Wildlife & Inca Encompassed

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Quito

Arrive in Quito at any time. There are no planned activities, so check into our hotel and enjoy the city.Located 2850m (9348 ft) above sea level, the Ecuadorian capital of Quito enjoys a wonderful spring-like climate, despite the fact that it is only 22 km (14 miles) south of the Equator. Nestled in a valley flanked by mountains, on a clear day several snow-capped volcanoes, including nearby Pichincha, are visible from the city centre. Add to its beautiful location a rich history and well-preserved colonial district, and you begin to understand Quito’s appeal to thousands of tourists every year.In 1978 UNESCO declared Quito a World Heritage site, and any new development in Quito's old town is now strictly controlled. Life in Quito tends to be peaceful, though the drivers are fond of using their car horns! There are approximately 2,000,000 inhabitants in the metropolitan area, but the pace is relaxed and the residents hospitable. Since pre-Columbian times, the site of Quito has been inhabited by the Quitus, the Shyris and the Puruhas. The Inca reached this city before the Spaniards, but levelled it to the ground rather than give it up to the Spanish. The present capital was founded by the Spanish on December 6th, 1534. Quito is separated into two basic sections, the old and the new cities. The old city is full of historical buildings and churches. One of the more noteworthy is the Catedral de Quito, located on the Plaza de la Independencia. Built between 1550 and 1562, it was one of the first neoclassical works in Quito. La Compañía de Jésus Church is considered one of the most beautiful in the Americas. The decorations in the Compañía contain approximately one and one-half tons of gold, and construction of the church took 170 years (1605-1775). There are several excellent museums scattered throughout the city. The Casa de la Cultura Ecuadoriana has an interesting display of traditional musical instruments and Ecuadorian traditional dress, a large art collection, and a small natural history museum. For archaeology the best museum to visit is the Museo del Banco Central with its well displayed pottery, gold ornaments, skulls showing deformities and early surgical methods, a mummy and many other objects of interest. The small, rounded hill dominating the old town is El Panecillo or 'the Little Bread Loaf,' a major Quito landmark. From here there are marvellous panoramic views of the entire city and surrounding volcanoes. You can easily take a trolley (streetcar) or a cab between the Old Town and New Town. Quito’s large foreign population and steady stream of travellers have given it a varied and vibrant nightlife, and salsotecas and other dance clubs abound. For a real Ecuadorian experience though, be sure and drop by a peña if you can; these are great places for meeting locals and dancing, as well as enjoying local cooking. Just a couple of hours south of Quito is Parque National Cotopaxi, home to Cotopaxi Volcano (5897 m/19342 ft). the beautiful cone-shaped, snow covered volcano is Ecuador’s second highest peak and the highest active volcano in the world. This is a great spot for a days hiking (up to the refuge on the glacier’s edge) or mountain biking (downhill all the way). True enthusiasts attempt the climb to the summit (overnight excursion). Allow yourself an extra day or two in Quito, before or after your trip, if you want to conquer Cotopaxi.Warning: Please take care when wandering about the city on your own, as pick pockets and purse-snatchers are common, particularly in the Old Town. Be safe and leave your passport, credit cards, traveller’s cheques and cash you don’t need in the hotel’s safety deposit box. Most Quiteños are honest and genuinely helpful and friendly, but be safe and enjoy the city!

Day 2 Baltra (L, D)

Early flight to Baltra, in the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival meet our naturalist guide who will assist with the transfer to our boat, the G.A.P Adventurer I. We visit the Bachas beach in the afternoon. The Galapagos Islands are located about 1000 km (620 miles) off the Pacific coast of South America. The archipelago is comprised of 13 major islands and scores of islets that served as a living laboratory for Charles Darwin, the renowned evolution theorist. Long before Darwin arrived in the Galapagos, seafarers knew these isolated islands as home to some of the strangest and most wonderful wildlife imaginable, including birds that could swim but no longer fly, aquatic iguanas, dragon-like lizards left over from prehistoric times, and the giant Galapagos tortoises for which the islands were named. Covering nearly 5000 square km (3100 square miles), the Galapagos Islands are now a National Park. The Galapagos National Park is the institution that controls the preservation of this environment, assisted by the Charles Darwin Research Station. Inaugurated in 1964 and based in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, the Charles Darwin Research Station is the one place where visitors can easily see the famous Galapagos Tortoises, which may live up to two hundred years. This is also the training centre for naturalist guides who accompany all visitors landing at more than 40 approved sites on the islands, and members of the international scientific community often come to study at the station.The National Park charges a visitor fee of $100 USD, payable on arrival, which funds Park maintenance and supervision in the Galapagos, as well as ecological study, conservation and infrastructure development in Ecuador's other National Parks. Entry fees and the funds they generate for the National Park System are among measures taken by the Ecuadorian government to protect its natural heritage.

Day 3 Bartolomé (B, L, D)

Arrive at Bartolomé Island early in the morning. Disembark for a short hike and enjoy the pure air and awesome views of San Salvador Island. Learn about the geological history of Bartolomé, as our naturalist explains its dramatic volcanic features, including unusual splatter cones. Sometimes it is possible to spot rare Galapagos penguins, of which only 800 pairs exist.Bartolomé Island (also called Bartholomew) has 2 main areas of interest. A hike to the summit of the island provides a clearer perspective of the islands' not-too-distant volcanic origins, and the panoramic view is one of the best among the islands. From here are visible the double-sided beach of Bartolomé directly below, the volcanic tower rising out of the water next to it, and Santiago in the distance. After the summit hike, stop at the beach to relax in semi-tropical tranquility. There is great snorkelling among the submerged volcanic rock and around the base of the tower. A short hike to the beach on the opposite side is worth the minimal effort. It is not unusual to see sharks in these shallow waters, and marine turtles nest here from January through March.

Day 4 Rabida (B, L, D)

Cruise to Rabida Island and visit a salt water lagoon rich in wildlife and vegetation, while a large sea lion colony provides great photo opportunities. Our boat lands on Rabida Island’s red beach (also called Jervis) from which a short trail leads to a lagoon, often home to wading flamingos. Another trail goes past the lagoon to the interior, where the revered palo santo trees grow. When burned, the branches of this tree give off a pleasing aroma and ward off mosquitoes. Back on the beach among low-lying bushes nest the prehistoric-looking pelicans. This is the best area for close viewing of these nesting birds, and it's a rare treat to watch parent pelicans return with gullets full of fish for the squawking youngsters.

Day 5 Santa Cruz (B)

Arrive in the morning at Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island. Santa Cruz is the most populated island within the archipelago, and Puerto Ayora is its main town. The Charles Darwin Research Station is a 10 minute walk from the centre of the town. Here, an exhibition centre displays photos of recent volcanic eruptions, charts outlining geological formations and drawings of the evolutionary development of endemic species. A corral houses adult Galapagos Tortoises, and a nursery cares for young tortoises until they are about three years old, when their shells have hardened enough to resist attack from feral dogs.Sail to Baltra Island and transfer to the airport for our flight to Quito. Transfer to our hotel and spend the rest of the day and evening at leisure in this historic city.

Day 6 Quito/ Lima

You are on your own to transfer back to the airport for your flight to Lima (flight must be booked and paid for as part of your international ticket). On arrival in Lima make your own way to the hotel. Overnight in Lima.Known as the City of Kings, Peru’s capital city Lima was founded by Francisco Pizarro on the Day of the Three Kings (Epiphany) in 1535. The Plaza de Armas is the heart of old Lima, and it is here you find the Cathedral, Government Palace and Archbishop’s Palace. The Cathedral dates back to the 1700s and houses the remains of the conquistador Pizarro. To get a feel for colonial Lima, take a cab to the Plaza de Armas and watch the changing of the Palace Guard in the afternoon. Walk the streets surrounding the Jirón de la Unión for great examples of Spanish-colonial architecture and to get a taste for life in a large South American city. An optional city tour visits many of the city’s highlights.There are many fine museums in and around the city, including the Museo Rafael Larco Herrera, which houses an equally impressive collection of pottery, mummies and textiles from the Paracas and Nazca cultures. The more affluent districts of Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro, which are on the coast, offer good nightlife and cafés all within walking distance. Limeños (Lima’s residents) are friendly, and the city is filled with excellent restaurants; seafood lovers in particular should be sure to try a ceviche, for which Lima is well known. NOTE: Care should be taken when wandering around on your own in central Lima, as some areas can be dangerous and pickpockets are daring.

Day 7 Cuzco

The group will be transferred to the airport for the early morning flight to Cuzco (the flight usually departs early – we may leave the hotel as early as 4:00 am). Your local guide will meet you in Cuzco and transfer you to your hotel. Spend the day relaxing and exploring this fascinating city.Cuzco is the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city, and the hub of the South American travel network. The city attracts travellers who come not just to visit a unique destination but also to experience an age-old culture very different from their 20th century way of life; one could easily spend a week just in and around the area. Inca-built stone walls line most of the central streets and you don't have to go far to see other major Inca ruins. It is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend.Every year Cuzco attracts thousands of travellers who come to delve into its noble but tragic past. It is the perfect base for optional explorations around the city and area as well as a range of outdoor activities. Relax and explore this fascinating city, and take time to acclimatize to the high altitude.Cuzco’s numerous colonial churches are one of the city’s most common sights. The Cathedral was started in 1559 and took 100 years to build; it is also one of the city’s greatest repositories of colonial art. Immediately in front of the entrance is a vault containing the remains of the famous Inca historian, Garcilaso de la Vega. Also worth visiting are the churches of La Compañía, La Merced and San Francisco.While most ruins are just outside of the city, the main ruin within is that of the Coricancha, once the Inca Empire's richest temple. Today the ruin forms the base of the colonial church of Santo Domingo. During Inca times this temple was literally covered with gold, but within months of the arrival of the first conquistadors this incredible wealth had all been melted down. It is left to the individual imagination to envision the magnificence of the original structure.There are several good museums in Cuzco, including the Archaeological Museum, which also houses a small art museum, the Regional History Museum and the Religious Art Museum. Our best advice for exploring Cuzco is to wear a comfortable pair of shoes, arm yourself with a city map and set off to explore!

Day 8 Aguas Calientes

The next morning we board a morning train that winds through the spectacular Urubamba Valley to the end of the line: the village of Aguas Calientes, a frontier town nestled in the hills beneath Machu Picchu. Here you can relax in the natural mountain hot baths that gave the town its name. For serious archaeology buffs, there is time for an optional independent visit to Machu Picchu before the guided tour the following morning.

Day 9 Machu Picchu / Cuzco

Rise early to take advantage of viewing Machu Picchu in the early morning light. This is the best time to view the 'Lost City of the Incas'. Join our local guide for a detailed interpretation of the site and Inca history without the pressure of other tour groups that arrive at midday. There is free time to explore on your own after our tour, and in the afternoon we return to Cuzco by train, arriving in the evening.Machu Picchu is both the best and the least known of the Inca ruins. It is not mentioned in any of the chronicles of the Spanish conquistadors and archaeologists today can do no more than speculate on its function. The local Quechua farmers in the area knew of Machu Picchu for centuries, but it was not until an 11-year-old boy led the American historian Hiram Bingham (who was in search of Vilcabamba) to the site on July 24, 1911, that the rest of the world became aware of its existence. At that time the site was covered in thick vegetation, and Bingham and his team returned in 1912 and 1915 to clear the growth. Over the years, much work has been done on excavating and studying the site. Despite these efforts, many unanswered questions remain.

Day 10 Cuzco

Cuzco is considered the mecca of Peru and rightly so. This beautiful colonial town offers much to the visitor with its nearby ruins, cobble-stoned streets, museums, churches and lively atmosphere. Among the more adventurous optional activities available in Cuzco are: horseback riding around archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuaman, Tambo Machay and Puca Pucara; white water rafting on the Urubamba River; and mountain biking down to the Sacred Valley, perhaps visiting an Inca ruin along the way.

Day 11-12 Amazon Jungle (2B, 2L, 2D)

Fly from Cuzco, high in the Andes, to Puerto Maldonado, deep in the lowlands of the Amazon jungle where you will be met by your local guide. Travel by motorized canoe to our lodge in the Tambopata Rainforest Area, which holds the world record for the most bird sightings in one area. Explore the jungle with local guides before flying to Lima for a final night out.About half of Peru is located within the Amazon Basin, however, due to its isolation, not a lot of it is available to the casual traveller. Puerto Maldonado is the region’s principal city and is serviced by air from the capital and from Cuzco. The town is situated at the confluence of the Madre de Dios and Tambopata Rivers, and is a bustling, booming tropical frontier town. Its principal activities are gold mining, Brazil nut collecting, timber extraction, agriculture and ecotourism. After a brief stop in the town we depart on an afternoon boat trip by motorized canoe to our jungle lodge. Depending on flight arrival times we have either a boxed lunch aboard the boat or lunch upon arrival at the lodge. During our voyage you will have the chance to see bird species typical of the river or forest edge such as Black Skimmers, Pied Lapwings, Capped Herons, Jabiru Storks, Roadside Hawks and several species of kingfishers, swallows, and flycatchers. The Tambopata area includes habitats ranging from the Andean highlands around the rivers' headwaters through some of the last remaining intact cloud forests to the lowland rainforests of the Amazon basin. The area is renowned for its diverse plant and animal populations and include over 1,300 bird species (including 32 parrot species - 10% of the world’s total), 200 mammal species including 4 species of primates, 90 frog species, 1,200 butterfly species and 10,000 species of higher plants—all protected within the reserve. Some of the more famous residents are the Harpy Eagle, the prehistoric looking Hoatzin, tapir, peccary, jaguar, ocelot and playful river otters who live in the area’s oxbow lakes.The lodge itself combines native architectural style and materials with low-impact eco-friendly technology. Rooms are simple but comfortable, with mosquito netting for individual beds, flush toilets, showers (no hot water), and kerosene lamps for lighting (no electricity). Local community members make up the majority the lodge staff, including multilingual Naturalist Guides. Here you have the opportunity to learn from them not only about the area’s rich flora and fauna, but also about their extensive practical uses for medicinal plants and other forest plant resources, through traditional techniques for building, fishing, and hunting.

Day 13 Lima

Fly to Lima via Cuzco for a final night and one last Pisco Sour in the City of Kings.

Day 14 Depart Lima

There are no planned activities today, you are free to leave at any time.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Hotels/guest houses (8 nts), Twin-share cabins on board our motorized yacht (3 nts), Jungle lodge (2 nts).
Brochure Notes	1. Passport details, nationality, full name and date of birth must be advised at the time of booking.2. The Quito-Lima international flight (Day 6) is not included and must be purchased separately at the time of booking. The flight must arrive in Lima on Day 6.
Combination	This trip combines our 6-day Voyage Galapagos EV06P and Inca Journey PIJ tours.
Departure	Departs weekly
DepEnd	Sat-Fri
Group Size	Max 15 (16 in the Galapagos), Avg 10
Included Highlights	3 nights in the Galapagos Islands, Guided tour of Machu Picchu, Amazon Jungle excursion (2 nights).
Local Payment	USD500Galapagos Park Fee USD100 and Transit Control Card Fee USD10 - payable on arrival in the Islands.
Meals Included	All meals in the Galapagos and while in the jungle.
StartFinish	Quito to Lima
Testimonial	"Every aspect of this trip went above and beyond what I expected! The sites, my traveling campanions and the tour leaders were all wonderful." - Sara Milles travelled on Wildlife & Inca Encompassed
Transport	Local flights, Train, Motorized canoe, Galapagos yacht.
Brochure Intro	A compact trip filled with fantastic wildlife and scenery in both Peru and Ecuador. For those who don't want to choose between these three great regions - the Galapagos, the Andes and the Amazon - but have limited time, this is the best way to see it all.

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2009-01-03	2009-01-16	2
2009-01-10	2009-01-23	4
2009-01-24	2009-02-06	4
2009-01-31	2009-02-13	1
2009-02-07	2009-02-20	7+
2009-02-14	2009-02-27	7+
2009-02-21	2009-03-06	7+
2009-02-28	2009-03-13	1
2009-03-07	2009-03-20	7+
2009-03-14	2009-03-27	7+
2009-03-21	2009-04-03	7+
2009-03-28	2009-04-10	7+
2009-04-04	2009-04-17	6
2009-04-11	2009-04-24	7+
2009-04-18	2009-05-01	7+
2009-04-25	2009-05-08	7+
2009-05-02	2009-05-15	7+
2009-05-09	2009-05-22	7+
2009-05-16	2009-05-29	7+
2009-05-23	2009-06-05	7+
2009-05-30	2009-06-12	7+
2009-06-06	2009-06-19	4
2009-06-20	2009-07-03	7+
2009-06-27	2009-07-10	7+
2009-07-04	2009-07-17	7+
2009-07-11	2009-07-24	7+
2009-07-18	2009-07-31	7+
2009-07-25	2009-08-07	7+
2009-08-01	2009-08-14	7+
2009-08-08	2009-08-21	7+
2009-08-15	2009-08-28	7+
2009-08-22	2009-09-04	7+
2009-08-29	2009-09-11	7+
2009-09-05	2009-09-18	7+
2009-09-12	2009-09-25	7+
2009-09-19	2009-10-02	7+
2009-09-26	2009-10-09	7+
2009-10-03	2009-10-16	7+
2009-10-10	2009-10-23	7+
2009-10-17	2009-10-30	7+
2009-10-24	2009-11-06	7+
2009-10-31	2009-11-13	7+
2009-11-07	2009-11-20	7+
2009-11-14	2009-11-27	7+
2009-11-21	2009-12-04	7+
2009-11-28	2009-12-11	7+
2009-12-05	2009-12-18	7+
2009-12-12	2009-12-25	7+
2009-12-19	2010-01-01	7+
2009-12-26	2010-01-08	7+
2010-01-02	2010-01-15	7+
2010-01-09	2010-01-22	7+
2010-01-16	2010-01-29	7+
2010-01-23	2010-02-05	7+
2010-01-30	2010-02-12	7+
2010-02-06	2010-02-19	7+
2010-02-13	2010-02-26	7+
2010-02-20	2010-03-05	7+
2010-02-27	2010-03-12	7+
2010-03-06	2010-03-19	7+
2010-03-13	2010-03-26	7+
2010-03-20	2010-04-02	7+
2010-03-27	2010-04-09	7+
2010-04-03	2010-04-16	7+
2010-04-10	2010-04-23	7+
2010-04-17	2010-04-30	7+
2010-04-24	2010-05-07	7+
2010-05-01	2010-05-14	7+
2010-05-08	2010-05-21	7+
2010-05-15	2010-05-28	7+
2010-05-22	2010-06-04	7+
2010-05-29	2010-06-11	7+
2010-06-05	2010-06-18	7+
2010-06-12	2010-06-25	7+
2010-06-19	2010-07-02	7+
2010-06-26	2010-07-09	7+
2010-07-03	2010-07-16	7+
2010-07-10	2010-07-23	7+
2010-07-17	2010-07-30	7+
2010-07-24	2010-08-06	7+
2010-07-31	2010-08-13	7+
2010-08-07	2010-08-20	7+
2010-08-14	2010-08-27	7+
2010-08-21	2010-09-03	7+
2010-08-28	2010-09-10	7+
2010-09-04	2010-09-17	7+
2010-09-11	2010-09-24	7+
2010-09-18	2010-10-01	7+
2010-09-25	2010-10-08	7+
2010-10-02	2010-10-15	7+
2010-10-09	2010-10-22	7+
2010-10-16	2010-10-29	7+
2010-10-23	2010-11-05	7+
2010-10-30	2010-11-12	7+
2010-11-06	2010-11-19	7+
2010-11-13	2010-11-26	7+
2010-11-20	2010-12-03	7+
2010-11-27	2010-12-10	7+
2010-12-04	2010-12-17	7+
2010-12-11	2010-12-24	7+
2010-12-18	2010-12-31	7+
2010-12-25	2011-01-07	7+

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