Compare Explore Machu Picchu & Cruise The Galápagos by MT Sobek (Mountain Travel Sobek)
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 14 days |
| Price From | $ 7,995 |
| Price Per Day | $ 571 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small ship cruise |
| Lodging Level | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | |
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
13 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches and 9 Dinners |
| Description |
When it comes to visiting South America, the phrase, “too much to see, too little time” applies for most travelers. We’ve attempted to remedy that by designing an itinerary that includes two of the best of our South American adventures. First we'll visit Peru, where we'll explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, and the mystical ruins and misty peaks of Machu Picchu. Next we'll take a cruise through the enchanting Galápagos Islands on a privately chartered yacht and encounter unique species that exist nowhere else on earth. Along the way we'll be reminded that these incredible islands drew the attention of Charles Darwin when he visited here in 1835, later serving as the foundation for his theory of evolution. Throughout the trip, you'll enjoy luxurious accommodations and tours with expert guides. This is two South American bucket-list adventures in one! |
Day 1: Welcome to Cusco
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Palacio del Inka-Cusco
Upon arrival in Cusco, you'll be greeted by a Mountain Travel Sobek representative and transferred to your hotel. Cusco was the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, and today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its ruins and vibrant beauty. We'll take a three-hour tour of the old city and Inca ruins, and later we'll meet for a welcome dinner.
Day 2: Explore Inca ruins in the Urubamba Valley
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Sol y Luna
Near Cusco are several fascinating archeological sites from the Inca Empire, and this morning we'll take a private tour of four of them: the military ruins of Puka Pukara, the holy site of of Kenko, the ruins of Tambomachay, and the famous fortress of Sacsayhuaman.
Afterwards, we'll drive through the Urubamba to visit the village of Pisac. High on a hilltop overlooking the village, we'll explore the ruins of the largest fortress-city complex of the Incas and see some of the finest Inca stonework in existence. The lower slopes of the surrounding mountains feature impressive agricultural terraces and irrigation systems dating from Inca times. We'll spend tonight in Urubamba, and dinner is on your own.
Day 3: Take the train to Machu Picchu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
After breakfast, we'll continue exploring the valley, then board a train for the scenic, two-hour trip through the Urubamba Valley. From the Machu Picchu train station at Aguas Calientes, a short bus ride on steep, winding switchback roads will take you up to the “Lost City of the Incas.”
Nestled between striking peaks high above the Urubamba Valley, Machu Picchu exists as an incomparably well-reconstructed ruin of staircases, terraced hillsides, altars, temples, fountains, and vistas. We'll take a short orientation tour of the spectacular ruins, after which you can explore with your guide. We'll then return to Aguas Calientes for the evening, where we will rest up for a more in-depth tour tomorrow.
Day 4: Explore Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Palacio del Inka-Cusco
Today, we'll get an early start so we can experience the morning light over Machu Picchu and explore the ruins in depth before the train arrives with day visitors. We’ll have a thorough walking tour of Machu Picchu, visiting the various main structures and learning about their importance in the lives of the Incas. Depending on permit availablity you will have the chance to climb Huayna Picchu or the Machu Pichu Mountain, both offer amazing views of the surrounding areas.
We'll take the bus back around 1pm so we can catch the train back to Cusco, where you're free to relax and enjoy dinner on your own.
Day 5: Fly to Guayaquil, Ecuador
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hilton Colon
After breakfast at the hotel, we'll transfer to the Cusco airport for our flight to Lima, where we'll connect with an international flight to Ecuador. A Mountain Travel Sobek representative will meet you outside the customs and immigration area at the airport and escort you to your hotel in Guayaquil.
Day 6: Begin your Galápagos adventure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: The Reina Silvia
After an early breakfast at the hotel, we'll fly from Guayaquil to the island of Baltra, marking our official arrival in the Galápagos Islands (cost of flight not included). Here, we'll board our boat and begin a delightful week of exploration and relaxation.
Days 7-12: Explore the “Enchanted Islands"
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: The Reina Silvia
While every Galápagos cruise itinerary is different, each day contains magical moments of discovery, with a naturalist guide by your side to show you all of the wonders of each of the islands.
You'll walk on soft, powdery sands, snorkel with giant sea turtles, explore tide pools, and hike over volcanic landscapes. You'll also be introduced to unique plants and animal species that can't be found anywhere else. The giant sea turtles are the most famous residents of the Galápagos, but wildlife viewing abounds, whether it's flightless cormorants, albatross colonies, marine iguanas, or the famous blue-footed boobies.
The islands you'll visit over these six days include Plazas, North Seymour, Genovesa, Santiago, Bartolomé, Fernandina, Isabela, Santa Cruz, Española, and Floreana. No matter your itinerary, you'll leave with a thorough appreciation and understanding of the Galápagos' unique beauty and biodiversity.
Day 13: Return to Guayaquil
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hilton Colon
After returning to port, we'll transfer to the airport and fly to Guayaquil, arriving in the late afternoon. The evening is free to take in the last of Guayaquil’s sites or to pick up some last-minute souvenirs before heading home. Or, you could choose to fly home on a late red-eye flight if you wish.
Day 14: Fly home
Meals: Breakfast
For your final day, you'll transfer to the airport for your homeward-bound flight, or you can join us for one of our extensions.
