Galapagos + Land of the Incas (NG Islander)

Description

Embark on a sweeping adventure that encapsulates all the wildness of Galápagos balanced with cultural and historic experiences of Machu Picchu & the Land of the Inca. You’ll explore Galápagos in depth aboard the 48-guest National Geographic Islander, an intimately-scaled vessel. And you’ll journey to contemporary Lima, and historic Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Plus, overnight at Machu Picchu and watch the sunrise over this fabled city.

Encounter abundant wildlife in Galápagos
Blue-footed boobies. Flightless cormorants. Darwin’s finches. Pink flamingos. Sea lions on beaches or gamboling underwater. Giant tortoises grazing in the highlands. The wildlife of Galápagos is legendary for its uniqueness and lack of fear, allowing you the rare experience of being treated as an equal in the wild world. Each island contains endemic species, and you’ll have the opportunity to see a panoply of Galápagos’ creatures in their native habitats—on land and in the sea.

See day break of Machu Picchu, plus experience Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Inca
Walk amongst 3000-year-old cities built by the Incan empire and explore the most stunning archaeological sites in the Peru. This week-long exploration is carefully planned to allow you to acclimate on the trip from sea level to the peaks of Machu Picchu. Your expedition team of local experts and historians will also open you to the colonial and contemporary Peru that lies alongside the Incan wonders. You’ll visit the massive Inca stone fortress of Ollantaytambo before relaxing in the luxurious 31-room Orient Express Sanctuary Lodge. Before sunrise, you’ll hike to the Sun Gate, the ancient final checkpoint to Machu Picchu. See dawn break over the quiet ruins and then descend into this fabled city with only a handful of visitors.

Hotel del Parque – A guest exclusive
New for 2018! Set along the banks of the Río Daule, Hotel del Parque is housed in a lovingly restored 19th-century building nestled within the secluded haven of Parque Histórico’s lush botanical gardens. Intimate and welcoming with a gracious, golden-age aura, this elegant boutique hotel—the first in the city—makes a fitting bookend to your expedition aboard the yacht-scaled National Geographic Islander.

Explore with an exceptional team
Explore Galápagos under the sure guidance of an expedition leader, three handpicked naturalists, including a National Geographic certified photo instructor and an undersea specialist, plus a wellness specialist. In Peru you’ll explore with a veteran Peruvian tour plus several veteran local guides that join us along the way in the Sacred Valley of the Inca, Machu Picchu, and Cusco. Your team’s knowledge and passion for the region is the key to your once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Trip Name

Galapagos + Land of the Incas (NG Islander)

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 49 metres Passenger Capacity: 48 guests (in 24 cabins) Built: 1982 The National Geographic Islander is a versatile 164-foot twin-hulled vessel with 24 spacious cabins comfortably accommodating 48 guests. She is a sturdy expedition ship, designed for year-round discovery and active exploration of the Galápagos and can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to its small size. Accessibility means freedom. Our captains have decades of sailing experience in the regions we explore. They know when and where to navigate so that you feel the places we visit are all ours. Thanks to our sturdy fleet of Zodiacs and virtually untippable kayaks, you can be off the ship and out exploring within a moment’s notice. Public Areas: Ship is fully air-conditioned. Covered deck with hammocks, chairs and tables; Doctor's Office; Fitness Center; Global Market; LEXspa; Library; Lounge with full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows and presentations; and Sky Deck. Our Ecuadorian Captain and Officers welcome guests to the Bridge in accordance with our "Open Bridge" policy. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with an Ecuadorian flair. Cabins: All cabins have a window with an outside view, private facilities, and climate controls. Expedition Equipment: Hydrophone, kayaks, snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, wet suits, and Zodiac landing craft. Special Features: Guest internet access, laundry service, LEXmarket, and Wellness Program. A ship's doctor, Undersea Specialist, and Video Chronicler are also onboard.

Itinerary

Day 1 - DAY 1: Guayaquil, Ecuador

Arrive Guayaquil. Upon arrival, it’s a short drive to the Hotel Hilton Colón, where we overnight.

Day 2 - DAY 2: Guayaquil / Galápagos / Embark Ship

After the 1 1⁄2-hour flight to the Galápagos, we’ll immediately board the ship. Over the course of the week, our exact routing depends on the National Park Service. (B, L, D)

Day 3 - DAYS 3-8: Exploring the Galápagos Islands

While our exact routing depends on the National Park Service, we may visit the following islands: - Bartolomé - Santiago - Santa Cruz - Isabela - Fernandina - Floreana - Española (B, L, D)

Day 4 - DAY 9: Galápagos/Guayaquil/Lima, Peru

Depart Galápagos this morning and fly to Lima, Peru. Overnight at the conveniently located Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel. (B,L)

Day 5 - DAY 10: Lima/Cusco/Sacred Valley of the Inca

This morning, fly to Cusco then drive to Moray, a visually stunning Inca site believed to have been an agricultural laboratory where Incan priests would test soils and crops. Dine on Peruvian cuisine for lunch at Parador Moray, overlooking the ruins. En route to the hotel, walk through a colorful, typical local market before an optional visit to the pottery studio Pablo Seminario, featuring ceramics made with ancient Peruvian techniques and designs. Check into Sol y Luna Hotel, a Relaix & Chateau property. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - DAY 11: Sacred Valley of the Inca

After breakfast, learn about Peru’s history from National Geographic expert Peter Frost. Visit the massive Inca stone fortress of Ollantaytambo. Visit Casa Orihuela for lunch—a working, family-owned hacienda, then see the family’s private museum filled with colonial artwork and enjoy a demonstration of Peruvian Paso horses accompanied by Marinera dancers and live music. Watch a traditional weaving demonstration by National Geographic grantee Nilda Callañaupa. After dinner at the hotel, watch a folkloric dance performance. (B,L,D)

Day 7 - DAY 12: Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu

Enjoy the views from the valley to Machu Picchu via train with large picture windows. Spend the day exploring Machu Picchu’s different structures with your guide—ceremonial religious, astronomical, and agricultural. Overnight at the historic 31-room Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (formerly the Orient-Express Sanctuary Lodge) with views of the Andes. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - DAY 13: Machu Picchu/Cusco

Hike to the Sun Gate this morning, the ancient final checkpoint to Machu Picchu, and watch daybreak over the sacred ruins. The morning is free to explore Machu Picchu on your own or with your guide. After a train and bus ride, visit Awanacancha, where llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas are bred. En route to Cusco, we’ll stop at Plaza San Cristobal for photos, offering sweeping views of the colonial part of Cusco. Check into the Belmond Monasterio Hotel for two nights (formerly the Orient-Express Monasterio Hotel). (B,L,D)

Day 9 - DAY 14: Cusco

Explore the Inca Empire’s capital city of Cusco and visit the magnificent 17th-century cathedral and convent of Koricancha, and the vast Sacsayhuaman fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore Cusco at your leisure this afternoon. Relax, shop, or visit one of the many churches and museums. Dinner is on your own tonight. (B,L)

Day 10 - DAY 15: Cusco/Lima

Return to Lima and visit the Larco Herrera Museum and stroll the Plaza Mayor. Lunch is in traditional Latin American style. Experience the music of the Andes at a presentation of indigenous instruments. Dinner is on your own. Overnight at the Belmond (formerly Orient-Express) Miraflores Park Hotel. (B,L)

Day 11 - DAY 16: Lima

This morning fly home – or anywhere else you might have decided to go. (B)

Day 12 - Please Note:

All day-by-day breakdowns are a sampling of the places we intend to visit, conditions permitting.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Have up close encounters with incredible wildlife
Experience the Galápagos undersea, too
Benefit from our 40+ years of experience and relationships in Galápagos to see all you came for and more.
See daybreak over the ruins at Machu Picchu from the fabled Sun Gate, with only a handful of visitors
Discover Cusco’s array of cultural influences and explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Explore the massive stone Inca stone fortress of Ollantaytambo