Walk #1: Optional Colonial Quito Walk – 3 km, rated 1A
Quito Altitude: 9350 feet

Upon arrival at Quito’s international airport late this evening, our airport hotel is less than a mile away and offers a free shuttle to get you quickly to the hotel. Due to late arrival times, the first official group activity is breakfast on the morning of May 30.

Quito & the Middle of the World Optional Excursion
Travelers who arrive a day early, on May 28, are invited to join us for an optional 6-7 hour excursion to visit colonial Quito and the Center of the World complex. 

The walk in Quito explores the vibrant historic district, declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1978. Chief among the picturesque reminders of the Spanish colonial period is the impressive Company of Jesus Church, a masterpiece of baroque architecture overlaid with gold.

Approximately 11 miles north of Quito is the Middle of the World Complex which holds the Equator Monument situated at 0º0’0” latitude. In the eighteenth century, the French Geodesic Expedition erected one of three pyramids, as landmarks, to commemorate their calculation of the middle of the Earth. The complex replicates the Spanish colonial architecture with a typical central plaza, a church, and bull-fighting ring. Also on site is the Museum of Ethnicity of the peoples in Ecuador. Approximate price: $126

Walk #2: Frigatebird Hill Hike – 2 km, rated 2B

We depart early this morning for a flight to the Galápagos Islands. Arriving just after noon, we are welcomed aboard the M/V Galápagos Legend for lunch and an introductory briefing. Strict regulations within the islands protect this amazing environment by requiring the use of dinghies (inflatable rafts) for all island landings.

This afternoon we visit San Cristobal Island by dry landing (stepping from the dinghy onto a dock or dry land). The Interpretation Centre and the Museum of Natural History provide an introduction to the Islands of the Galápagos. Afterwards, we stroll along a boardwalk to Cerro Tijeretas (Frigatebird Hill), an area teeming with life—Darwin’s finches, San Cristóbal mockingbirds, marine iguanas, sea lions, and both species of frigatebird—framed around a turquoise bay.

NOTE: Today’s ascent to Cerro Tijeretas is rocky with uneven footing. Walking sticks recommended.

Walks in Galápagos: Walks in the Galápagos Islands differ from typical WAI walks. Walking is the natural way to see most of the islands (though in some cases, humans are not allowed ashore and we may only cruise the shorelines in our dinghies) so our mode of exploration of the islands will be mostly on foot. The islands are protected by Galápagos National Park, however, and licensed park naturalists will be our guides for all shore activities. As a result, WAI has no ability or authority to determine either where or how far we walk. Your WAI guide will record an estimate of the distances we walk, and we plan to apply for two IVV stamps for those of you who are tracking this part of the experience.

Walk #3: Gardner Bay – 1-2 km, rated 1A
Walk #4: Suárez Point – 3 km, rated 1C

Gardner Bay is a wet landing (stepping from the dinghy into shallow water) on a beautiful white coral sand beach guarded by a colony of sea lions. Here, our guide leads us along the shore in search of nesting sea turtles, Galápagos hawks, American oystercatchers, Galápagos ground doves, Hood mockingbirds, yellow warblers, lava lizards, and marine iguanas, to name a few of the local species. After the walk, travelers have the option to snorkel: normally there is an option for snorkeling from the beach, deep water snorkeling, or possibly viewing the underwater world from a glass-bottom boat.

Following lunch aboard ship, the afternoon visit is likely to be a highlight of the trip! Suárez Point, on Española Island, is one of the most popular sites in the Galápagos due to its abundant contact with wildlife, especially the endemic waved albatross. After a dry landing, we are met by marine iguanas and sea lions, then enjoy close encounters with boobies, endemic lizards, and various species of birds, all oblivious to our presence. A feature of this walk is the ‘Soplador’, a seaward blowhole that shoots water some 23 metres (75 feet) in the air.

But the star of the walk is the waved albatross, of which Española Island has the world’s largest colony. With luck, mating season will have started, and we’ll witness one of the most intriguing courtship rituals of the animal world. NOTE: Footing on this walk is rocky and challenging, but the pace is slow with lots of stopping for wildlife connections and naturalist commentary. Walking sticks are advised.

Walk #5: Post Office Bay Walk – 1 km, rated 1B
Walk #6: Cormorant Point  – 2 km, rated 1B

Floreana (wet landing) is one of the Galápagos’ most famous islands due to its connection with past settlers. Post Office Bay earned its name in 1793 when Captain James Colnett installed a wooden barrel to serve as a de facto post office for sailors passing through. Outbound sailors left letters in the barrel and inbound crews delivered any addressed mail to towns in their home countries. While here, we may encounter Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, flamingos, and lava lizards. Snorkeling is offered this morning with the likelihood of interaction with playful sea lions and majestic green sea turtles.

Our afternoon shore excursion includes a possible encounter with the largest flamingo population in the Galápagos at Cormorant Point along with a visit to Devil’s Crown, an almost completely submerged volcano offering one of the better snorkeling sites in the Galápagos.

Here, we swim with big schools of yellow-tailed surgeonfish, salemas and creolefish, and with luck may spot turtles, spotted eagle rays, parrotfish, and even hammerhead sharks! The jagged “crown” is a roosting area for boobies, noddies, tropicbirds, and frigates.

Walk #7: Dragon Hill Walk – 3 km, rated 1C
Walk #8: Point Bowditch – 1 km, rated 1B

We visit Santa Cruz Island this morning with a dry landing at a lava dock where our first encounter is with marine iguanas blending in perfectly with the dark rock. We pass large prickly pear cacti to arrive at a long crescent-shaped beach with Dragon Hill looming in the distance. Our walk continues on a circular path past a shallow lake frequented by feeding flamingoes and a variety of wading birds. We continue inland on rocky terrain to dry, forested habitat where land iguanas nest and burrow.

The afternoon visit returns to Santa Cruz and a remote powdery beach framing turquoise inlets and salt pools. This is a special experience offering walking and snorkeling in areas only recently opened for human visitors at Point Bowditch!

Walk #9: Santa Cruz Giant Tortoise Walk – 3 km, rated 1B

This morning, a 30-minute bus ride takes us to the Santa Cruz Highlands Tortoise Reserve to walk with Galápagos giant tortoises. These enormous, slow-moving reptiles can weigh more than 500 pounds and live up to 200 years. The Santa Cruz highlands are also a birdwatchers paradise since nearly every land bird of Santa Cruz lives or migrates here.

Later this morning, we board a flight for Guayaquil, Ecuador, on the mainland. Travelers with ongoing flights to the USA this evening will likely layover at the Guayaquil airport. Travelers continuing for Part 2 of the Adventure in Peru will likewise board an evening flight to Lima.

Our time in the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador has been an unforgettable, one-of-a kind experience we will cherish forever.

You arrive today in Lima, capital of Peru. A representative of Walking Adventures will meet you as you exit customs and arrange transportation to our centrally-located hotel. Flights generally arrive late in the evening so the first group activity is breakfast tomorrow morning at the hotel.

After breakfast this morning, we leave for a fun and enlightening 2-part exploration of Lima. The first part of the day is devoted to an excursion full of the flavor and color of Peruvian gastronomy. We start with a visit to a local market to learn about the fresh local products that are the basis of Peruvian cuisine, with the possibility of tasting some seasonal fruits.

Then, with the help of the chef, we participate in a cooking class to learn the details and secrets of preparing the most representative dishes of Peru, using materials and ingredients selected from the market. These experiences of interaction and education are then complemented by a delicious lunch, the perfect closing to the great culinary adventure.

The afternoon experience takes us to the Pueblo Libre District and the Larco Museum, an eighteenth-century Viceregal mansion that houses more than 3,000 years of Peru’s pre-Columbian history. The museum boasts a superb collection of gold and silver jewelry and worship paraphernalia that demonstrates the outstanding skill of ancient Peruvian gold and silversmiths.

This is a good opportunity to preview key elements of the Inca story we encounter together later in our Peruvian/Incan experience.

Back at our hotel, we spend time getting better acquainted and talking about adventures that lay ahead in the Sacred Valley at a Welcome Orientation before you enjoy dinner on your own in one of the many options within walking distance of our hotel.

OLLANTAYTAMBO ELEVATION: 9,160 FEET

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. Our objective is reaching the Sacred Valley’s lower altitudes with stops en route to imbibe the stunning natural beauty of the Peruvian Andes.

The main event of the afternoon is a visit to a local agricultural center for an introduction to the four species of camelid present in the Andes, including the most familiar, the llama.

After a fun visit to a local Quechua market town, we finish the day in the Urubamba River valley in the endearing Inca/colonial village of Ollantaytambo, our home for the next three nights.

Walk #1: Moray Terraces & Maras Village to Salt Pans Walk – 5 km, rated 2B
ELEVATION: 11,090 feet

After more breathtaking vistas on this morning’s coach ride, our first activity is a visit to the circular farming terraces of the Incas at Moray. Here we learn about the surprisingly sophisticated, somewhat mysterious, innovations of Inca agricultural engineers who developed a myriad of specialized subspecies of corn, potatoes, and other agricultural products.

Nearby Maras is a charming indigenous community with a surprising and memorable lunch in a local setting.

After lunch, our walk of the day starts from Maras and offers breathtaking views of the Andes as we descend to a startling sight—a well-developed network of evaporating salt pans carved from the mountainside by villagers to exploit the natural salinity of a mountain spring.

We return to Ollantaytambo for dinner and perhaps an evening stroll through this interesting Quechuan town.

NOTE: Walk lengths are shorter in the Andes, and the rarified air of high altitudes turns our focus more to the richness of the walking experiences than the distances covered.

Walk #2: Pumamarca Inca Agriculture Walk ~ 4 km, rated 2D
ELEVATION: 11,591 feet
Walk #3: Ollantaytambo Village Walk ~ 2 km, rated 1B
   ELEVATION: 9327 feet
Walk #4: Challenge Walk: Ollantaytambo Inca Fortress Ruins ~ 1-2 km

The first part of today’s walk introduces us to the Pumamarca Inca ruins above Ollantaytambo with magical vistas over the Urubamba Valley. A highlight of the walk is the advanced system of canals and hydraulics used to irrigate crops during the Inca period.

After a fun cultural lunch and a fascinating wander through the busy, colonial-era Ollantaytambo village, a challenge hike is offered up into the oversized stone masonry of the Ollantaytambo fortress ruins, where Spanish conquistadors suffered a rare defeat at the hands of de-fending Incas. The size of these dressed stones and the puzzle of how they were transported are primary conundrums for this part of the Inca story.

AGUAS CALIENTES ELEVATION: 6,700 FEET
Walk #5: Mystical Machu Picchu Walk ~ 3 km, rated 3B
   ELEVATION: 8022 feet
Walk #6: Optional Huchuy Picchu Mountain Walk ~ 1 km, 2B

We board the train early today, enjoying a spectacular riverside rail descent through the Andes to Aguas Calientes, staging point for our journey to Machu Picchu!

Late morning is devoted to Machu Picchu on an in-depth, 2 1/2 hour-long guided tour of the primary sites.

Optional Huchuy Picchu Mountain Hike
Access to Machu Picchu, one of South America’s most visited attractions, is tightly controlled. Our official visit is 2.5 to 3 hours long, but after we exit, travelers with a desire for more of Machu Picchu are invited to return under a separately purchased pass for a short hike up Huchuy Picchu Mountain. The climb is relatively easy and under 1 km, but the vistas of the ruins are classic! Estimated price: $75 per person

Using the Machu Picchu bus service, travelers return to Aguas Calientes to check into our hotel and enjoy wandering this colorful Andean village sprawled along the dramatic cascades of the Urubamba River. We’ll see you back at the hotel for dinner later this evening.

Walk #7: Chinchero Andean Village Walk ~ 2 km, rated 2B
   ELEVATION: 12,345 FEET
CUZCO ELEVATION: 11,150 FEET

The morning train returns us to Ollantaytambo for a different kind of Andean lunch experience, a memorable opportunity to sample a local specialty—cuy (guinea pig).

From Ollantaytambo, our coach takes us to the high-altitude Quechua town of Chinchero on market day. A textile shop here introduces us to traditional Inca weaving techniques, with a chance to meet the weavers themselves.

A high-altitude stroll then takes us through town to the dramatically-situated colonial-era church.

We finish the day in Cuzco, the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city, at our hotel located strategically just off the Plaza de Armas.

Walk #8: Colonial Cuzco Walk ~ 5 km, rated 1B
   ELEVATION: 11,150 feet

The Adventure continues with a relaxing walking tour of this former capital of the Inca Empire. The highlight is a visit to the Santo Domingo Church, built by conquering Spaniards atop the foundation of Qurikancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun. The wonder of Inca architecture with its massive, multi-surface boulders fit tightly together must be seen to be believed.

The San Pedro Market introduces us to how locals shop, and a visit to the impressive Cuzco Cathedral gives insight into the transition from Spanish to South American Catholicism.

Following the walk, the balance of the day is free to explore fascinating Cuzco. Dinner is on your own this evening, with many options to tempt you from the convenient location of our hotel.

Walk #9: Lima Miraflores Seacliff Walk ~ 3 km, rated 1A

This morning we say farewell to Cuzco and the Andes. Upon arrival in Lima, Colonial Lima offers a few highlights to explore as well, which we take in on a guided tour by coach and on foot.

Later this afternoon, our last walk in Peru is an easy amble at sea level overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the proverbial “cakewalk” after the ensemble of high-altitude hikes we just finished.

Following dinner together, we make our final Peruvian drive, this time to the Lima airport for homeward flights departing later this evening.

Life back home is sure to be enriched by this Adventure in another hemisphere and, in many ways, another world.

Travelers who have submitted a $100 pre-registration deposit have only an additional $200 due for the full registration deposit.

With help from in-country partners, local experts, and walking guides, these itineraries are hand-crafted to WAI specifications.

When planning Classic Curated Tours, our objective is to capture the essence of a destination–the history, culture, and natural wonders unique to that part of the world. We then build activities and walks that take us inside these characteristics.

These tours are educational, but they are also interactive and immersive; walking gets us off the bus and penetrates local cultures to not only see but touch, smell, and feel these special spaces.

Along the way, local walking guides amplify the experience by sharing insights into the magic of that particular location.

“High Adventure” is a tag we add to tours to warn travelers of possible additional challenges. These challenges could stem from a variety of sources including:

• A high percentage of 1-night hotels
• More time driving than usual or challenging traffic settings (e.g. India)
• Walks routes that are more challenging on average (e.g. Appalachian Trail, Swiss & French Alps)
• More walking per day than usual (e.g. Hiking the Camino de Santiago)
• Walks and/or travel at high altitude (e.g. Peru; Colorado)
• A greater number of mid-tour flights (e.g. Chile)
• Cultural factors that can be stressors (lack of public toilets; extra caution required regarding food and gastro-intestinal challenges – e.g. India, Hiking the Camino de Santiago)

In the case of Ecuador & Peru, the “high adventure” tag is earned due to high altitude (see How High is High? below for more details).

Travelers should read the itinerary and Before You Book sections carefully before committing to a High Adventure tour.

Ecuador:
Most of Part 1 of the tour is obviously at sea level in the Galapagos Islands. We do start, however, in Quito, at 9,350 feet above sea level. This higher than usual altitude is somewhat mitigated by the shortness of our stay, 1 night for the standard tour, 2 nights for those arriving a day early.

Peru:
Cuzco, Peru sits at an elevation of over 11,000 feet (contrary to common belief, Machu Picchu is situated at a much lower elevation than Cuzco). From Lima, at sea level, we fly to Cuzco. To help with altitude acclimation, we drive directly from the Cuzco airport into the Sacred Valley, dropping from over 11,000 feet above sea level down to about 9,000 feet above sea level.

From the Sacred Valley, we continue by train down to about 6700 feet at Aguas Calientes (base town for Machu Picchu at about 8000 feet). We then return to Cuzco at the end of the program when most travelers have acclimated.

Though walks have been geared down both in distance and difficulty to allow for altitude, altitude sickness can be a serious ailment. Walkers will be reminded during this part of the trip to pace themselves and drink plenty of fluids, including the cocoa tea available in most Andean hotels and restaurants. In addition, you may wish to ask your doctor about the prescription drug Diamox which is sometimes used to treat altitude sickness.

Consider checking with your doctor:
It is important to pursue any concerns you have about altitude with your doctor. As always, travelers are free to opt out of any activities. For most of us who live near sea level, acclimation to these altitudes is an important aspect of a successful visit to the Andes.

We generally walk at a pace of 2 to 3 miles per hour. Many walks on this trip are oriented more towards education, and therefore take longer due to stops for guide commentary.

On WAI-led walks, we are generally not “strolling.” We are walking at a relaxed but steady pace. Your experience will be significantly affected by your level of physical fitness. If not walking regularly at home, we strongly recommend that you make a priority of “training” beforehand to both enjoy the trip and avoid medical issues due to overexertion. If you have questions about your ability to participate, please contact our office at [email protected].

We have adopted a walk difficulty rating system which contains a numeric indicator for trail incline and an alpha indicator for trail terrain. The explanation for this system is presented on the table below:

INCLINE

1. Minimal hills or stair climbing. Cumulative elevation gain: <200 feet.
2. Some moderate hills and stair climbing. Cumulative elevation gain: 200-1000 feet.
3. Some significant hill or stair climbing. Cumulative elevation gain: 1000-2000 feet.

TERRAIN

A. Almost entirely on pavement.
B. A significant part of the route is on well-groomed trails with very few obstacles.
C. A significant part of the route is on somewhat difficult terrain (rocky / rooted paths or soft sand).
D. A significant part of the route is on very difficult terrain.

Walks in Galápagos: Walks in the Galápagos Islands differ from typical WAI walks. Walking is the natural way to see most of the islands (though in some cases, humans are not allowed ashore and we may only cruise the shorelines in our dinghies) so our mode of exploration of the islands will be mostly on foot.

The islands are protected by Galápagos National Park, however, and licensed park naturalists will be our guides for all shore activities. As a result, WAI has no ability or authority to determine either where or how far we walk. Your WAI guide will record an estimate of the distances we walk, and we plan to apply for two IVV for those of you who are tracking this part of the experience.

Unlike WAI-led walks, these naturalist-led walks tend to be more strolling and talking than walking at a set pace.

In the Galapagos Islands (Part 1) we cruise on the M/V Galapagos Legend, a lovely vessel with a capacity of 100 guests. The Legend is perfect for exploring these enchanted islands, large enough to ride the Galapagos seas comfortably and small enough for a more intimate experience.

With four different decks (Sea, Earth, Sky, Moon), the Galapagos Legend offers a great variety of comfortable and spacious social areas without losing its sense of intimacy. Its spacious open decks allow you to admire the islands’ flora and fauna, enjoy a BBQ at night, or take some sun at the pool and bar areas. Take advantage of its spacious inside auditorium for important conferences.

The Legend philosophy fosters an informal environment without strict etiquette.

Cabin Upgrades

The Adventure price includes cabins in the Standard Plus category. Upgrades are available to Junior Suite and Balcony Suite categories. Space in all categories is limited. See pricing options below:

• Standard Plus: Included in tour price (Sea or Earth Deck)
  • port hole windows
  • average 118 square feet
  • available only in twin bed configuration — with 2 beds
• Junior Suite: $375 per person upgrade (Earth Deck)
  • 2 panoramic windows per cabin
  • average 161 square feet
  • available with 2 twin beds or 1 matrimonial bed
• Balcony Suite: $875 per person upgrade (Moon or Sky Deck)
  • panoramic windows
  • private balcony
  • complimentary bottle of champagne
  • average 237 square feet
  • available with 2 twin beds or 1 matrimonial bed

To see a deck plan and more information about the M/V Galapagos Legend, click here.

Be aware that some travel insurance policies contain time-sensitive provisions (i.e. some benefits, such as coverage of pre-existing conditions, are available only if the policy is purchased within a certain number of days of the purchase of the travel package). In addition, remember that airfare is not covered by any travel insurance policy you may have purchased for the tour.

Our approach to wellness on tour has traditionally been to encourage travelers to:

• Focus on health before the tour so you start healthy.
• Pace yourself while on tour; travel is inherently stimulating and can produce adrenalin boosts that mask energy drain. Guard your energy reserves and consider the length of the trip and whether to opt out of some activities and/or walks.
• Be self-aware. If you feel yourself tiring or feel a bug coming on, take precautions to block it (e.g. extra rest, extra doses of vitamin C, etc).
• If you feel a bug coming on or if you take ill, distance yourself from others when possible.
• If you feel ill, isolate yourself towards the back of the bus and away from others