BOOK THIS TRIP places available!
Galapagos and Inca Trail
Trip Valid:
30/01/2008 to 31/12/2008
Duration:
14 days (Quito to Cuzco)
Highlights:
Experience the wildlife wonders of the Galapagos, Spot sea lions and eagle rays in Espanola, Follow the forested path of the Inca Trail to amazing Machu Picchu
Trip Code:
GSX
Guarantee:
Departure is guaranteed
Group Size:
Minimum 1, Maximum 16
Price:
Prices from USD $2240
Galapagos park entry fee USD $100 (Subject to change)
Transit Control Card USD$10
*(plus local payment USD $700)
pricing for United States: change country
Extras:
view 2008 airport transfers and pre- & post-trip accommodation prices
Experience the best of Ecuador and Peru on this diverse journey. Spend five days sailing through the wildlife-filled wonders of the Galapagos Islands before heading inland to uncover ancient history on a trek of the Inca Trail and visit to the imposing Machu Picchu. Discover places of astounding natural beauty, visit vibrant and colourful cities, and uncover the hidden gems of South America.
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meals included:
6 Breakfasts, all meals while in Galapagos cruise and on Inca Trail
transport: Plane, train, minibus, boat, walking
accommodation: Hotels (6 nts), camping (3 nts), twinshare cabins on board a motorised yacht (4 nts)
budget: Allow USD $125 for meals not included.
departs: every Wed
important notes:
The Quito-Lima international flight on day 7 (Tuesday) is not included in tour price.
The Inca Trail is closed during the month of February for its cleaning and maintenance. This closure affects all trips in which the Inca Trail portion of the tour starts on or after the 01st of February to and including the 28th of February. Those affected trips will instead hike the Lares Trek. For more information on the Lares Trek, please click on the below Inca Trail to Machu Picchu link.
Should you choose not to hike the Inca Trail, please advise us in writing at the time of booking, so alternative arrangements can be made. Without prior warning, local fees may apply.
Important information regarding new regulations and booking procedures for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
we also recommend:
Take an extra 10 days and head to the heights of Ecuador in our Ecuador Adventure
(GSB)
Day 1 Quito
Sitting at an altitude of 2,850 m under the gaze of Volcan Pichincha, Quito is longg and thin, winding its way down a valley that drops down to the Amazon Basin. The historic Old Town has charming narrow cobblestone streets, beautiful buildings and some great penas where you can try delicious local food and practice your Spanish with the friendly locals.
Day 2 Baltra/ Santa Cruz
Fly to the Galapagos Islands, located approximately 1000 km off the Pacific Coast. Long before Darwin arrived the islands had already developed a reputation among mariners as strange and wonderful lands. Teeming with wonderful wildlife, the islands of the Galapagos are sure to delight. Cruise through the untouched waters on a yacht and learning about the unique animal life in this part of the world from the onboard naturalist.
Day 3 Floreana
Discover Post Office Bay, where seafarers would drop mail and collect any letters destined for ports on their itineraries, a system that is still working today. Cruise around Floreana to reach the Devil's Crown, a fantastic place to snorkel among the colourful fish and playful sea lions.
Day 4 Espanola
Watch spectacular waves crash onto jagged cliffs in Punta Suarez, home to large bird colonies. The dense colonies will most likely include blue-footed boobies and red-billed tropical birds. The island is also home to fierce-looking iguanas and is a great spot to spot eagle rays swimming in the turquoise waters.
Day 5 San Cristobal/ Santa Fe
Call into the San Cristobal Island Interpretation Centre before heading to Santa Fe, where there are many walking trails to explore. Hang out at a sea lion bachelor pad and learn how mangrove trees survive in such a harsh environment. Head into a forest of prickly pear cactus to explore or simply chill out on the beach.
Day 6 North Seymour/ Baltra/ Quito
With a bit of luck, see the flamboyant mating rituals of frigate birds at Seymour Island before returning to quirky Quito.
Day 7 Lima
Get a feel for Peru's colonial past on a guided walk around churches, museums and streets with carved balconies. For a taste of cosmopolitan coastal lifestyles, head to seaside Miraflores or Barranco to dine in local cafes. Don't go past the ceviche, a traditional seafood specialty.
Day 8 Cuzco
Possibly the most charming city in the Andes, Cuzco overflows with Spanish colonial buildings and the ruins of ancient temples.
Day 9 Sacred Valley
Stop in at the rural town of Pisac before travelling through the farming land and small villages of the Sacred Valley. The fertile region is filled with maize crops and terraces are carved high into the valley walls.
Days 10-14 Inca Trail/ Cuzco
Follow the ancient paths of the Inca Empire on a trek that takes in ruins, mountain scenery, rich subtropical jungle and dreamy cloud forests. On the final day, hike to Machu Picchu in the early morning for an unforgettable South American experience.
| start date | finish date | places available | bookings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed 08 Oct 08 | Tue 21 Oct 08 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 15 Oct 08 | Tue 28 Oct 08 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 22 Oct 08 | Tue 04 Nov 08 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 29 Oct 08 | Tue 11 Nov 08 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 05 Nov 08 | Tue 18 Nov 08 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 12 Nov 08 | Tue 25 Nov 08 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 19 Nov 08 | Tue 02 Dec 08 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 26 Nov 08 | Tue 09 Dec 08 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 03 Dec 08 | Tue 16 Dec 08 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 10 Dec 08 | Tue 23 Dec 08 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 17 Dec 08 | Tue 30 Dec 08 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 24 Dec 08 | Tue 06 Jan 09 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 31 Dec 08 | Tue 13 Jan 09 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 07 Jan 09 | Tue 20 Jan 09 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 14 Jan 09 | Tue 27 Jan 09 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 21 Jan 09 | Tue 03 Feb 09 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 25 Feb 09 | Tue 10 Mar 09 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 04 Mar 09 | Tue 17 Mar 09 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 11 Mar 09 | Tue 24 Mar 09 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 18 Mar 09 | Tue 31 Mar 09 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 25 Mar 09 | Tue 07 Apr 09 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 01 Apr 09 | Tue 14 Apr 09 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 08 Apr 09 | Tue 21 Apr 09 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 15 Apr 09 | Tue 28 Apr 09 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 22 Apr 09 | Tue 05 May 09 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 29 Apr 09 | Tue 12 May 09 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 06 May 09 | Tue 19 May 09 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 13 May 09 | Tue 26 May 09 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 20 May 09 | Tue 02 Jun 09 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 27 May 09 | Tue 09 Jun 09 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 03 Jun 09 | Tue 16 Jun 09 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 10 Jun 09 | Tue 23 Jun 09 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 17 Jun 09 | Tue 30 Jun 09 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 24 Jun 09 | Tue 07 Jul 09 | bookings closed |
The Trip Notes provide you with detailed information about your trip.
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On 07 June the Australian Government issued an updated travel warning for East Timor strongly advising against travel to East Timor because of the extremely dangerous security situation. Australians in the country are advised to leave. The Travel Warning remains at Category 5 - Do Not Travel.
On Tuesday 07 June we have taken the decision to cancel the remainder of our East Timor trips scheduled to depart in 2006. All travellers will be notified and given the opportunity to transfer to another trip or obtain a full refund (land content only). We very much regret having to take this action and our thoughts and sympathies are with the people of East Timor during this troubled time.
We are confident of being able to resume our normal schedule of trips to East Timor in 2007 and hope that those travellers who have had to cancel their plans this year will travel with us to East Timor in 2007.
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