Walking Peru's Machu Picchu & Galapagos 2011 - 2 part tour
Already Walked for 2011!
Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands! Two destinations that conjure up images of the exotic, the remote, the illusive, the mystical! We return to South America in 2011 to explore this magical combo with a couple of new twists to the programs.
Peru - Mystical Machu Picchu begins and ends in Lima, but focuses on the Andean wonderland around Cuzco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. Our program provides access to some of the Andes’ most breathtaking scenery and some of the planet’s most impressive and mysterious architecture—the massive stone structures of the Incas! The otherworldly ruins of Machu Picchu are amazing, but they comprise only a fraction of the historical, cultural, and scenic connections we’ll make in Peru! We’ve also added a second night in Cuzco for 2011 to give you more time to enjoy this intriguing Inca capital.
Our Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands program begins in Quito, Ecuador with walks and sightseeing in the old town area of the capital, at the equator, and in the charming and scenically stunning regions of Otavalo, high in the Andes Mountains. After this immersion in the Andean world, we’ll fly to the Galapagos Islands for 4 amazing days in one of nature’s most delightful menageries. In 2011, we’ll be exploring the Galapagos aboard the M/V Galapagos Explorer II, a new ship for Walking Adventures travelers, with all outside suites for cabins!!
COMBO PACKAGE
Each destination is offered separately, or may be combined into one unforgettable Adventure of discovery! Travelers joining us for both Peru-Mystical Machu Picchu and Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands will receive an extra night in Lima and complimentary airfare from Lima to Quito.
Note from Dan
August 18, 2010
I got my first glimpse of Machu Picchu in 2002 while planning our Wonders of the Andes Adventure, and I’ll never forget the train ride along the Urabamba River into Aguas Calientes, at the base of Machu Picchu!
The Urabamba is a fabulous tumultuous river, smashing and bouncing its way through the jungle around massive boulders and cataracts. A less scenic reason for the trip’s imprint on my brain is the fact that I smashed my thumb in the train window trying to close it, so I disembarked in Aguas Calientes with a Machu Picchu throbbing thumbnail souvenir.
Machu Picchu is certainly a mystical setting, but I’ll never know how much of the mind-bending mysticism I felt that day was altitude, how much was pain emanating from my thumb, and how much was the first-time wonder of the site.
Fortunately, I’ve had the good fortune to return twice in intervening years and I’m happy to report that, though my head was considerably clearer on the two subsequent visits, the magic of Machu Picchu has not lessened since my first visit! And the entire Andean area between Machu Picchu and Cuzco remains, in my view, one of the most intriguing destinations we offer our inquisitive travelers.
The Galapagos Islands, on the other hand, are a completely different kind of Adventure. Diversity of landscape between the islands is stunning – barren volcanic cones, lush tropical forests, red sand beaches, and more. But of course it’s the animals that animate this Adventure! Marine iguanas seem most common, sea lions and fur seals are frequently sighted, Giant tortoises are truly giant, flightless cormorants are fearless, and the feet of the blue-footed boobies are a loud shade of baby blue! And none of them show the least fear of us – allowing enough critter close encounters and magical photo ops to last a lifetime.
I hope you enjoy perusing our plans for Peru’s Mystical Machu Picchu and Ecuador & the Galagagos Islands offered in May 2011. You can take part in either trip separately, or combine them with the connecting airfare on us. In any case, we’d be hard-pressed to offer a more multi-faceted experience than the kaleidoscope of history, culture, and scenery we enjoy together on this pair of South American wonders!
Dan Friesen
WAI President
Feel free to follow my Adventures on my blog at Travelpod!
Peru - Mystical Machu Picchu
DAY 1: MAY 9: ARRIVE LIMA
You arrive today in Lima, capital of Peru. A representative of Walking Adventures will meet you as you exit customs and direct you to our airport hotel right across the street from the airport. Since most flights from North America arrive late in the evening, no group activities are planned until breakfast tomorrow morning.
DAY 2: MAY 10: ARRIVE PERU’S SACRED VALLEY (B,L,D)
After breakfast, we return to the airport for an early-morning flight to Cuzco, 15th century capital of the powerful and far-ranging Inca Empire. Upon arrival in Cuzco, our first stop is a sampling of the amazing Inca stonework at the monumental fortress of Sacsayhuamán. From Sacsayhuamán, we descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas to a beautiful country inn on the edge of a remote Andean village.
DAY 3: MAY 11: SACRED VALLEY - AGUAS CALIENTES (B,L,D)
Maras Salt Ponds & Moray Inca Terraces Walk - 5 km, rated 2+
After more incredible scenery on this morning’s coach ride, our first activity is a walk through the Andean countryside to the circular farming terraces of the Incas at Moray, a perfect setting for a picnic lunch. Nearby Maras offers a fascinating collection of evaporating saltpans carved from the mountainside by villagers to exploit the natural salinity of a mountain spring. Later this afternoon, we board the train from the Inca stronghold of Ollantaytambo. Following a spectacular riverside rail ride through the mountains, we arrive at Aguas Calientes, staging point for Mystical Machu Picchu!
DAY 4: MAY 12: AGUAS CALIENTES—SACRED VALLEY (B,D)
Mystical Machu Picchu Walk - 3 km, rated 4
From Aguas Calientes, it’s a short bus ride to the ruins of Machu Picchu, never revealed to the Spanish and virtually forgotten until “discovered” by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Our local guide will unveil for us theories and legends surrounding this mysterious “Lost City of the Incas.” The aura of Machu Picchu defies description: incredibly isolated, architecturally astounding, breathtakingly beautiful, and mysteriously mystical are just a few adjectives that have been tried. This afternoon we’ll enjoy a scenic return train trip to Ollantaytambo, and the same lovely Andean inn.
DAY 5: MAY 13: ACTIVITIES IN THE SACRED VALLEY (B,D)
Inca Ruins and Villages Walk - 10 km, rated 3+
The first part of today’s walk takes us to some spectacularly-sited Inca ruins further up the Sacred Valley, high above the colonial village of Pisac. Pondering amazing engineering feats of Inca terrace makers and looking down through rarefied air into the pastoral beauty of the Urubamba Valley awakens the Inca mystique once again. After lunch at the Quechua market town of Pisac, we finish the walk with a stroll down a country road that provides captivating glimpses of rural life in the tiny farming communities of the valley.
DAY 6: MAY 14: SACRED VALLEY—CUZCO (B,L,D)
Ollantaytambo Inca Ruins & Chinchero Andean Village Walk - 6 km, rated 3+
After exploring yet another collection of larger than life Inca stone architecture at the fortress town of Ollantaytambo, we drive to the charming Quechua town of Chinchero for yet another perspective on life in the Andes. Following the stroll around town, we’ll visit a textile shop to observe traditional Inca weaving techniques, then enjoy a lunch in a village home you are sure to remember. We finish the day in Cuzco at our hotel located just off the Plaza de Armes in the continent’s oldest, continuously inhabited city.
DAY 7: MAY 15: ACTIVITIES IN CUZCO (B,D)
Cuzco Old Town Walk - 5 km, rated 1+
We continue our Adventure in the land of the Incas with a relaxing walking tour of this high-elevation (11,000 feet) former capital of the Inca Empire. The highlight of the walk is a visit to the Santo Domingo Church, built by conquering Spaniards atop the foundation of Coricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun. The wonder of Inca architecture with its massive, multi-surface boulders fit so tightly together must be seen to be believed. Following the walk, the balance of the day is free to explore fascinating Cuzco on your own.
DAY 8: MAY 16: CUZCO – LIMA – HOME (B,D)
This morning we say farewell to Cuzco and the Andes, and fly back to sea level at Lima. Since flights to North America depart late in the evening, we have all afternoon to explore the sights of colonial Lima on a guided coach tour. Following dinner together, we return to the airport for evening flights back home. We return home enriched by the Adventure of a lifetime in another hemisphere and, in many ways, another world.
NOTE: Travelers continuing to Quito for Ecuador & the Galapagos Island will stay one more night in Lima (complimentary) before flying north to Quito tomorrow.
Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands
DAY 1: MAY 17: ARRIVE QUITO
Upon arrival at Quito’s International Airport, a representative of Walking Adventures will help you arrange a transfer to our hotel near the airport. All flights arrive late in the evening, so the first group activity will be breakfast tomorrow morning at the hotel.
DAY 2: MAY 18: QUITO—PEGUCHE (B,D)
Colonial Quito Walk - 3 km, rated 1+
We begin our Adventure in Ecuador this morning with a relaxed stroll through Quito’s historic district. Chief among the picturesque reminders of the Spanish colonial period is the impressive Company of Jesus Church, a masterpiece of baroque architecture. Following time for lunch in bustling Plaza de San Francisco, we’ll drive north to celebrate the crossing of the equator before arriving at the delightful country lodge, Hacienda Pinsaqui, our home for the next two nights.
DAY 3: MAY 19: ACTIVITIES FROM PEGUCHE (B,D)
Laguna de Cuicocha Crater Walk - 8 km, rated 3+
Today’s first activity takes us to spectacular Lake Cuicocha, one of Ecuador’s most photographed lakes. We’ll enjoy the panoramas from multiple angles as we embark on a rim hike along the crater of this volcanic gem. Following a break for lunch, we’ll visit the colorful and photogenic indigenous markets of Otavalo to admire the local handicrafts and perhaps do a little bargaining. Look forward to another excellent dinner back at the hacienda this evening!
DAY 4: MAY 20: PEGUCHE – QUITO (B,D)
Cascada Peguche Walk - 7 km, rated 2
Today’s walk starts from the hacienda and wanders through native villages and farmland with stunning Andean mountain panoramas as a backdrop. Time for shopping in the weaver’s village of Peguche will be followed by a walk through a lovely eucalyptus forest to Peguche waterfall. We return to Quito this afternoon for a second evening at our airport hotel in preparation for an early departure tomorrow morning to the Galapagos Islands.
DAY 5: MAY 21: QUITO—THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS (B,L,D)
Cerro Dragon Walk - 2 km, rated 2
An early-morning transfer to the Quito airport precedes our flight to the Galapagos Islands where we are anticipating amazing connections with the animal kingdom. Upon arrival, we’ll get situated into our cabins aboard the comfortable M/V Galapagos Explorer II, enjoy our first meal in the Galapagos, then set sail for Santa Cruz Island. Strict regulations within the islands protect this amazing environment by requiring that visitors use a dinghy (inflatable raft) for all landings. After a dry landing on Santa Cruz, a two kilometer walk to Dragon Hill (Cerro Dragon) introduces us to the amazing flora and fauna of the island – including flamingos, Darwin finches, mockingbirds, marine iguanas, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and lava lizards.
DAY 6: MAY 22: BARTHOLOME & SANTIAGO ISLANDS (B,L,D)
Pinnacle Rock Walk - 3 km, rated 3; Puerto Egas Walk – 2 km, rated 2+
Bartholome’s unique landscape has been called “lunar” and two landings on Bartholomé Island allow for a scenic walk with amazing views from Pinnacle Rock, and more exposure to the islands’ residents: in this case, sea lions, pelicans, and a variety of birds (snorkeling available). The afternoon walk on Santiago Island takes us along the shoreline on lava rock and black sand where we are likely to encounter sea lions, marine iguanas, a variety of bird life, and Galapagos fur seals.
DAY 7: MAY 23: FERNANDINA & ISABELA ISLANDS (B,L,D)
Punta Espinoza Walk - 2 km, rated 2+
The morning visit to Fernandina Island provides an easy walk and wonderful opportunities for close up observation of Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, sea lions, sea turtles, and hundreds of marine iguanas. The afternoon stop at Point Vicente Roca on Isabela Island is a great spot to see Galapagos fur seals and possibly marine turtles. Due to the Cromwell Submarine Current flowing through this western section of the islands, abundant algae and nutrients attract a variety of marine birds and mammals, including whales and dolphins (snorkeling or glass bottom boat available).
DAY 8: MAY 24: NORTH SEYMOUR & SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS (B,L,D)
North Seymour Island Walk - 2 km; Santa Cruz Giant Tortoise Walk – 3 km (both new walks!)
A new stop on our program – North Seymour Island is a dry landing and offers a flat but rocky trail that offers chances to observe sea lions, marine iguanas, frigate birds, and blue-footed boobies, which REALLY have blue feet! The afternoon excursion takes us ashore for a second time on Santa Cruz. A fascinating walk through the island highlands takes us in search of the Galapagos giant tortoises (adults can weigh over 600 pounds) in their natural environment.
DAY 9: MAY 25: THE GALAPAGOS—GUAYAQUIL—HOME (B,D)
A visit to the interpretative center on San Cristobal Island provides one final, tantalizing taste of the Galapagos Islands before we depart for the airport and our flight back to the mainland. We arrive in Guayaquil mid-afternoon in time for an abbreviated city tour, and perhaps an additional walk through Ecuador’s largest city and one of the most significant Pacific ports in South America. Later this evening, we’ll enjoy a final dinner before returning to the airport for late-evening departures back home. It has been an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experience we will cherish forever.
What's Included
Peru - Mystical Machu Picchu
May 9-16, 2011 l 8 Days l $2650
Including
- Airport to hotel group transfers on first and last day*
- Round-trip airfare from Lima to Cuzco
- All land travel as outlined
- Superior tourist-class or better hotel accommodations
- 18 meals: all breakfasts and dinners, plus 3 lunches as listed (B,L,D)
- 5 walks as outlined (We are currently applying for IVV sanctioning.)
- Cultural & historical expertise of our local guide throughout
- WAI guide service throughout
- All tipping for local guides and coach drivers
- This tour offers a limited number of private rooms for solo travelers for the additional fee of $375
Entrance fees/admission to:
- Maras Salt Ponds
- Moray Inca farming terraces
- Train transport from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Machu Picchu World Heritage Site
- Pisac Inca ruins
- Corichancha—Temple of the Sun (Cuzco)
- Guided city coach tour of Lima
- More fun stops than we can list!
COMBO PACKAGE: Travelers opting for both Peru - Mystical Machu Picchu and Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands will receive an extra night in Lima and complimentary airfare from Lima to Quito.
Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands
May 17-25, 2011 l 9 Days l $4250
Including
- Airport to hotel group transfers on first and last day*
- Round-trip airfare from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands
- All land travel as outlined
- Superior tourist-class or better hotel accommodations
- 4 nights aboard the M/V Galapagos Explorer II in Classic Suites; upgrades to Premium ($190) or Deluxe Suites ($450) may be available, contact us for details
- 20 meals: all breakfasts and dinners, plus 4 lunches as listed (B,L,D)
- 7 walks as outlined (We are currently applying for IVV sanctioning.)
- Local guides for land portion
- Naturalist guides for all Galapagos Island activities
- WAI guide service throughout
- This tour offers a limited number of private rooms for solo travelers for the additional fee of $925
Entrance fees/admission to:
- Company of Jesus Church (Quito)
- Otavalo Indigenous Market (Otavalo)
- Galapagos National Park
- Guided city coach tour of Guayaquil
- More fun stops than we can list!
*Details of transfers provided are listed in Adventure Advice memo sent upon receipt of tour registration.
CABIN OPTIONS
We have booked passage in a category of cabins called Classic Suites. These are exterior cabin suites with large windows and significantly more room than WAI's prior Galapagos cruises. Upgrades are available to Premium Suites for an additional cost of $190 per person on a space available basis. Deluxe Suites with balcony may also be obtainable for an additional cost of $450 per person. Please call for more information on cabin upgrades.
NOTE: Our current booking allows for a limited number in each category of cabin, including only two single cabins for an additional fee of $925. Our desire is to accommodate all travelers in their cabin category of choice, but cabins must be assigned on a first-come-first-serve basis! Should we have additional single requests, other single cabins may be available for a higher supplement.
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Registration Details
To reserve your spot on this adventure, please mail the Registration Form along with a $500 per person deposit, or call in with your credit card. Make checks payable to Walking Adventures International. VISA, MasterCard, and Discover also accepted.
The General Tour Conditions contain important information you should read before you register.
Mail payments to:
Walking Adventures International
PO Box 871000
Vancouver WA 98687-1000
USA
Travel Insurance
Walking Adventures has negotiated with an insurance carrier to provide travel insurance in the form of a Preferred Benefits™ policy. We are pleased to make this package available and believe that it will provide travelers with an important element of security at a reasonable price.
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Why We Walk
Why We Walk
Walking and travel are a natural combination! For over 20 years, our Walking Adventures International team has been offering walking programs around the world, and we’ve found that walking and motorcoach travel is the best way to tour. Our coach takes you efficiently from point to point with little wasted time, but walking lets you get off the bus, stretch your legs, and explore the "must see" highlights and off-the-beaten-track wonders. For more on Why We Walk, click here.
Walk Rating System.
As you can see in the itinerary below, we use a difficulty rating system ranging from 1 to 5:
1. An easy walk on pavement or well-maintained trail with no significant hills.
2. A moderately easy walk, may be on pavement or on trails. No significant difficulty with hills.
3. A moderate walk in any setting with some difficult terrain, one or two substantial hills and/or steps.
4. A more difficult walk. Most likely in a natural setting with poorly maintained paths and steeper or hilly inclines.
5. A very difficult walk. All in rough fields or woods. Many steep hills or high altitude trails, or very rough uneven terrain, steep or unstable inclines.
Volkssport
Some travelers like to keep track of their walks with a system known as volkssport. Click here if you’d like to know more about volkssport.
General Questions
And follow this link for more details on topics like: WAI’s approach to airfare, the number of people accepted on a tour, and finding a roommate!
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