12 days tour

In Darwin’S Footsteps | Plus Machu Picchu (Eastern Route) (2

In Darwin’S Footsteps | Plus Machu Picchu (Eastern Route) (2

This tour includes:

Others

Flights in economy class from Lima to Cusco and from Cusco to Quito (via Lima), all taxes included Flights in economy class between Quito and Baltra, all taxes included Galápagos Islands National Park admission fee Transit control card for the Galápagos Islands Access to the airport lounge at the Quito (or Guayaquil) airport upon return from the Galápagos Islands for guests flying internationally on the day of disembarkation Stay in a cabin of your choice Complimentary tea and coffee Complimentary Wi-Fi on board† Complimentary reusable water bottle Range of included activities Complimentary wetsuit rental Welcome and farewell cocktails In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team Use of our Science Center, which features a small library and microscope The Citizen Science Program allows guests to contribute to ongoing scientific research projects. Our onboard professional photographer will give photography tips and teach techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife photos. Use of the ship’s hot tubs and gym Escorted landings with small panga boats Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment needed for the activities Expedition photographers will be on hand to assist you. All planned activities are subject to weather conditions Your flight from Baltra will go to Quito. If you wish to end your expedition in Guayaquil, please advise your booking agent. The land program in Peru and Quito, Ecuador takes place at high altitudes. At 11,100 feet and 9,350 feet above sea level, respectively, you might experience mild altitude sickness. The land-based tour in Peru involves long stretches of active travel and walking over uneven terrain. Be prepared for climates varying from high altitude to tropical. Excursions and activities are subject to change Please ensure you meet all entry and boarding requirements No gratuities are expected

Transport

Transfers between the airport and the hotel in Quito before the expedition cruise Transfers between the airport and the ship in Baltra

Accommodation

One night in Lima, two nights in Cusco, and two nights in Quito before the expedition cruise, including breakfast. Dinner on Days 2–5.

Guide

English-speaking Expedition Team who organize and guide activities, both on board and ashore Join informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings.

Meals

Tour package: Cusco and Machu Picchu, as described, including excursions with lunch, train tickets, entrance fees, and transfers from the hotel to the airport in Lima and within Cusco before the expedition cruise Full-day excursion: Historic Quito and Middle of the World, including lunch, before the expedition cruise Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including beverages*

Not included:

Others

International flights Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings Travel insurance Luggage handling

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip In Darwin’S Footsteps | Plus Machu Picchu (Eastern Route) (2

  • Day 1 Day 1: Your Land Adventure Begins
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Your Land Adventure Begins

      Start your adventure in ancient and modern Lima Welcome to Peru, one of the most fascinating countries in South America! If you have time after your arrival in Lima before settling in at your hotel for an overnight stay, we suggest you wander the historical center, which is packed with elegant Spanish colonial architecture, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or why not walk along the oceanfront boardwalk in the upmarket Miraflores district. Here, you’ll find many restaurants and cafés, as well as shops if you need to purchase anything ahead of your adventure. Lima is considered the food capital of Latin America, so be sure to try local dishes like ceviche, which is raw fish marinated in lime juice with onion and chilli.

  • Day 2 Day 2: City Of The Incas And A Cultural Gem
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: City Of The Incas And A Cultural Gem

      Explore the ancient seat of the Inca Empire In the morning, you’ll take a flight to Cusco, the ancient seat of the Inca Empire. A local guide will take you to check in at your hotel, before inviting you on a guided tour of this enigmatic city.   You’ll see impressive Inca structures contrasted with ornate buildings from Spanish colonial times. Visit the 15th century ceremonial compound of Sacsayhuaman, or admire the architecture of the Spanish Santo Domingo church, a convent built on the ruins of Koricancha, the Inca Sun Temple. After your tour of the highlights of this cultural and architectural gem, we’ll return to the hotel for dinner.

  • Day 3 Day 3: Back In Time To A Lost World
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Back In Time To A Lost World

      Discover the lost city of the Incas An early morning transfer will take you to Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley, from where you’ll catch a train along the narrow-gauge line to Machu Picchu, passing through stunning highland scenery along the way. After around two hours, we’ll stop at the small town of Aguas Calientes and take the short bus ride to Machu Picchu – the so-called Lost City of the Incas.     You’ll enjoy a guided tour of this once-hidden settlement, marveling at the stonewalls, terraces and ramps that are carved into the mountain. You’ll love the peaceful atmosphere of Machu Picchu as you gaze at the lowland jungle from this city in the clouds. After lunch, we’ll return to Cusco where you’ll enjoy your final night at the hotel.

  • Day 4 Day 4: Quito – City Of Eternal Spring
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Quito – City Of Eternal Spring

      Discover the vibrant city of QuitoToday you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Quito’s remarkable Old Town – one of the largest and best-preserved colonial-era quarters in South America. Wander through cobblestone streets as you admire the architecture – and sample some delicious chocolate made from the finest Ecuadorian cacao along the way. Next, you’ll head to the iconic ‘Middle of the World City’, located around 16 miles north of Quito. After lunch, you’ll visit the famous monument that delineates the imaginary line of the Equator. Have your camera ready to capture the moment you stand with one foot in each hemisphere.

  • Day 5 Day 5: Visit Historic Quito
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Visit Historic Quito

      Straddle the Equator in the Middle of the World CityToday, enjoy a guided tour of Quito’s remarkable Old Town, one of the largest and best-preserved colonial-era quarters in South America. Wander through cobblestone streets as you admire the architecture and sample delicious chocolate made from the finest Ecuadorian cacao along the way.Next, you’ll head to the iconic ‘Middle of the World City’, located around 16 miles north of Quito. After lunch, you’ll visit the famous monument that delineates the imaginary line that is the Equator. Have your camera ready to capture the moment you stand with one foot in each hemisphere.

  • Day 6 Day 6: Your Cruise Begins
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Your Cruise Begins

      Get ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos IslandsAfter breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island, a part of the spectacular Galápagos Archipelago. A transfer will take you straight to the port, where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits you.Get your first glimpse of the islands’ incredible wildlife on Mosquera Islet, home to one of the largest sea lion colonies in the archipelago. We’ll take our small panga boats ashore for a closer look.As you stroll across the flat, sandy dunes, look out for blue-footed boobies and Sally Lightfoot crabs, and learn about the marine and terrestrial ecosystems from your naturalist guides.

  • Day 7 Day 7: Tortoises Of San Cristóbal
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Tortoises Of San Cristóbal

      Meet the famous giant tortoisesYour first stop today is the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve, a breeding center for the endangered giant tortoise. It’s also home to other endemic species, including the San Cristóbal mockingbird and the lava lizard.The giant tortoise is probably the most iconic of all Galápagos wildlife, with a lifespan of over 100 years. They thrive here, ambling around forests similar to their natural habitat.Up to August 2024 we’ll call at Cerro Brujo, on the island’s west coast. With its white coral beaches, you’ll literally be walking in Darwin’s footsteps as the naturalist visited here in 1835. There are plenty of sea and shore birds to look out for here, as well as sea lions. After August 2024* we’ll instead likely explore Punta Pitt in our small panga boats. This is the only site in the Galápagos Islands where you might see three species of boobies. Enjoy a nature walk, explore the coastline by boat, or snorkel and swim in the crystal-clear water. *Note – this is dependent on local authority restrictions.

  • Day 8 Day 8: Santa Fe And South Plaza
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Santa Fe And South Plaza

      Spot wildlife against idyllic backdropsWe start the day with a scenic nature walk on the blissful beaches of Santa Fe, home to the endemic Barrington land iguana and a colony of sea lions.You can swim or snorkel from our small panga boats, take a kayak for a paddle around the island, or join a trip in our glass-bottomed boat to observe the marine life below. After a delicious lunch prepared by our onboard chefs, we head to South Plaza Island.Keep an eye out for frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls, and Galápagos shearwaters gliding on the breeze. Here, among a dazzling array of flora, land iguanas laze by the shore while marine iguanas slip in and out of the water.

  • Day 9 Day 9: Explore Santa Cruz
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Explore Santa Cruz

      Learn about local conservation efforts on Santa Cruz IslandToday, we pay a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora.At this giant tortoise breeding center, you can see recently hatched tortoises and Darwin’s famous finches – the birds he used as a basis for his theory of evolution by natural selection. There’s also an impressive forest of prickly pear cacti that is home to many land birds.Enjoy a cooler climate over lunch in the lush highlands, where giant tortoises shuffle about munching on grass and wallowing in pools.You’ll also have time for another activity, such as mountain biking or visiting a sugar plantation.

  • Day 10 Day 10: Dramatic Española
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Dramatic Española

      Lava lizards and incredible birdlifeYour Galápagos Islands cruise reaches Española, the archipelago’s southernmost island. Birdlife here is truly extraordinary. On cruises from April through December, look for Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and the mighty waved albatross.This is also a great chance to spot red Española lava lizards and marine iguanas, as well as see El Soplador, the famous blowhole that blasts water 75 feet into the air.After lunch on board the ship, we’ll head to the picturesque coral beach of Gardner Bay and nearby Osborn Islet to seek out sea lions, mockingbirds, and finches. If you’re feeling active, you can go snorkeling or kayaking.

  • Day 11 Day 11: Reef Life On Eden Islet
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Reef Life On Eden Islet

      Green turtles, sharks, and rare bird coloniesThe abundant wildlife-watching opportunities continue at Eden Islet, where we hope to see Galápagos green turtles, rays, and friendly reef sharks. On shore, look for distinctive frigatebirds with their rubbery, red throats.You can swim or snorkel to explore the reefs. You can also see the reefs from our glass-bottomed boat or by kayak. After lunch, we’ll sail to North Seymour.The island is a great site for spotting colonies of blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls. Sea lions and marine iguanas also congregate here, attracted by the bountiful sea life in its waters.

  • Day 12 Day 12: End Of An Expedition
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: End Of An Expedition

      From the Galápagos Islands back to QuitoYour expedition cruise draws to a close as you disembark at Baltra Island. A transfer will take you to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Quito to connect to your international flight. Flight to Quito must be requested at the time of booking. Please contact us at the time of booking to continue on to Quito at the end of your tour. If you prefer, you can continue to Guayaquil for another adventure.To explore more of Ecuador, we recommend extending your stay and joining one of our optional Post-Programs.As you leave this fascinating region, you’ll take with you incredible memories of amazing wildlife and wonderful experiences few have the privilege of enjoying.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but you’re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

You’ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if you’re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 6 / Max: 90

Age range allowed for this experience.

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