Peru and the Galápagos Islands

A 16-Day Tauck Tours tour starting from $7,890

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Starting Price: $7,890 Printer Friendly Page
Tour Length: 16 Days
Countries Visited: Ecuador, Galapagos, Peru, South America
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More Information About This Tour:
Tour Type: Escorted Tour
Tour Category: NULL
Tour Operator: Tauck Tours
Tour Code: Tauck-EG2010
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This active adventure combines the ancient empire of the Incas with the timeless natural world of the Galápagos Islands. A highlight of your Galápagos cruise and Peru tour is a visit to the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu, the spectacular Lost City of the Incas - and one of the must-see destinations on earth. Embark on a memorable cruise aboard one of the finest expeditionary-style yachts in the Galápagos for amazing wildlife viewing and an opportunity to get up close to giant Galápagos tortoises, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, marine iguanas, and penguins. Meet Peruvian pasos on a Peruvian ranch, see a weaving demonstration at a local farm, and visit a private home in Cusco, followed by an overnight stay next to the magical ruins. At the end of your Peru tour, cruise the extraordinary waters of the Galápagos.

 
•   All gratuities to Tauck Director and ship staff
 
Day 1: The best Galápagos cruise and Peru tour begins in Lima
A transfer is included from Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport to the five-star Miraflores Park Hotel, located in an oceanfront section of Lima.
Overnight: Miraflores Park Hotel, Lima, Peru
Meals Included:

Day 2: Discover colonial Lima
Highlights of your Peru tour today include a chance to view the world's largest collection of pre-Columbian art at the Museo Larco  and a visit to a ranch to meet smooth-gaited Peruvian pasos. Enjoy welcome cocktails and dinner tonight as you meet your fellow travelers.
Overnight: Miraflores Park Hotel, Lima, Peru
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3: Sacred Valley of the Incas
Fly to Cusco, and enjoy a weaving demonstration at a traditional farm on your way to El Valle Sagrado, the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit the great fortress of Ollantaytambo, a well-preserved Inca settlement and a National Archaeological Park. Dating to the 15th century, it features an intricate walled complex.
Overnight: Sol & Luna Lodge & Spa or Casa Andina Private Collection, Yucay Valley, Peru
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: Magic at Machu Picchu
Peek inside a private home in Cusco before journeying by rail to the spectacular, mystical ruins of Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas." Join a local guide for in-depth exploration, climbing up to the well-preserved remains. Explore the extensive terracing and intricate stonework found on nearly vertical terrain, surrounded by soaring jungle peaks and the Andes Mountains. Your hotel enjoys stunning views of the Andes Mountains and is located close to the entrance to the ruins – which means you can visit the Inca citadel when you please during your memorable one-night stay at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge on Tauck's Peru tour.
Overnight: Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, Aguas Calientes, Peru
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: A new day dawns in Machu Picchu
Take the opportunity to experience the spiritual complex of Machu Picchu at sunrise, then experience the sights, scents and sounds of a local market in Aguas Calientes. It's back aboard the train again for a ride back to colonial Cusco for a two-night stay in a lavishly restored historic monastery.
Overnight: Hotel Monasterio, Cusco, Peru
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6: Curious Cusco, a Peru tour gem
Your Peru tour continues with sightseeing in Cusco, once the powerful capital of the ancient sophisticated Inca empire. See Plaza de Armas, a large square that was the center of the ancient city; the Cathedral; and colonial buildings dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. Time at leisure today lets you explore the city as you wish.
Overnight: Hotel Monasterio, Cusco, Peru
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7: Journey to Ecuador
The Galápagos cruise portion of your Peru tour adventure begins when you fly to Lima and take a connecting flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city. It’s renowned as a major port and enjoys a pleasant tropical climate. 
Overnight: Hilton Colón Guayaquil, Ecuador
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner

Day 8: Greetings Galápagos
Fly to the Galápagos Islands, 600 miles off the coast and home to wildlife found nowhere else in the world. Enjoy a seven-night cruise aboard Tauck’s exclusive expeditionary-style yacht, Isabela II, topped by an observation deck. The cruise itinerary is flexible, allowing the ship to access many remote islands, choosing beaches that are full of wildlife. Landings are made in a panga, a Zodiac-style raft, and may require wading ashore in shallow water. Chart a course for North Seymour Island today for your first naturalist-guided shore excursion; just wait until you see birds wearing bright blue and red shoes and meet sea lions who are happy to make your acquaintance.
Overnight: Cruising aboard Isabela II, Galápagos Islands
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9: Explore Hood Island on landings wet and dry
Both wet and dry landings by panga take you to Hood Island to visit with its friendly sea lions and observe finches, mockingbirds and other bird life. Ride a glass-bottom boat in Gardner Bay, take a challenging walk across volcanic landscapes to check out unique seabird colonies at Punta Suárez, or spend some time snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
Overnight: Cruising aboard Isabela II, Galápagos Islands
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 10: Flamingos and other feathered friends on Floreana Island
On Floreana Island, join your expert naturalist guide on an easy nature hike to a lovely lagoon, where you'll see flamingos in their pristine habitat. Explore Post Office Bay, where a primitive island "post office" has been in use for hundreds of years; you can still mail a letter, sailor-style, today.
Overnight: Cruising aboard Isabela II, Galápagos Islands
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 11: In Darwin's footsteps on Santa Cruz Island
Head for the inland highlands with a naturalist on Santa Cruz Island to see volcanic craters and a Scalesia forest. Try to spy giant tortoises in the wild and see them up-close at the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you'll also learn about the history of the islands.
Overnight: Cruising aboard Isabela II, Galápagos Islands
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 12: Birds galore on Tower Island
Land by panga in a lovely natural harbor on Tower Island to view thousands of incredible birds – including large colonies of frigate birds, storm petrels, Nazca boobies and many more. In most cases, the birds and animals of the Galápagos are unafraid of humans, so you get so close you can almost touch them!
Overnight: Cruising aboard Isabela II, Galápagos Islands
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 13: Isabela and Fernandina islands
Isabela II cruises through Bolivar Channel today, where whales are often swimming,  en route to Isabela and Fernandina, the youngest of the Galápagos Islands today (they're only about 5 to 10 million years old). Arrive at Isabela's Tagus Cove to see Darwin Crater; you'll also have an opportunity to do some snorkeling, as well as view Sally Lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas and sea lions on Fernandina. Cross the Equator with a glass of champagne in hand.
Overnight: Cruising aboard Isabela II, Galápagos Islands
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 14: Natural wonders on James and Bartolomé islands
A wet landing precedes a stroll across the ancient lava flows of James Island to spot marine iguanas, fur seals and myriad birds. There are even more wonders in store when you climb to the top of Bartolomé Island – some 365 steps – and on a panga ride around Pinnacle Rock where you may get a an unforgettable look at unique Galápagos penguins.
Overnight: Cruising aboard Isabela II, Galápagos Islands
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 15: Fly back to civilization in Guayaquil
Disembark Isabela II, and fly to Guayaquil. A tour of the city precedes free time, perhaps to stroll the waterfront promenade, El Malecon. Share favorite experiences from your Galápagos cruise and Peru tour at the farewell dinner.
Overnight: Hilton Colón Guayaquil, Ecuador
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner

Day 16: Goodbye Galápagos cruise and Peru tour
Tour ends in Guayaquil. A transfer is included from the Hilton Colón Guayaquil to Guayaquil International Airport; allow 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in.
Overnight:
Meals Included: Breakfast

 

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Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
10/12/2010 - 10/28/2010
$9,090
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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.

• = cruise day Flying to Peru & the Galápagos Islands You may want to consider traveling to Lima a day early to avoid jet lag. Tauck can book your international flights for travel originating in the United States and make hotel arrangements at the Miraflores Park Hotel in Lima before your tour begins. Ask at booking for details. 1. Arrive Lima Tour begins: Miraflores Park Hotel. A transfer is included from Lima’s Jorge Chavez Int’l Airport to the Miraflores Park Hotel. Once considered the most beautiful colonial settlement in the New World, Lima chronicles its rich history in Renaissance churches, palaces, mansions and exclusive neighborhoods like Miraflores where your five-star hotel enjoys a premier oceanfront location. 2. Discover Life in Lima Get a glimpse of life in the “City of Kings” today. View the world’s largest private collection of pre-Columbian art at the Museo Larco, housed in an 18th-century colonial mansion, and meet smooth-gaited Peruvian pasos during a visit to a horse ranch. Sightseeing continues back in Lima when we take you inside San Pedro Church, built in 1638, to see its gold-leafed Baroque altars and “La Abuelita,” the oldest bell in Peru. Join us tonight for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner with your fellow travelers. Meals BLD 3. Sacred Valley of the Incas Rise early for a flight to Cusco, the place to begin your in-depth exploration of Incan culture. A weaving demonstration at a local farm showcases colorful traditions that have been handed down through the centuries, followed by a close-up look at another enduring vestige of ancient Peru, the mighty fortress of Ollantaytambo. Your accommodations feature spectacular views in an enchanted garden setting. Meals BLD 4. Explore Machu Picchu Visit a private home before boarding a Vistadome train for a rail journey back in time to endlessly fascinating Machu Picchu. Revealing so much more than the ruins you’ll see before you, your guided tour with a local expert includes insights and stories that make the spiritual history of this sacred Inca citadel come alive. Spend the night at the sought-after Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, located close to the entrance of this mystical site. Meals BLD 5. Machu Picchu / Cusco Take the opportunity to explore the ruins again on an early morning visit – then join us on an excursion to a local market in Aguas Calientes. A return train trip aboard the Vistadome brings you back to colonial Cusco for a two-night stay at a lavishly restored historic monastery. Meals BLD 6. Discover Colonial Cusco Sightseeing of ancient stone ruins and city landmarks is balanced with time at leisure today for you to enjoy the remainder of your Cusco stay, your way. Meals B 7. Fly to Guayaquil, Ecuador Fly to Guayaquil via Lima for an anticipated mid-afternoon arrival and a sightseeing tour. The largest city in Ecuador, tropical Guayaquil serves as the perfect gateway for your upcoming 7-night Galápagos Islands cruise. Meals BD 8. • Cruising Begins in the Galápagos Your morning flight touches down on Baltra Island; it is the gateway for your cruise to the islands time forgot aboard your expedition ship, Isabela II. Cast off for North Seymour Island, where our expert naturalists take you on your first shore excursion this afternoon aboard the ship’s Zodiac-style pangas; blue-footed boobies, sea lions and marine iguanas welcome you ashore with natural curiosity. Meals BLD 9. • Wet & Dry Landings at Hood Island Get fitted for your snorkeling gear this morning because today you’ll meet island natives who frolic atop – and under – the waters of Hood Island. Ride aboard glass-bottom boats and pangas today as you cruise to Gardner Bay for snorkeling and swimming. A challenging afternoon walk on lava terrain at Punta Suárez ends the day’s discoveries. Meals BLD 10. • Explore Floreana Island Prepare to get wet when we go ashore at Punta Cormorant today for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. Look for ducks and flamingoes in the island’s wildlife-rich lagoon. Bring your postcards with you for a wet landing at historic Post Office Bay; mail them, sailor style. Meals BLD 11. • Santa Cruz Island Santa Cruz is home to daisy-tree forests, endemic cactus, volcanic craters, tortoises, a bustling town and the Charles Darwin Research Station. Spend the day exploring the sights with a naturalist, seeing the island’s iconic giant tortoises in the wild and up close at the Darwin station. Meals BLD 12. • The Birds of Tower Island An active day of deep-water snorkeling, kayaking and swimming at Tower Island, known for its abundant birds, reveals large colonies of Nazca boobies, frigate birds, and storm petrels. Climb up Prince Philip’s Steps on the eastern side of the island to see nesting birds. Meals BLD 13. • Isabela & Fernandina Islands Ask for an early wake up call to look for whales in Bolivar Channel en route to Isabela Island. A panga ride to Tagus Cove views Darwin Crater and helps you find the ideal spot for snorkeling. Cruise to Fernandina Island for a one-mile shore hike amidst marine iguanas, sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Cross the Equator with champagne! Meals BLD 14. • James & Bartolomé Islands It’s a wet landing today on James Island for a walk atop lava flows to see resident wildlife, from iguanas to fur seals. A panga ride around Pinnacle Rock precedes a hike to the summit of Bartolomé Island – 365 steps up! Meals BLD 15. Fly to Guayaquil Fly back to Guayaquil today. Enjoy free time at the hotel before joining us for our farewell dinner. Meals BD 16. Journey Home Tour ends: Guayaquil. A transfer is included from the Hilton Colón Guayaquil to Guayaquil International Airport; allow 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in. Meals B Note: This is an active journey requiring a fair amount of walking, often on uneven terrain and climbing in and out of Zodiac-style panga boats; several days touring at elevations up to 11,200 ft. in hot and humid weather can be strenuous and challenging.
 

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Hurry! Air Savings End March 26!

Special International Air Savings – Europe

Book and deposit summertime departures of the following Tauck journeys to Europe by March 26, 2010 and save $2,000 per couple off Business Class Air ($1,000 off per person) from select U.S. cities.

Savings are valid for travel between June 29 and September 5, 2010, subject to availability:

Treasures of the Aegean – 14 days with a 7-night cruise aboard Wind Star / Wind Spirit

Sicily, the Amalfi Coast & Rome – 11 days with a 7-night cruise aboard Le Ponant

Switzerland – 11 days featuring travel along Tauck’s scenic Yellow Roads

Italian Lakes, Venice, Florence & Rome – 10 days in Italy with all multiple-night stays

Paradors of Northern Spain – 14 days exploring culturally rich Iberia

The Best of Ireland – 13 days featuring iconic cultural treasures of the Emerald Isle

A Week In… Ireland – 8 days with a 2-night stay at Dromoland Castle

A Week In… Spain – 8 days from Barcelona to Andalucía, Seville and Madrid

A Week In… Scotland – 8 days with 2- and 3-night stays in Loch Lomond, Inverness & Edinburgh

Spain and Portugal – 14 days of Iberian pleasures and culinary treasures

Normandy, Brittany, Paris & the Loire Valley – 13 days showcasing joie de vivre

A Week In… London & Paris – 4 nights at a grand hotel in London and 3 nights in Paree

Castles & Kings: London to Paris – An 8-day family vacation alive with royal traditions

Deposit must be paid at time of booking and certain restrictions apply. Valid on new bookings only and not combinable with other promotions; ask for details.

Tauck Tour Deals

Traveling with a group of friends or family can add to the joy of any journey.

Book a group of 10 on any Tauck land journey or cruise and the 11th guest travels FREE.

Book a group of 8 on any Tauck Bridges family adventure and the 9th guest travels FREE

Tauck Single Specials

For those seeking singles tours, we are pleased to offer special values on select departures to our guests who choose to travel solo. You can travel with peace of mind, knowing that you are among like-minded travelers and will have all the day-to-day details handled for you! While everyone is welcome, on these select dates we offer special arrangements to those traveling solo at a reduced cost.

Tauck Single Specials in North America

Best of the Canadian Rockies

Michigan's Lakes & Mackinac Island

Charleston/Savannah

Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia

San Fransisco, Sonoma & Napa Valleys

Tauck Single Specials in Europe

A Week in Ireland

A Week in Spain

Mediterranean Discovery

Istanbul and the Black Sea

Treasure of the Mediterranean

Cruising Mediterranean Shores

The Blue Danube

Holland Belgium in Spring

Strasbourg to Prague Serenade

The Rhine and Moselle

Budapest to Amsterdam by Riverboat

Budapest to the Black Sea

Classic Italy

Bellissima Northern Italy

Italian Lakes, Venice, Florence and Rome

A Week in Paris and Provence

Tauck Singles Specials in Latin America

Panama Canal & Costa Rica

 
 

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