and jungle. There is no other natural place in our planet which could show you a constantly changing variety of ecological floors, surrounded by astonishing mountains and rivers, as well as a great variety of animals and plants. Architectonical art is perfectly harmonic with the natural environment and all of these natural wonders are added to the Inca buildings which worth the effort to visit and enjoy.

Important Note: We will buy your Inca Trail trek permit using the names & passport numbers that you send us with your trek booking application. You must bring these same passports with you to Cusco and take them on the Inca Trail. If the name or number in your passport is different from the name and number on the trek permit, the government authorities will not allow you to start the trek and you will not be entitled to a refund. If you plan to renew your passport between making the trek booking and actually starting the trek you will must bring the 2 passports (old and new). If you make a trek booking at the student price you must send us a copy of your ISIC card at the time you pay the trek deposit. If you fail to bring your ISIC card on the trek the government authorities will not allow you to start the trek. You will not be given the opportunity to pay the extra difference in price!

DAY 8 SATURDAY - PISCACUCHO (Km.82)–HUAYLLABAMBA (The Easy day)
You will be picked up from your hotel at scheduled time, and transferred in our private car to KM 82. The route will go through the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas. After approximately one hour and a half, we will cross the little town of Ollantaytambo, where we will make a little stop to take some pictures of this fortress and have a little rest. We will continue our trip following a rural road that goes parallel to the railroad, which will lead us to the KM 82, where we will unpack and get prepared to the walking with our excursion team (cookers, assistants and porters). At this point, the passengers will have to show their passports to the security personnel of the Sanctuary and once these has been reviewed they will be able to cross a bridge that will take you to the other side of the river where they will start climbing in a parallel line to the Urubamba River, which goes from north to west across the Sacred Valley. In this first section of the Inca Trail, we will visit the Community of Miskay (2800 meters), where we will stop for meeting the natives and try the popular drink known as “chicha”, which is offered by the ladies of this place. Later we will start climbing through a little tableland where we will experience an amazing Andean landscape, and see in the base of the mountains a beautiful Inca building known as “Patallacta”, located at 2750 meters over sea level. At this point we will stop and our local guide will provide us information regarding this interesting Inca legacy. After that, we will continue walking for two hours along the Cusichaca River, going upwards until reaching a beautiful spot where we will stop for lunch and take a little break.
Shortly after that, we will continue walking through a zone full of vegetation, where is highly probable seeing the beautiful giant hummingbird native from this region. After a two hours walk we will arrive to our first camping, located in the zone of Wayllabamba at 3000 meters height.
You will be able to enjoy a marvelous Andean landscape and the majesty of Veronica Mountain, 5832 meters over sea level.
Camps will be assigned depending on the availability of entrants to the Inca Trail, seasons. (B, L, D)
NOTE: It is normal if the first day feels hot during the dry season (May to September). We strongly recommend bringing light and fresh clothing, as well as a good sunscreen and a hat to protect your face.

Accommodation: Camping
Maximum altitude: 3000 M
Minimum Altitude: 2650 M
Distance traveled: 12 km
Approximate time of walk: 5 to 6 hours.

DAY 9 SUNDAY - HUAYLLABAMBA – PACAYMAYU (The challenge day)
In this second day of the Inca Trail we will wake up early, around 06:00 am. This will be necessary in order to get ready and have breakfast before starting the excursion. Later we will start walking through a narrow road covered by plants, across a little bridge that will take us towards a cloudy forest of a unique beauty. In this section of the trip you should climb many stairs, for which we recommend taking all the time that is needed and stopping for a break when necessary. Following the route, we will arrive to the Llulluchapampa sector, where we will make a quick stop just to rest and get prepared to climb to the highest point of our walk, the famous pass Warmyhuañuska, located at 4200 meters above the sea level. These sectors include about 2 kilometers of distance and are a bit steep, for which we will recommend going slowly and stopping for a break whenever needed. In this part of the trip we will face the most difficult part of the walk, as we will be over 4200 meter height; however this part is also known as one of the most beautiful landscapes of the world. Once we have reached the top of the mountain, we will be granted with a spectacular view of the Andean mountains. For this special day, we recommend bringing some chocolates, lemon candy, a lot of water and even some coca leaves. In the top we will be able to take the classic pictures of the Inca Trail. After that we will descend by a winding valley until the point where we will stop and have lunch. During this last part it is possible to watch diverse type of wild birds.
At last we will arrive to the camp of Pacaymayo (3600 meters above sea level) where we will spend a comfortable night. Pacaymayo is an official camp, and that is why it has baths and showers; however, we should be aware that the water in this part is really cold. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum altitude: 4200 M
Minimum Altitude: 3000 M
Distance traveled: 13 km
Approximate time of walk: 6 - 7 hours

DAY 10 MONDAY - PACAYMAYU – WIÑAYWAYNA (The unforgettable day)
A lot of visitors feel that this is one of the longest days of the excursion, but at the same time, one of the most beautiful due to the presence of marvelous Inca buildings along the road. This day we will get up at 06:00 hours. After a tasty breakfast we will start our walk climbing through a steep road. Soon we will arrive to Runkurakay ruins, a beautiful Inca oval building which is believed to be as a Inca watchtower. After hearing the historical explanation we will continue until Runkurakay pass, located at 3900 meters above sea level. During this trip we will find a little lake where sometimes you can watch Andean goose and other native bird species. After the pass, we will descend to a beautiful valley full of plants; here we will visit Sayacmarka ruins, located 3624 meters height. This is an interesting Inca construction, built over a steep slope, surrounded by marvelous mountains. After visiting Sayacmarka, we will continue descending to the cloudy forest, arriving to the Puyupatamarka ruins, composed of impressive fountains and water channels that are spectacular works of hydraulic engineering made by the Incas. At this stop we will have a good time, after which we will continue down to reach one of the most beautiful Inca buildings of the place: the ruins of Wiñaywayna. These are without any doubt one of the most beautiful of all the ruins after Machu Picchu. Wiñaywayna means "forever young" and it is said that acquired said name due to the abundance of an orchid that bears the same name. After exploring every corner of Wiñaywayna we head to our last camp, which is located a few meters away.

Accommodation: Camping
Máximum Altitude: 3900 M
Minimum Altitude: 2700 M
Distance traveled: 16 km
Approximate hiking time: 7 to 8 hours.

DAY 11 TUESDAY - WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHUPICCHU (The special day)
On the last day we will wake up very early, at 04:00 hrs. After breakfast, we will quickly go and pass the control gate to enter the path that leads directly to Machu Picchu. It is advisable to bring a good flashlight, because this time it is normally dark here. After walking for about one hour and a half, we will arrive at Inti Punku or Sun Gate, a magnificent point from where you can see the city of Machu Picchu. At this point we can relax for a few minutes, take pictures of the group, and finally go down to reach the recognized as one of the seventh wonders of the world: Machu Picchu.
It was long thought that Machu Picchu was only part of a legend, until in 1911 the American explorer Hiram Bingham discovered it only after many expeditions in the area. Machu Picchu rises to a height of 2430 meters above sea level, in the middle of a tropical forest with an extraordinary location. It was without any doubt one of the most amazing urban creation in Inca times. Its massive walls, terraces and ramps seem to be continually cut in the rocky cliffs. Our guide will take you on a tour of the most impressive of this beautiful Inca city. This will take us about 2 hours, after which we have free time to explore each city on our own taste and preference. An according time, we will go down to the Aguas Calientes town to relax at the hot springs or just overnight at the select hotel in Aguas Calientes town. (B).
(Walking distance approximately 7 km)

Maximum altitude: 2700 M
Minimum Altitude: 2400 M
Distance: 6 km
Approximate walking time: 3 to 4 hours.

DAY 12 WEDNESDAY - MACHU PICCHU / CUZCO
Breakfast and rest of day at leisure by your own (entrance and bus fee to Machu Picchu not included on this day) in the afternoon return to Cusco. Reception at the train station and transfer to the Hotel where it passed the night (B).

Private Excursions upon request: You can make a second visit to Machu Picchu and have the chance to know hidden places, such as the Intipunku (Gate of the Sun) or for more adventures can take a hike to the top of Huayna Picchu (Young Mountain) to visit the Temple of the Moon and enjoy a spectacular view of the city. Or if you have good physical conditions can take a hike full of adrenaline to the Putukusi Mountain opposite position than Machu Picchu which allows us to have other unforgettable views from this new wonder.

DAY 13 THURSDAY - FULL DAY SACRED VALLEY TOUR

Breakfast. You will be picked up at 8:15 am. Full day excursion to the Urubamba Valley visiting: The colorful Indian market in Pisac where a mixture of color, tradition will be able appreciated. Pisac is located to the entrance of the Sacred Valley followed by Ollantaytambo. Most people visit Pisac to see the market on Sunday, but there are smaller markets on both Tuesday and Thursday. However Pisac is a pretty village and has plenty of small handicraft shops and is worth a visit on any day of the week as is a good place to buy the local ceramics including a huge and varied collection of hand-painted multi-coloured beads. Lunch in a typical restaurant in Urubamba then we continue with Ollantaytambo which is an attractive little town located at the western end of the Sacred Valley, considered the older town continuously occupied of the American continent is located at the foot of some spectacular Inca ruins which protected the strategic entrance to the lower Urubamba Valley. The narrow streets of Ollantaytambo, along with their channels that have not varied from the Inca time, evoke their ancestral inheritance, and then finish visiting Chinchero.

 Chinchero is a small Andean Indian village located high up on the windswept plains of Anta at 3762m about 30km from Cusco and is believed to be the mythical birthplace of the rainbow. Its major claim to tourism is its colorful Sunday market which is much less tourist-orientated than the market at Pisac. At the end, return to Cusco arriving at 6:30pm approximately at the main plaza.

 The night is free for you to eat in a restaurant of your choice; although we always have plenty of suggestions for you should you require them. (B, L)

 Note: Take this tour on market days: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday // Bilingual Guided tour on different days

DAY 14 TRANSFER OUT
Breakfast and according time, transportation will be provided to go the airport (B).

*INCA TRAIL INFORMATION

OUR SERVICE INCLUDED
*Transfer by bus to km.82 (trail head)
*Entrance Fee, Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
*A large tent, for each 2 persons.
*Mattress, one per person.
*Kitchen tent.
*Dining tent.
*Enough tables and chairs.
*English speaking professional tour guide (over 8 members, 2 guides).
*An expert cook.
*Porters (to carry tent, food, cooking equipment)
*Train Ticket
*Full meals during the trek.
*Daily snack bag.
*Daily afternoon tea service.
*Daily wake up tea, and hot water for washing.
*Daily morning boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles.
*Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit.
*Transfer train station / hotel
*Bus Ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes

NO INCLUDED:
*Breakfast first day (you can order an early breakfast at your hotel)
*Lunch last day
*Hot springs pool visit (on your own).
*Tips to the crew (guides, cooks and porters).
*Sleeping bag

WHAT WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU BRING

ü A backpack with necessary change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
ü Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
ü Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
ü Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp
ü Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping
ü Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
ü Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
ü Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
ü Sun block
ü After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
ü Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
ü Handkerchiefs
ü Toilet paper
ü Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection
ü Water container and water for the first morning. Important notice: plastic water bottles are no longer allowed into the Inca Trail. Plastic water containers (ie. Nalgene) or metal ones are recommended
ü Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far
ü Small towel
ü Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
ü Cash in soles and/or US$ (No ATM machines in Aguas Calientes)
ü Original passport
ü Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
ü Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail)
 

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STUDENT DISCOUNT:
Note: To apply to this discount It is necessary to send us your scan copy ISIC (International Student Identity Card) with your other information.
Without this copy we will not be able to make the discount.

This is the ONLY Student card to apply the discount
 

When booking a trek: The government has strictly limited the number of people permitted on the Inca Trail during 2009 (permits are issued to about 200 trekkers per day plus 300 porters). We recommend that you make a trek booking as early as possible. In 2008 the trek permits for some dates sold out more than 4 months in advance!! However don't make a booking until you have all the group details (names, passport numbers, ages etc) and you are sure about your trek departure date since "these details cannot be changed after we have bought your trek permit"

* Participants need to be in good physical health and condition it is good for travelers who are in condition to hike up to ten hours, with breaks in a single day to enjoy the Inka Trail. The trekking will be difficult if you have not exercised regularly before your trip. To fully enjoy an Inka Trail adventure, we advise passengers to get into an exercise program for their own safety and enjoyment. If a passenger suffers from any medical condition, we advise him/her to consult a physician about joining an Inka Trail Expedition.
Take only the necessary items for the 4/3 days trek, You can leave the rest of your luggage at your hotel in Cusco (most of hotels and hostals has an storage rooms to keep it until your return)


PARK REGULATIONS
Park authorities may occasionally designate different campsites than those indicate The Inca Trail is part of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, a protected area of 32,592 hectares. Every visitor must obey park regulations prohibiting littering, cutting or damaging trees, removing or damaging stones of ruins and the Trail, removing plants, killing animals, lighting open fires or camping in the archeological sites (Only authorized campsites can be used).

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Trek Options:

1. Personal porters can be hired to help carry your personal items such as clothes, sleeping bag etc. The services of a third of a porter (maximum 9kg or 18lb per person) can be hired for US$135. If you hire the services of a third of a porter (you will need to supply the small padlock). However, even with this service you will still need to take a daypack to carry your essential items such as rain poncho, warm fleece, camera and water bottle.
Please note that due to new government regulations the maximum number of porters that we can use in each group has now been capped. This is why we have had to limit the maximum amount of personal equipment that you can give to a porter to carry for you to 7kg or 14lb per person. (The maximum amount that each porter can carry on the Inca Trail has also been limited to 20kg or 42lb per porter). Approximately 30% of our clients hire the services of an extra third porter.

2. We can also provide vegetarian meals or cater for special diets at no extra cost but we need to know when you make the trek reservation.

3. You can hire sleeping bags in our office. All sleeping bags are synthetic (easy to wash). They are washed after every use and are guaranteed to be clean.

Cost: US$35 per person for the 4 day/3 night trek. Weight 2.5 kg and are rated to 12 degrees below freezing (nice and warm even during the coldest of nights experienced on the Inca Trail).

TRAIN SERVICES:

The Vistadome connect your senses through a sophisticated and sensory travel experience; is the ideal train for those who want to be in contact with the environment and appreciate the wonderful journey to Machu Picchu.
Surrounded entirely by glass and wagons with large panoramic windows offering incomparable scenic views and innumerous opportunities to capture amazing pictures, Vistadome travelers feel connected and part of the impressive landscape of Peru.

The Vistadome also has air conditioning and heating, leather seats that adjust the body to provide comfort and relaxation during the entire trip and has a different service, which allows the visitor to be immersed and feel the Andean culture through its landscapes, music, dance and even food carefully prepared with local ingredients

The Expedition is a travel experience with all the quality and benefits at a lower cost. Is a service designed for the traveler’s comfort, with four passenger seats located in front of each other, so you can share your experience, and for the faithful backpack that is always with you we offer racks placed above the seats. Also, this train has panoramic windows, air conditioning and heating, and Andean music that creates a cheerful atmosphere.

Galapagos Map

Galapagos