Absolute Peru & Galápagos Central Islands

Description

Explore Peru’s southern coast, its Incan Highlands and the Galápagos Islands. From the soaring heights of the Inca Trail to the steamy jungle stay at the exclusive G Lodge Amazon, this epic journey includes an all-encompassing tour of Peru and four nights exploring the Galápagos. As one of the biggest tour operators in the region, our exclusive fleet of yachts offers great value, and in Peru, we run our own treks, ensuring the fair treatment of our porters and the quality of food and equipment as you follow the Inca Trail to majestic Machu Picchu.

Please Note: Internal flights are included.

Trip Name

Absolute Peru & Galápagos Central Islands

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Expedition Cruising Length: 25.5m Passenger Capacity: 16 Built: 1998 When it comes to our stellar fleet of Galápagos vessels, the Xavier III is made for both great value and great service. Imagine all the luxury of fresh and tasty local and international cuisine, daily excursions to explore the islands, and picturesque views of the area from the top deck – all this with an unbelievable price to boot. Get on board! Cabins: 4 lower deck double-occupancy cabins with port hole, 4 upper deck double-occupancy cabins with window, air conditioning, private facilities, TV & DVD player in lounge area Boat layout: Very spacious indoor-outdoor seating areas and sun chairs. Interior dining room with coffee, tea and water service on the main deck. Large lounge and bar area with TV and DVD player for daily briefings. Crew: The Xavier III carries a team of seven crew members and one CEO Naturalist Guide well-versed in the local wildlife, vegetation and geology and certified by the Galápagos National Park Service. Amenities: Snorkelling equipment, wetsuits and beach towels included at no extra charge. Comprehensive breakfast and gourmet Ecuadorian and international cuisine prepared fresh daily. All meals on board included.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 Lima

Arrive at any time.

Day 2 - Day 2 Lima/Paracas

Enjoy a free morning in Lima before travelling by bus to Paracas.

Day 3 - Day 3 Paracas/Nazca

Optional visit to Ballestas Islands before travelling to Nazca. En route, stop at a winery and at the Oasis of Huacachina.

Day 4 - Day 4 Nazca/Arequipa

Take a guided tour of the Nazca desert cemetery and potter's studio. Opt for a flight over the Nazca Lines before the overnight bus to Arequipa.

Day 5 - Day 5 Arequipa

Enjoy a free day in Arequipa. Opt for a city tour or visit to the Santa Catalina Monastery.

Day 6 - Day 6 Arequipa/Colca Canyon

Travel to Chivay, a village near Colca Canyon, for an optional dip in the thermal baths. Continue on to nearby Colca Canyon for the day, take a guided tour to spot condors.

Day 7 - Day 7 Colca Canyon/Puno

Travel by bus to Puno. Arrive with a little time to wander the markets and explore the city.

Day 8 - Day 8 Puno/Lake Titicaca

Enjoy a guided tour of Lake Titicaca with a homestay in a small village.

Day 9 - Day 9 Lake Titicaca/Puno

Visit the floating islands of Uros before returning to Puno. Opt to visit to Sillustani burial site.

Day 10 - Day 10 Puno/Cusco

Hop on the bus for a full day's drive to Cusco.

Day 11 - Day 11 Cusco

Opt to go mountain biking, whitewater rafting, or relax in a café. Choose to pre-book a Cusco Cooking Class.

Day 12 - Day 12 Cusco/Ollantaytambo

Enjoy a full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley. Stop at the G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op before visiting a local pottery making community. Break for lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa community restaurant in Huchuy Qosco. After lunch, opt to head out on a hike to the Ollantaytambo storehouses and look out over the ruins. Or, wander around the cobblestone streets and visit a local Chicheria (corn beer bar).

Day 13 - Day 13 Inca Trail

Depart Ollantaytambo by van to km 82 where the Inca Trail begins. Ease into the adventure with a straightforward day of hiking the meandering streams, stunning Andean scenery, and ancient Incan ruins.

Day 14 - Day 14 Inca Trail

Start early to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with ample time to rest and relax.

Day 15 - Day 15 Inca Trail

Cross two more passes and ruins on today's trek. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through the cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley.At 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds." Camp here or go another 1.5 hrs to the Wiñay Wayna ruins ("forever young") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).

Day 16 - Day 16 Machu Picchu/Cusco

The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu on a clear day. Hike down for a guided tour of the site and enjoy free time to explore until noon as permitted by the tourist ticket. Opt to visit the Inca Bridge, if time allows.Catch the bus to Aguas Calientes to meet any non-hiking members of your group. Eat and relax before your train back to Cusco in the afternoon.

Day 17 - Day 17 Cusco

Enjoy a free day to explore Cusco or relax. Opt to go whitewater rafting, mountain biking or get a massage.

Day 18 - Day 18 Cusco/Tambopata

Fly to Puerto Maldonado and continue by motorized boat to the comfortable and intimate G Lodge Amazon.

Day 19 - Day 19 Tambopata

Enjoy guided excursions by expert naturalists to spot wildlife at nearby oxbow lakes and along jungle trails. Spend some time relaxing in a hammock, enjoying the local swimming hole or visiting a nearby plantation. Go for a caiman-spotting cruise after dinner.

Day 20 - Day 20 Tambopata/Lima

Fly back to Lima for an optional final dinner and night out.

Day 21 - Day 21 Lima/Quito

Fly to Quito. Flight is unescorted and included in the price of the tour.

Day 22 - Day 22 Quito/Puerto Ayora

Transfer early to the airport for the flight to the Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival meet the Naturalist Guide, who will assist with the transfer to the Xavier, located in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Visit the Santa Cruz highlands and get up close and personal with giant tortoises.

Day 23 - Day 23 Chinese Hat/Black Turtle Cove

Visit Chinese Hat for snorkelling opportunities and to observe the birds and sea lions before taking an excursion to Black Turtle Cove to see the marine life.

Day 24 - Day 24 Cerro Dragón/Islas Daphne

Visit Cerro Dragón on the west coast of Santa Cruz Island to see land iguanas and a salt water lagoon frequented by flamingos and other species of birds. Continue to Daphne Island in the afternoon to spot birds and wildlife.

Day 25 - Day 25 Islas Plaza/Santa Fé Island

Land at South Plaza in the morning for wildlife spotting opportunities. Afternoon visit to Santa Fé Island for guided walks to observe the wildlife and plentiful marine iguanas. Opportunities for swimming and snorkelling with the sea lions.

Day 26 - Day 26 San Cristóbal Island/Quito

Visit the Interpretation Centre on San Cristóbal Island before flying back to Quito.

Day 27 - Day 27 Quito

Depart at any time.

Day 28 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Your G for Good Moment: Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit, Ccaccaccollo
Your G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, Lamay
Your Foodie Moment: Huacachina Winery Visit, Huacachina
Your Local Living Moment: Lake Titicaca Homestay, Lake Titicaca
Your Discover Moment: Cusco
Incredible wildlife encounters
Daily opportunities for swimming and snorkelling
Guided tour of Nazca desert cemetery and potter's studio
Guided tour of Colca Canyon
Guided tour of Taquile and Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca
Sacred Valley guided tour
Pottery making demonstration
Inca Trail hike with local guide, cook, and porters (4-days)
Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Excursion to G Adventures' exclusive Amazon lodge (3-days)