MACHU PICCHU AND TITICACA LUXURY TOUR 15 DAYS

WE CUSTOMIZE VIRTUALLY ALL SERVICES AVAILABLE IN PERU

Daily Departures

BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY – 2 PEOPLE
Luxury Class 5*****
Accom.Quito Swissotel
M/V Galapagos Legend Junior
Hotl in Colca Casitas del Colca
Accom. Cusco Monasterio
Accom. A. Calientes Sumac Machu Picchu
Train Tickets Hiram Bingham

 

LIMACANYON COLCA- AREQUIPA

SACRED VALLEY

DAY 1: WEDNESDAY – ARRIVAL QUITO

Meeting and assistance upon arrival in Quito and transfer to the Hotel for overnight. (No meals)M/VGalapagos Legend
Cruise D (Thu – Mon) / 5 days / 4 nights
*Scheduled activities at the Galapagos Island could vary depending on the travel dates chosen. Please contact to our travel agents for more information.

DAY 2: THURSDAY – SAN CRISTÓBAL AIRPORT

Departure from Quito to San Cristóbal (2 hours flight / airfare included).
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/V Galapagos Legend.
PM – Interpretation Center & Tijeretas Hill (San Cristóbal)
Dry landing in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, capital of the Galapagos Islands. Passengers visit the Interpretation Center, an excellent place to learn about Natural History in the Galapagos. The Museum of Natural History displays information on the volcanic origins of the islands, their remoteness from the continent, ocean currents, climate, the arrival of the different species and their colonization, among other points of interest. The human history is also showcased, chronologically narrating the most significant events related to the discovery and colonization of the islands.

Difficulty level: easy
Duration: 1 hour visit

Tijeretas Hill involves a high intensity walk amidst beautiful landscapes and a magnificent view at the foot of a frigatebird nesting colony.

Difficulty level: high
Duration: 1 hour visit

DAY 3: FRIDAY – GARDNER BAY, GARDNER & OSBORN ISLETS (ESPAÑOLA)

Wet landing on a beautiful white coral sand beach guarded by a colony of sea lions. There are no trails, so we stay along the shore where we can spot Galapagos hawks, American Oystercatchers, Galapagos Ground Doves,
Hood mockingbirds, Yellow Warblers, lava lizards, marine iguanas, and three species of Darwin’s finches: a subspecies (Geospiza fuliginosa) of the Large Cactus Finch, which is similar to the large ground finch, the Small Ground Finch (Geospiza fuliginosa) and the Warbler Finch (Certhidea Olivacea), another endemic subspecies. Swimming and snorkeling offer a great variety of Galapagos marine wildlife: king angelfish, Creole fish, damsel fish, parrotfish, manta rays, and white-tipped reef sharks.

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

PM – Suárez Point (Española)

Dry landing. An island of geological interest, we explore volcanic formations and a riveting wildlife: large sea lion colonies and seabirds including Española mockingbird, Nazca Boobies and the spectacular Red-billed Tropicbird. You will also encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and the colorful Sally Lightfoot Crabs.
A somewhat lengthy hike will bring you among Nazca and Blue-footed Boobies, right up to nesting grounds that sometimes overlap the trail. Other birding favorites include Galapagos Dove, Galapagos Hawk, Swallow-tailed Gulls and the world’s largest colony of Waved Albatross, an unequivocal highlight during mating season (May-December).
Admire the island’s dramatic backdrop, featuring the famous Soplador, a seaward blowhole that shoots water some 23 m. (75 ft.) in the air.

Difficulty level: difficult
Type of terrain: rocky
Duration: 2h30 walk

DAY 4: SATURDAY – POST OFFICE (FLOREANA)

Wet landing. Located on the north side of Floreana, the bay is so-named because in 1793 Captain James Colnett installed a wooden barrel which served as an informal post office for sailors passing through, who would take letters with them to their destinations. Today, our visitors continue the tradition by placing unstamped postcards inside the barrel that should reach their destinations for free. It can take weeks, months, even years, not arrive at all, or even arrive before you!
We may also encounter Darwin’s finches, Yellow Warbler and lava lizards. Great snorkeling opportunities with Green Pacific Sea Turtles as well, this island is best known for its endemic vegetation: Scalesia villosa, Lecocarpus pinnatifidus, and Galapagos milkwort. Snorkelers can practice on the main beach among playful sea lions.

Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy
Duration: 30 minutes walk / 1 hour snorkeling

PM – Cormorant Point (Floreana)

Wet landing on an olivine green sand beach. We hike from the black mangrove beds to a brackish lagoon, which usually holds one of the largest flamingo populations in the Galapagos. This island features some endemic plants such as Scalesia villosa, white and black mangrove, and holy stick. The trail continues to a beautiful white-sand beach, one of the most important nesting sites of Green Pacific Sea Turtles. It is important to avoid walking in the water due to the Sting Rays that may be hiding in the sand, which can be dangerous if accidentally stepped on. From the beach one can spot sea turtles, Blue-footed Boobies plunging into the water, and small reef sharks floating along the shoreline in search of food.
This coral-sand beach marks the end of our trail, and we head back to the olivine beach we landed on to swim or snorkel amongst sea turtles, reef fish, sea lions and, on a good day, white-tipped reef sharks. A small colony of penguins resides on Floreana and can sometimes be observed as well.

Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy and walk on a flat terrain
Duration: 1 hour walk / 1 hour snorkeling

DAY 5: SUNDAY – CERRO MESA RESERVE (SANTA CRUZ)

Dry landing. First ecological reserve of the region, it’s possible to observe numerous endemic plants, 7 subspecies Darwin’s finches, Vermillion Flycatcher. From there you will be able to see Baltra, Santiago, Isabela, Santa Fé, Daphne Islands.

Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: flat & steep
Duration: 35 minutes drive / 1h30 walk

For passengers taking D+A itineraries will go to El Garrapatero instead of Cerro Mesa Reserve.
El Garrapatero (Santa Cruz)
El Garrapatero is a wide bay with multiple sandy beaches. Behind the beach is an area with a fresh water lake where you can come across pink flamingos, herons, mockingbirds, White-cheeked Pintail ducks, sally lightfoot crabs, oystercatchers and occasionally marine iguanas can be found.

Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy
Duration: 50 minutes drive / 1h30 walk

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 finches 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 6: MONDAY – 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, Brown Noddies. Afterwards, you will go straight to the airport for return flight to Quito (airfares included) Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight (B)

*About the Galapagos Islands:
We reserve the right to alter or omit any part of an itinerary, and reverse the order of places to be visited or change any space reservation without prior notice due to readjustment of National park policies, seasonal changes, safety reasons weather conditions or force majeure which may dictate these changes. These decisions are oriented in terms of passenger safety and in the interest of the islands conservation.

DAY 7: TUESDAY – 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 8: WEDNESDAY – 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 in either your hotel or in one of the surrounded; in the evening we will depart on a City tour (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)
*Optional Buffet Dinner with Folkloric Show: Adding $24 per person

DAY 9: 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 and tradition will be able appreciated besides will have a good opportunity to try our bargain skills on the free time to interact with the local craftsmen to purchase their hand-made souvenirs. The Valley has a distance of 31 km (19 miles) of Cusco, and an altitude of 2,970 ms (9,700 p), Pisac is located to the entrance of the Sacred Valley and followed by Ollantaytambo, the older town continuously occupied of the American continent. The narrow streets of Ollantaytambo, along with their channels that have not varied from the time Inca, evoke their ancestral inheritance, lunch in a typical restaurant and then the last visit will be to Chinchero market.
Chinchero 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 main square at 6:30pm approx.
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 day

DAY 10: FRIDAY – CUSCO / MACHU PICCHU (*Overnight in Aguas Calientes)

Breakfast and at 8.15am pick up to go Poroy Train’s station. The Hiram Bingham departs from Poroy Station (20 minutes outside Cusco) at 9.00am which gives a more leisurely start to the day than the traditional 6am departures of other train services to Machu Picchu.
Brunch is served on board the train whilst passengers watch the spectacular scenery unfolding before them. From the agricultural plains of the Sacred Valley, to the crashing waters of the Urubamba River, and as you get closer to Machu Picchu the soaring mountains, the scenery is constantly changing, and the Hiram Bingham travels at a speed where this can be appreciated.
The train arrives into Aguas Calientes where private minibuses await passengers to escort them on the fifteen minute journey up to the citadel, avoiding the queues.
Upon arrival at the Machu Picchu entrance, passengers can go straight into the citadel as tickets will have been pre-purchased for all guests.
A guide will escort you around the citadel in small groups, pointing out the best of the ruins and recounting the history of this Inca settlement.
After the guided tour, guests are given the choice to wander alone through this fascinating World Heritage site, or to enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, the Orient-Express hotel located right at the entrance to the citadel. Overnight at the select hotel in Aguas Calientes town (B)

DAY 11: SATURDAY – BACK IN CUSCO

Morning at leisure by your own (entrance and bus fee to Machu Picchu archaeological site not included on the fee) in the afternoon return to Cusco.
The Hiram Bingham departs at 18.00. Guests are welcomed back on board with pre-dinner cocktails served in the Bar Car with live musical entertainment. Later a 4-course, à la carte dinner is served in the dining cars. The train pulls into Poroy station just outside Cusco at 21.25. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. Overnight.(B)

WHAT’S INCLUDED ON HIRAM BINGHAM?

On-board meals with Peruvian wine, cusqueña Beer, soft drinks and hot drinks (brunch on outward journey, dinner on return), on-board entertainment, guides, bus transfers, entrance to the Machu Picchu sanctuary and afternoon tea at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, pre-dinner cocktails

DAY 12: SUNDAY – CUSCO – PUNO

Early breakfast and transfer to the bus station so you can take the ride to Puno. Depart Cusco on guided bus to Puno, visiting on the route picturesque towns and archeological sites such as Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, Sicuani, La Raya and Pukara. Lunch included. Afternoon arrival in Puno, reception and transfer to your accommodation. Overnight at the hotel.(B,L)
(*) Additional fare if traveling by train. Ask for availability.

DAY 13: MONDAY – UROS AND TAQUILE ISLANDS

You will be picked up from your hotel at 6:30 a.m., to go to the port of Puno to take a tourist motor boat and to direct towards the wonders floating islands of the Uros. After a 2 hour motorboat ride, you will arrive at the Uros island in the Titikaka lake. Fishermen and hunters inhabit the floating islands of the Uros. The residents of the Uros are known as the “water tribe”, because they must construct its own Islands periodically, adding new layers of totora reeds, which grows in the lake, to create the conditions that ensure the islands stay afloat. The dense roots that the plants develop support the island. The roofs are waterproof and the houses are extremely humid because of the surrounding water.
They used it as home and trade centers for the natives, who use hand-made boats of the same material as their means of transportation. At present, they speak Quechua and Aymara. Following this exciting tour, you will be led to the Island of Taquile, , place where the form of typical and rustic experience was appraised, the place is colorful and landscaping, where they even maintain its customs, ritual, religious and folkloric traditions, in the town of Taquile we will taste a typical lunch with fresh fish (trout). There is also a craft fair on the plaza that sells exceptional wool goods which are of very fine quality and somewhat expensive. Taquile Island is famous for its craft production, particularly for its beautiful textiles. The island is narrow at about 1 Km. wide and 6 to 7 Km. long. The visit could be exhausting because of the altitude (13,000 ft above sea level). On Taquile there are numerous pre-Inca and Inca ruins as well as Inca terracing. We will return in Puno in the afternoon, overnight (B,L)
>> Visa Requirement for US Citizens to enter Bolivia <<
If you are a US Citizen or a citizen of the countries listed below and have decided visit Bolivia, you must be aware of this information:
On 2007, The Bolivian President Evo Morales suppressed by decree the right of US citizens to enter Bolivia country freely, in reciprocity of a similar measure taken by the US government.
Also the citizens of Angola, Bhutan, Republic of Chad, Congo, Ruanda, Somalia, Republic of Yemen, Indonesia, China and Taiwan have been affected by this decree.
Please make sure to have all necessary documents before traveling!

DAY 14: TUESDAY – SUN ISLAND FULL DAY

You will picked up from your hotel at 6:30 am. Land transfer to Copacabana Sanctuary. You will arrive into Copacabana after about 3 hours of bus ride. Copacabana is the most important religious sanctuary of Bolivia, thousands of pilgrims visit every year the virgin of Copacabana also known as Native Madonna, you will visit the main square and the impressive Cathedral (1/2 hour tour). You will arrive into the Sun Island after about 1 hour of a spectacular catamaran cruise including lunch on board, this island has been identified as the birthplace of several revered entities, including the sun itself. A source of magnetic energy, the vertex of the earth and the cradle of the Inca Empire, the Inca couple Manco Kapac and Mama Ocllo appeared here and founded the Sun Empire. During a 2 hours Sun Island Tour you will visit:
-The Inca garden, the island micro climate provides the ideal location for this garden that during Inca times was full of Andean flowers, water and trees.
-The Inca Stairs that was built by the Incas in order to reach the Inca Water spring.
-The Inca water spring, a natural water spring with 3 different openings of different tastes, this Inca made water fountain is supposed to be a source of eternal youth.
-The Sun Island Inti Wata Complex, that contains the largest amount of archaeological items founded in the island and the largest demo variety of Andean flora and fauna available in Bolivia.
-The Sun Island Kallawaya Ancient Ceremony, witchcrafts, natural medicine, art, magic, and millenary traditions are part of the mystic world of the Kallawayas heritage. The purpose of this mystic ceremony is to purify the souls of the Chinkana holy temple visitors, this Ceremony takes place in a Inca altar at the top of the hill facing the temple and overlooking the lake. You will then proceed back to Copacabana and then to Puno, we will return in Puno at 6:30 PM, overnight. (B;L)

DAY 15: WEDNESDAY – SILLUSTANI – LIMA

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Lima (airfare not included). On the route to the airport, we will visit at the Sillustani Chullpas (pre-Colombian funeral towers). The scenery is desert but impressive, in a beautiful setting on a peninsula on Ayumara lake about 32 Km. from Puno. Most of the towers date from the period of Inca occupation in the 15th century; the engineering involved in their construction is more complex than anything the Incas built. (B)

END OF SERVICES

 

 


INCLUDES: All hotel and lodge accommodations based on double room occupancy. All scheduled land, lake and river transportation. All transfers. All scheduled excursions with English-speaking guide services. All entrance fees. Meals and domestic airfares as specified in the itinerary. B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner.

IMPORTANT: For a better service, the company informs you that it has autonomy to change the Hotels mentioned in the itinerary with another one of similar category if therefore sees it by advisable taking into account justifiable availability of spaces or other reasons, if this it is the case you will be notified ahead of time.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE FEE
International and domestic airfares, Galapagos entrance fee US$100 per adult and US$50 per children (*up to 12 years old),, rate subject to change and INGALA tax $10, airport departure taxes or visa fees, excess baggage charges, additional nights during the trip due to flight cancellations, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages or bottled water, snacks, insurance of any kind, laundry, phone calls, radio calls or messages, reconfirmation of flights and items of personal nature

 

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