Galápagos + Peru’s Land of the Incas aboard
National Geographic Islander Geographic
Endeavour
GALAPAGOS@FriendsTravel.com
Thematically, one might ask, why connect a visit to Peru with an expedition to the Galápagos Islands? For that, we have two distinct answers: Firstly, as magnificent as the Galápagos Islands are for wildlife, so is Peru from an historical and archaeological perspective. Secondly, Peru’s capital city of Lima, is less than two hours away by air from Guayaquil. So, if you have the time, you’re almost there anyway!
There are a couple of key issues to point out following our Galápagos adventure cruise aboard National Geographic Endeavour: We spend a full week in Peru. Even though for many the highlight of the trip is an overnight stay in Machu Picchu, the fact is that rushing from sea level through the high altitudes of Machu Picchu and back to sea level in only a few days is just not wise. It takes time to adjust. The main reason however is that there is just so much more to Peru, including Lima, The Sacred Valley of the Inca and the ancient Incan capital of Cusco, which you can read more about in the Day-by-Day itinerary.
Day 1 — U.S. / Guayaquil, Ecuador
Depart U.S. and arrive Guayaquil by late evening; it’s a short drive to Hotel Hilton Colón, where we spend the night.
Day 2 — Guayaquil / Galápagos / Embark
After the 1 1⁄2-hour flight to the Galápagos, we’ll immediately board the ship. Over the course of the week, our exact routing depends on the National Park Service. (B,L,D)
Days 3 – 8 Galápagos Islands
Galápagos Islands
The following is a representative sample of the islands we may visit during your week on board: (B,L,D)
North Seymour
Have up-close encounters with colonies of nesting blue-footed boobies (seasonal) and magnificent frigate birds, plus sea lion harems. Spot swallow-tailed gulls, marine iguanas, land iguanas and fur seals along the cliffs. Walks and Zodiac rides to choose from.
North Seymour and Rabida
Enjoy walks, Zodiac forays, or deep- water snorkeling — with hundreds of fish, white-tipped reef sharks, rays, eels and more. Visit rabida’s bright red beach to see wildlife, including a nesting colony of pelicans (sea- sonal), and Galápagos hawks, doves, Darwin’s finches, mocking birds, and more, plus gorgeous scenery. Various walks, kayaking, and snorkeling are on offer.>
Days 3 – 8 Galápagos Islands (continued)
Fernandina
Fernandina Island is the youngest island and one of the most pristine tropical islands left on Earth. Look forward to hikes over relatively recent lava flows, and to Cormorant point for marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and intriguing tide pools. activities also include Zodiac forays and snorkeling, perhaps with sea turtles, penguins, or cormorants.
Isabela
A small black sand beach, a sea turtle nesting site, offers wonderful morning swimming. a more challenging hike over a rugged area of shoreline, then inland through a land iguana nesting colony; and a shorter walk within the iguana colony. Walking, birding, kayaking and deep water snorkeling, with Zodiac rides are on offer.>
Days 3 – 8 Galápagos Islands (continued)
Santiago
A landing on one of the most important sea turtle nesting sites in Galápagos. Walks take us past a salt water lagoon to see shore birds; up a small hill to land bird and endemic vegetation terrain. Snorkeling, plus Zodiac rides and kayaking to Buccaneer Cove. Visit puerto Egas (where our cover shot was taken) for a coastal trek to fur seal grottoes, masses of marine iguanas, sea birds, and more against vivid green sea mosses. Swimming and snorkeling from the beach.
Santa Cruz
Look for fur seals, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, sea lions and more. Walks in the El Chato tortoise preserve for encounters with giant tortoises in the wild. return to sea level and explore bustling puerto ayora before embarking the ship.>
Days 3 – 8 Galápagos Islands (continued)
San Cristobal
Wet landing on a green, olivine beach for a hike and spectacular scenery — tuff stone cliffs “worked” by sea and wind. Zodiac rides along the coastline reveal blue-footed and red-footed boobies. Kayaking, swimming from the beach and snorkeling from Zodiacs off an islet in the bay are all options. In the afternoon — more opportunities for snorkeling and Zodiac adventures. and in between the sights & activities, life aboard our expedition ships is rich and varied — marvelous meals to enjoy in an always-casual ambience. Engaging talks by our Naturalists are part of the Daily recap ritual that binds our expedi- tion community and increases the fun. Socializing with staff and fellow guests, or retreating to one of the ship’s nooks & crannies with a good book is always an option. as is reserving a relaxing massage or revitalizing Wellness treatment.>
Day 9 Galápagos / Disembark / Guayaquil / Lima, Peru
Depart Galápagos this morning and fly to Lima, Peru via Guayaquil, arriving in early evening. Overnight at the Orient Express Miraflores Park Hotel. (B)
Day 10 Lima / Cusco / Sacred Valley of the Inca
This morning fly from Lima to Cusco and drive to Awanacancha, a farm where South American camelidae are bred. Visit Pisac, the gateway to the Sacred Valley, and walk through the local food market. Check into the Sol y Luna Hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 11 Sacred Valley of the Inca
Visit the massive Inca stone fortress of Ollantaytambo. In the afternoon, choose from horseback riding, a spa treatment, a Paso horse demonstration and other activities. Dinner is an outdoor event at our hotel, complete with a campfire, barbecue and a vibrant dance performance. (B,L,D)
Day 12 Sacred Valley / Machu Picchu
Continue from the valley to Machu Picchu. We’ll have a guided introduction to the site and then stay overnight at the 31-room Orient Express Sanctuary Lodge, which means you’ll share Machu Picchu with only a handful of visitors. (B,L,D)
Day 13 Machu Picchu / Cusco
Before sunrise, hike to the Sun Gate, the ancient final checkpoint to Machu Picchu, and watch day break over the quiet ruins. The morning is free to explore. After a train and bus ride we arrive in Cusco in the late afternoon for two nights at the Orient Express Monasterio Hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 14 Cusco
Explore the Inca Empire’s capital city of Cusco and visit the vast Sacsayhuamán Fortress. The afternoon is open to stroll around the city. Relax, shop or visit one of the museums or convents including the magnificent 17th-century cathedral and convent of Koricancha. Dinner is on your own. (B,L)
Day 15 Cusco / Lima
Return to Lima and visit the Larco Herrera Museum and stroll the plaza Mayor. Lunch is traditional Latin American style. Dinner is on your own. (B,L)
Day 16 Lima / Home
This morning fly home. (B)
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