Amazon to the Andes & Galápagos South & Central Islands

Description

Experience the iconic highlights of South America in one incredible adventure. Hike the Inca Trail to the Lost City of Machu Picchu, explore the steamy Amazon from the comfort of our intimate G Lodge Amazon, spend seven nights exploring the Galápagos aboard the Xavier and snorkel the waters of the Galápagos. Our exclusively operated 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

Amazon to the Andes & Galápagos South & 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/Cusco

Hop on a flight to Cusco. Enjoy a free day of shopping and exploring the city. Choose to pre-book the Cusco Cooking Class. Opt for a city tour.

Day 3 - Day 3 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 4 - Day 4 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 5 - Day 5 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 6 - Day 6 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 7 - Day 7 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 8 - Day 8 Cusco

Continue to explore Cusco on a free day in the city.

Day 9 - Day 9 Cusco/Tambopata

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

Day 10 - Day 10 Tambopata

Enjoy guided excursions led 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 on a caiman-spotting cruise after dinner.

Day 11 - Day 11 Tambopata/Lima

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

Day 12 - Day 12 Lima/Quito

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

Day 13 - Day 13 Quito/Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Fly to San Cristóbal Island. Meet the guide and transfer to the boat. Visit Isla Lobos in the afternoon to spot blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and sea lions.

Day 14 - Day 14 North Seymour/Mosquera Islet

Explore two tiny islands that are big on wildlife. North Seymour offers great views of nesting seabirds, including frigatebirds and Mosquera is home to large colonies of sea lions.

Day 15 - Day 15 Santiago Island/Bartolomé Island

Visit Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to witness the giant lava formations contrasting the white-coral sand beach. Continue to Bartolomé Island for a guided tour to see the dramatic volcanic features before hiking to a panoramic viewpoint.

Day 16 - Day 16 Puerto Ayora

Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see the giant Galápagos tortoises and go on an excursion to the Santa Cruz Highlands. Free time for shopping or exploration of Puerto Ayora.

Day 17 - Day 17 Rábida Island/Bachas Beach

Land at Rábida Island for a visit to a saltwater lagoon and sea lion colony. Afternoon excursion to Bachas Beach for walks to observe the bird and wildlife as well as free time for swimming and snorkelling.

Day 18 - Day 18 Floreana Island

Land at Punta Cormorant on Floreana Island. Guided walks to observe the bird and wildlife and learn about the natural history. Visit Post Office Bay in the afternoon. Snorkelling excursion at Champion Islet.

Day 19 - Day 19 Punta Suárez/Bahía Gardner

Visit Punta Suárez and Gardner Bay on Española Island. Enjoy guided walks to observe wildlife and free time for swimming or snorkelling.

Day 20 - Day 20 Puerto Baquerizo Moreno/Quito

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

Day 21 - Day 21 Quito

Depart at any time.

Day 22 - 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 Discover Moment: Cusco
Sacred Valley guided tour
Pottery making demonstration
Inca Trail guided hike with cook and porters (4-day)
Machu Picchu guided tour
Amazon Jungle stay at the exclusive G Lodge Amazon (3-day)
Cruise the Galápagos Islands aboard the Xavier (7 nts)
Snorkelling at Isla Lobos, North Seymour, Sullivan Bay, Bartolomé and Champion Islet
Hike to the Bartolomé Island viewpoint overlooking the famous Pinnacle Rock
Highlands and wild tortoise excursion (Santa Cruz Island)
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Visit to Post Office Bay (Floreana Island)
Visit to a wildlife interpretation centre (San Cristóbal Island)