Machu Picchu to the Galapagos

Engaging Discoveries… For our World Travelers

• Delve into the many facets of Lima... treasures of antiquity in the famed Larco Herrera Museum and the lively Bohemian district of Barranco! Experience the majesty of sunrise at Machu Picchu! A second early morning visit affords the luxury of unhurried exploration without the crowds. Discover the Colonial majesty of Quito and dine with commanding city views atop Itchimbia Hill. Come face-to-face with more wildlife on more islands! Built for ocean cruising, the all-suites Explorer II goes farther faster! Explore 7 unique islands on thrilling naturalist-guided excursions with never more than 16 guests. 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites #WHS#

HOTEL INFORMATION:

Day 1 - Lima, Peru
Check in to the deluxe Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel, handpicked for outstanding service, unique charm, and a terrific location in the lively seaside district of Miraflores.

Day 2 - Out and About with your Expert Guide in Lima #WHS#
Visit the Larco Herrera Museum, located in a lovely Vice Royal’s mansion of the 18th century. The extensive pre-Columbian collection of this world-famous museum, including ancient gold and silver objects, offers an excellent introduction to the history and cultures you’ll explore throughout your exploration of Peru. In sharp contrast to these antiquities, your next stop reveals the lively 21st century spirit of the capital. The enchanting district of Barranco is beloved by city residents and visitors alike for its Bohemian ambience and trend-setting boutiques and cafes. Meals B

Day 3 - Fly into the High Andes… Cuzco awaits!
Fly to Cuzco#WHS#, nestled high in the Andes, and transfer to the 5-star Libertador Hotel, a legendary landmark set in an ancient Inca palace in the heart of Old Cuzco. A free afternoon provides time to rest and acclimate to the high altitude. You can also step out from your city-center hotel to explore the nearby sites, shops and restaurants at your own pace. Meals B

Day 4 - A Rail Journey through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu#WHS#
Step aboard the Vistadome Train for an unforgettable journey into the Sacred Valley. As you travel along the Urubamba River, the scenery is spectacular... snow-capped Andean peaks, Indian villages and terraced fields. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, ascend to the ancient citadel to explore its extensive ruins as your expert guide sheds light on the Inca, their once-great Empire and this fabled Lost City. A tranquil overnight awaits you at the Inkaterra El Pueblo Hotel. Our deluxe resort enjoys a privileged location at the base of Machu Picchu, set in an Andean cloud forest along the banks of the fast-flowing Urubamba River. Meals B,L,D

Day 5 - Sunrise at Machu Picchu for Early Risers
If you wish, you can return to Machu Picchu on your own this morning to witness the first light of day breaking across the mountain peaks to cast a golden glow across the silent stones of this ancient Inca city. With morning dew, the paths and rocks can be slippery, requiring caution. Or take advantage of this leisure time to walk the charming cobbled streets of Aguas Calientes. Return to Cuzco by afternoon train where you’ll be escorted back to the deluxe Libertador Hotel. Meals B,L

Day 6 - Cuzco
Enjoy a day to explore at your own pace. Meals B

Day 7 - Onward to Quito#WHS#, Ecuador
Fly to Quito where you’ll be warmly greeted! Your escorted city tour reveals the magnificent Colonial-era monuments of this UNESCO World Heritage Site… Exploring the historic heart of the city, you’ll admire finely-preserved, centuries-old architecture including Metropolitan Cathedral, the Church of the Compania de Jesus and the Church of San Francisco. Enjoy a delightful overnight at the deluxe, city-center Swissotel. Meals B,D

Day 8 - Through High-Mountain Valleys to Otavalo
Travel into the picturesque highlands of Ecuador to the charming mountain town of Otavalo, nestled in a peaceful valley under the watchful gaze of two mighty volcanoes. In the main square, you’ll have time to explore Otavalo’s world-famous market, where residents and nearby villagers (many dressed in traditional clothing) come to sell their finely made handicrafts… woven rugs, jewelry, clothing, stone carvings, paintings, musical instruments, pottery and more. Return to Quito where the evening is at leisure. Meals B,L

Day 9 - Fly to the Galapagos Islands#WHS#
After arriving on Baltra Island you’ll be met and escorted to your waiting ship, the deluxe MV Galapagos Explorer II. After settling-in to your outside stateroom, step ashore to visit Dragon Hill, overlooking a beautiful bay on Santa Cruz Island. Dinner onboard is followed by a briefing from the ship’s engaging staff of experienced naturalists. Each night you can attend these talks previewing the next day’s activities. Meals B,L,D

Day 10 - Morning on Bartolomé Island. James Island in the afternoon!
Bartolomé is famous for its dramatic geological formations, including Pinnacle Rock. A short hike brings you to the summit for a panoramic view. After lunch onboard, the ship sails to James Island where you make landing on a pristine black sand beach, surrounded by fantastic rock formations. A mile-long trail brings you to inter-tidal pools along the coast, home to land iguanas feeding on the exposed algae, Oyster Catchers and Sally Lightfoot Crabs. At trails-end is Fur Seal Grotto, one of the few places on the islands where this wonderful creature can be seen. Meals B,L,D

Day 11 - To the edge of the archipelago… Fernandina Island & Isabela Islands
As you prepare to land on Fernandina, keep your eyes peeled for penguins diving off the rocks and marina iguanas congregating in large groups. You can even snorkel and witness the rare spectacle of these iguanas feeding underwater. This morning’s hike crosses two lava flows to a small peninsula, home to flightless cormorants. At the edge of the archipelago is Isabela Island, visited only by faster boats like the Explorer II. Your afternoon exploration of the island’s northwestern tip is well-worth the journey. Sailing by dingy, you’ll travel along imposing coastal cliffs – home to blue-footed and masked boobies, Galapagos penguins, pelicans, and fur seals. The rocky shoreline also attracts sea-turtles who come to feed in these waters and with good conditions, snorkeling here can be spectacular. Manta rays, sea-turtles, sea lions and even dolphins are often seen. Meals B,L,D

Day 12 - About North Seymour and Santa Cruz Islands
Walk along the flat trails of North Seymour to see colonies of blue-footed boobies and the magnificent frigate bird. On Santa Cruz you’ll see evidence of the island’s geological power on a walk through lava tubes. Exploring here in the highlands also offers a rare and exciting opportunity to observe the giant tortoise in its natural habitat. Meals B,L,D

Day 13 - Alight on San Cristobal Island and Fly to Guayaquil
Depending upon sea conditions and flights, your last day’s activities will include a visit to the sea lion colony at La Loberia, a visit to El Junco Lake, or a tour of the Galapagos Interpretation Center. An afternoon flight brings you to the bustling Pacific port city of Guayaquil, where you’ll be met and escorted to the deluxe Hilton Hotel. Meals B,L

Day 14 - Farewell to Ecuador!
Your program with us finishes this morning. Meals B

Don't miss our current specials: World Traveler 2% Cash Discount If you make payment by check, money order or electronic cash withdrawal and pay-in-full for your General Tours trip within 7 days of making your reservation, we'll discount the entire cost of your trip by 2%. Your entire balance must be paid by personal check, travel agency check, money order or authorized electronic debit withdrawal (ACH) from a checking account to qualify; and your payment must be received by General Tours not later than seven (7) days from the date of your reservation to qualify. We recommend using a traceable overnight delivery method. If your check or electronic debit is returned from your bank for any reason, your reservation will no longer qualify for the 2% cash discount; a $25 processing fee will be added to your account balance; and all future payments will need to be made by credit card or certified funds.
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
4/9/2010 - 4/23/2010	$6,149
4/9/2010 - 4/23/2010	$5,999
4/22/2010 - 5/6/2010	$6,609
4/22/2010 - 5/6/2010	$6,149
4/22/2010 - 5/6/2010	$6,449
4/23/2010 - 5/7/2010	$6,289
4/23/2010 - 5/7/2010	$6,009
4/23/2010 - 5/7/2010	$6,429
4/23/2010 - 5/7/2010	$5,799
5/7/2010 - 5/21/2010	$5,799
5/7/2010 - 5/21/2010	$6,429
5/7/2010 - 5/21/2010	$6,009
5/7/2010 - 5/21/2010	$6,289
5/21/2010 - 6/4/2010	$6,289
5/21/2010 - 6/4/2010	$6,009
5/21/2010 - 6/4/2010	$6,429
5/21/2010 - 6/4/2010	$5,799
6/4/2010 - 6/18/2010	$5,799
6/4/2010 - 6/18/2010	$6,429
6/4/2010 - 6/18/2010	$6,009
6/4/2010 - 6/18/2010	$6,289
6/18/2010 - 7/2/2010	$9,609
6/18/2010 - 7/2/2010	$6,149
6/18/2010 - 7/2/2010	$6,609
6/18/2010 - 7/2/2010	$5,999
7/2/2010 - 7/16/2010	$5,999
7/2/2010 - 7/16/2010	$6,609
7/2/2010 - 7/16/2010	$6,149
7/2/2010 - 7/16/2010	$9,609
7/16/2010 - 7/30/2010	$9,609
7/16/2010 - 7/30/2010	$6,149
7/16/2010 - 7/30/2010	$6,609
7/16/2010 - 7/30/2010	$5,999
7/30/2010 - 8/13/2010	$5,999
7/30/2010 - 8/13/2010	$6,609
7/30/2010 - 8/13/2010	$6,149
7/30/2010 - 8/13/2010	$9,609
8/13/2010 - 8/27/2010	$9,609
8/13/2010 - 8/27/2010	$6,149
8/13/2010 - 8/27/2010	$6,609
8/13/2010 - 8/27/2010	$5,999
10/1/2010 - 10/15/2010	$5,999
10/1/2010 - 10/15/2010	$6,609
10/1/2010 - 10/15/2010	$6,149
10/1/2010 - 10/15/2010	$6,449
10/15/2010 - 10/29/2010	$6,449
10/15/2010 - 10/29/2010	$6,149
10/15/2010 - 10/29/2010	$6,609
10/15/2010 - 10/29/2010	$5,999
10/29/2010 - 11/12/2010	$5,999
10/29/2010 - 11/12/2010	$6,609
10/29/2010 - 11/12/2010	$6,149
10/29/2010 - 11/12/2010	$6,449
11/5/2010 - 11/19/2010	$6,449
11/5/2010 - 11/19/2010	$6,149
11/5/2010 - 11/19/2010	$6,609
11/5/2010 - 11/19/2010	$5,999
11/19/2010 - 12/3/2010	$5,899
11/19/2010 - 12/3/2010	$6,499
11/19/2010 - 12/3/2010	$6,079
11/19/2010 - 12/3/2010	$9,469
12/3/2010 - 12/17/2010	$9,469
12/3/2010 - 12/17/2010	$6,079
12/3/2010 - 12/17/2010	$6,499
12/3/2010 - 12/17/2010	$5,899
12/17/2010 - 12/31/2010	$5,999
12/17/2010 - 12/31/2010	$6,609
12/17/2010 - 12/31/2010	$6,149
12/17/2010 - 12/31/2010	$6,449
12/31/2010 - 1/14/2011	$6,449
12/31/2010 - 1/14/2011	$6,149
12/31/2010 - 1/14/2011	$6,609
12/31/2010 - 1/14/2011	$5,999
1/14/2011 - 1/28/2011	$5,999
1/14/2011 - 1/28/2011	$6,609
1/14/2011 - 1/28/2011	$6,149
1/14/2011 - 1/28/2011	$6,449
1/28/2011 - 2/11/2011	$5,999
2/11/2011 - 2/25/2011	$5,999
2/25/2011 - 3/11/2011	$5,999
3/11/2011 - 3/25/2011	$5,999
3/25/2011 - 4/8/2011	$5,999
4/8/2011 - 4/22/2011	$5,999
4/22/2011 - 5/6/2011	$5,999
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Engaging Discoveries… For our World Travelers

• Delve into the many facets of Lima... treasures of antiquity in the famed Larco Herrera Museum and the lively Bohemian district of Barranco! Experience the majesty of sunrise at Machu Picchu! A second early morning visit affords the luxury of unhurried exploration without the crowds. Discover the Colonial majesty of Quito and dine with commanding city views atop Itchimbia Hill. Come face-to-face with more wildlife on more islands! Built for ocean cruising, the all-suites Explorer II goes farther faster! Explore 7 unique islands on thrilling naturalist-guided excursions with never more than 16 guests. 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites #WHS#

World Traveler 2% Cash Discount

Ratings & Reviews:

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(4 out of 5, Based on 1 ratings) Write a review.

 

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M&MSndrs rated this tour a 4 on 9/19/2009 12:38:51 PM and says:

"Also known as the enchanted isles, the Galapagos are a naturalists dream. Cut off from human influences for millions of years, the resident population of animals have not developed a fear of man like their mainland cousins. The result is a truly spectacular wildlife-viewing experience. With iguanas, albatrosses, seals, blue footed boobies and giant tortoises all approaching viewers quizzically rather than running way, you are guaranteed an excellent trip. Add to this some beautiful beaches, great snorkelling and a couple of good hikes, and this is like no other cruise you will ever go on. There is never a bad time to visit the Galapagos. The peak season lasts from mid-June through early September, and from mid-December through mid-January. The national park limits the number of visitors to each island, so the Galapagos will never feel crowded. December through May - During this time of year, the water and the air are warmer, but this is also the rainy season. It drizzles almost daily for a short period of time. Ironically, this is also the sunniest time of year. The end of December and the beginning of January is still the high season, so expect more visitors than during the rest of the year. Because the water is warm, the idea of swimming and snorkelling is enticing. On the flip side, there aren't as many fish to see as later in the year. This is also the breeding season for land birds, so it's a good opportunity to watch some unusual mating rituals. If you're into turtles, this is best time of year to come; you can watch sea turtles nesting on the beach, and from March through May, you can often see the land tortoises wandering around the lowland areas of the islands as they make their way down from the highlands in search of a mate. Sea lions also mate in the rainy season -- it's entertaining to watch as the males fight it out for the females. Around March and April, you'll see the adorable newborn pups crawling around the islands. June through November - From June through November, the Humboldt Current makes it way up to the Galapagos from the southern end of South America. The current brings cold water and cold weather, but it also brings water rich in nutrients and plankton, which attracts fish and birds. During this season there always seem to be clouds in the air, but it rarely rains. Conditions are windier during this period. Experienced divers claim that this is the best time of year to visit the Galapagos. Because there are more fish in the sea at this time of year, there are also more seabirds searching for these fish. Albatrosses arrive on Espanola in June and stay until December. Penguins also like the cold water and abundance of fish, so you're more likely to see them here during this season. On Genovesa, the elusive owls mate in June and July, and you have the best chance of spotting one during this time. Blue-footed boobies also mate during this time of year, so it won't be difficult to witness their beautiful mating ritual known as the "sky point.""

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