Machu Picchu & Galapagos

CUZCO, SACRED VALLEY, MACHU PICCHU, QUITO, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

ON SALE!!!
Save up to $800 per couple!!!
For a limited time only save up to $800 per couple
on this unforgettable journey to
Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands.
Reserve by July 31, 2008
to qualify for the early booking discount.
Space is limited so please reserve early.

YOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Depart USA. Your exciting expedition to Peru & Ecuador begins this evening as you depart on your overnight flight.

Day 2: Arrive Lima (Peru). Early morning arrival in Lima, Peru’s diverse capital. You’ll be escorted to your deluxe hotel. This afternoon enjoy a tour of both colonial and modern Lima, founded in 1535 and later dominated by the Inca nation. See the historical center and the San Francisco Church as well as Plaza de Armas and the Government Palace. Later, see the fashionable districts of San Isidro and Miraflores with their beautiful parks and elegant residences facing the ocean. Tonight, your tour director hosts a welcome dinner. Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores Hotel or Melia Hotel (D)

Day 3: Lima/Cuzco. A short morning flight to Cuzco, the fabled capital of the Inca Empire, perched at 11,000 feet above sea level. On a guided afternoon tour visit the main Inca and Colonial monuments. See the Plaza de Armas, center of the Inca Empire and the impressive 16th century cathedral, built on the ruins of the Inca Palace. In the old town view magnificently restored colonial buildings. Your hotel is superbly located in the heart of the old town. Novotel Hotel. (B)

Day 4: Cuzco is a vibrant town, dotted with archaeological sites. Venture this morning to the outskirts of Cuzco to visit the amazing ruins of Sacsayhuaman, an Inca architectural masterpiece. From this fortress enjoy fabulous views of the city below. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight savor dinner complete with a colorful folklore show. (B,D)

Day 5: Cuzco/Machu Picchu. Embark on a two-day expedition to Machu Picchu. Ride aboard the VistaDome train through the lush Urubamba Valley passing through stunning scenery. Arrive at “The Lost City Of the Incas” rediscovered in 1911. The beauty of its location and the genius construction make Machu Picchu the jewel of all Inca settlements. An expert leads you through the ruins to absorb the mystery and beauty of this amazing site. While most visitors leave Machu Picchu in the afternoon you’ll stay in the area overnight. Inti Inn Hotel. (B,D)

Day 6: Machu Picchu/Cuzco. Return to Machu Picchu to explore the mystical ruins further. To this day nobody can explain how the Incas managed to transport the huge blocks of limestone for the city’s construction onto the mountain top. Visit quaint Aguas Caliente before your afternoon train ride back to Cuzco. Novotel Hotel. (B)

Day 7: Pisac & Sacred Valley Excursion. Today, embark on a full day excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas with its amazing landscapes of fertile land, mystical ruins and indigenous villages. Visit the colourful Indian market in Pisac where many beautiful crafts are traded. After lunch at a charming country restaurant continue to Ollantaytambo and visit the splendid ruins of this massive ancient fortress. The village below is a fine example of the Incas incredible urban planning skills. Return to Cuzco late this afternoon. (B,L)

Day 8: Cuzco/Quito (Ecuador). Today fly to Quito, the colonial capital of Ecuador. This attractive city, located just 15 miles from the equator, is surrounded by ice-capped volcanoes. Your Ecuador tour director escorts you to your deluxe hotel with a brief orientation en route. Dann Carlton Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 9: On a guided tour of Quito learn about its colonial past, history and culture. Visit the old town and see the Church of San Francisco, the first religious building constructed in South America by the Spanish. See La Compania, the city’s most ornate church. Admire the spectacular views of the Valley of Tumbaco. On a clear day see the impressive volcanoes surrounding the city. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 10: Quito/Galapagos Cruise: San Cristobal Island. Over the next four days cruise along and visit the enchanted Galapagos Islands, where you’ll see a variety of exotic wildlife. This morning, fly from Quito to San Cristobal, the easternmost gateway to the islands. Board your first class cruise boat, your base while exploring the islands. This afternoon a naturalist guide will lead you on a short walk to Ochoa Beach, an excellent spot to view pelicans, sea birds and anemones. Observe the thick vegetation and mangrove trees. Free time to walk on the beach, snorkel or swim before returning to the boat. MV Galapagos Explorer. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Galapagos Cruise: Española Island. Upon landing at Suarez Point on Española Island, the southernmost in the archipelago, learn about lava terrain while crossing inactive lava fields. Aside from the sea lion colonies, this is a great site for bird watching. You may spot marine iguanas, lava lizards and colorful Sally Light Foot Crabs. You may also encounter a large colony of Waved Albatross. Later, visit the famous blowhole, where water shoots high into the air. After lunch, arrive in Gardner Bay situated on the opposite side of Espanola Island. The beach here is one of the most magnificent in the Galapagos and is home to many sea lion colonies. (B,L,D)

Day 12: Galapagos Cruise: Santa Cruz Island/ Rabida Island. This morning arrive in Santa Cruz Island where you'll visit the fascinating Darwin Station and learn about the research conducted on the island. The station is a breeding and rearing center where tortoises of different subspecies are prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats. Later sail to Rabida Island, a small island covered with dry coastal vegetation. This is a beautiful island with stunning contrast between the red-tinted sand of its beaches and the vivid green of its mangroves. It is home to sea lions, blue-footed boobies and pelicans. Enjoy a short walk to the top of the trail where you may take photos of the clear waters and the volcanic peaks. (B,L,D)

Day 13: Galapagos Cruise: Santa Cruz Island/Quito. Arrive at Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island where you may observe bodysurfing sea lions, marine iguanas and sea turtles. Swim or stroll along the white-sanded beach. Later, disembark and fly back to Quito. Dann Carlton Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 14: Otavalo Excursion. On today's excursion to the Ecuadorian countryside, descend into spectacular Guayllabamba Gorge before arriving at Otavalo, a sprawling Indian market. Here, you’ll find unique handicrafts made by the indigenous locals. Later, visit the small town of Cotacachi, Ecuador’s center of leatherworks. Return to Quito later this afternoon. This evening savor a farewell dinner at a famous local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 15: Quito/USA. Final morning at leisure for independent pursuits. Later, board your return flight. Your memorable journey ends as you arrive the USA later this evening. (B)

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YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:

Round trip airfare from Miami via LAN Airlines (add $295 if departing from New York, available through Dec 2008)
Airline fuel surcharge
Intra-South America flights, ground transportation and transfers
Accommodations at First Class hotels with private bath
Three-night Galapagos Cruise aboard MV Galapagos Explorer
24 meals: 13 full buffet breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)
Comprehensive sightseeing tours and shore excursions
Professional English-speaking tour directors

TOUR COST AIRFARE INCLUDED*
DEPART	RETURN	RESERVE BY JUL 31	RESERVE AFTER JUL 31

2008
Oct 20	Nov 3	$ 3599	$ 3999
Oct 27	Nov 10	$ 3599	$ 3999
Nov 24	Dec 8	$ 3499	$ 3899
Dec 8	Dec 22	$ 3499	$ 3899
Dec 25**	Jan 9 '09	$ 3999	$ 4399
2009
Jan 26	Feb 9	$ 3899	$ 4299
Feb 9	Feb 23	$ 3899	$ 4299
Mar 9	Mar 23	$ 3899	$ 4299
May 11	May 25	$ 3799	$ 4199
Rates are per person based on double occupancy. Single room supplement add $1399. (Single cabin can not be guaranteed). Add $295 if departing from New York (JFK) (available through Dec 2008 departures only). Departure and airport taxes and fees ($150) and Galapagos Park fee ($100) are not included. December 25 tour is 16 days total and features an additional day of Galapagos Cruise C A B I N . U P G R A D E : Rates are based on Classic outside cabin* with porthole on Magellan Deck. Upgrade to higher deck cabin with panoramic windows: • Premium cabin on Marco Polo Deck: add $195 per person/$350 single • Deluxe cabin (with balcony) on Erickson Deck: add $395 per person/$695 single.

Important travelers note The high altitudes reached on this trip (Cuzco is at 11000 feet above sea level) and the amount of walking involved, often on uneven terrain, requires that you be in good physical condition to fully enjoy the trip. We strongly suggest that you consult a physician regarding any concerns prior to making a reservation.

About Machu Picchu
Known throughout the world for its amazing ruins and stunning location high in the mountains, Machu Picchu was accidentally discovered in 1911 by the American archaeologist Hiram Bingham. The beauty of its location and the genius construction make Machu Picchu – "lost city of the Incas" – the archaeological jewel of South America. Machu Picchu´s remains are comparatively well preserved because the Spaniards never reached the city. It was buried in the jungle for centuries, and even after its 1911 rediscovery, the city remained inaccessible until the 1940s, when an archaeological expedition working at the site discovered the Inca Trail cutting through the valley below. While most visitors spend only a few hours here, you’ll stay overnight and have ample time to absorb the mystery and beauty of this amazing, not-to-be-missed site!

About Galapagos Islands

Welcome to the enchanting Galapagos Island, a magical place like no other on earth! Charles Darwin turned these fascinating isles into a unique living laboratory to study evolutionary changes that led to a new understanding of life on earth. In order to protect the ecological balance, the number of visitors to the islands is limited. You’ll be one of those privileged guests to visit the islands and get to know a wide variety of exotic wildlife unique to this archipelago! Get close to animals less fearful of humans than those found elsewhere. This is a once in a lifetime adventure you’ll never forget!

About MV Galapagos Explorer

The elegant MV Galapagos Explorer is a modern first class cruiser especially adapted for Galapagos Cruises. The ship can accommodate up to about 100 guests in either classic ocean-facing cabins with portholes or higher deck cabins with large panoramic windows. All cabins are outside facing, spacious and have a private bath with shower and two lower beds. The ship has ample public facilities including a lounge, game room, library and a jacuzzi. The elegant restaurant serves delicious continental cuisine. To enrich your visit to the Galapagos Islands, there are several expert naturalists on board as well as a glass-bottom boat available for those not wishing to snorkel.

: 1-800-337-7773 • 501 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1402, New York, NY 10017