10 Day – Peru and Galapagos
Welcome to Ecuador
INCLUDED:
- USA – Lima / Quito – USA Flights
- Galapagos Flights & tax
- Nazca Flights & tax
- Dune Buggy Tour
- Boat in Galapagos, Ballestas
- Assistance in all Peruvian and Galapagos airports
- Deluxe ground transportation
- Entrance fees to all ancient sites, attractions and Galapagos
- 4-and 5-star hotel accommodations
- Meals daily
- Fluent English-speaking guides and spiritual shamans
- Gifts for families we will visit
- Water and energy bars daily.
ARRIVE LIMA
On your arrival at any time in the capital city, Lima, you will be taken to your hotel. If you arrive early, optional tours of the city sights, including museums and other attractions may be arranged via Washington.
LIMA – CARAL FULL DAY
Caral is the OLDEST know city in the Americas. Developed simultaneously with the ancient cultures of Mesopotamia and Egypt about 5000 years ago. The archeological site of Caral is among Peru’s most impressive and makes a popular day trip from nearby Lima. The UNESCO World Heritage listed site covers an area of around 60 hectares in the arid Supe Valley. Although initially discovered in 1948, recent excavations of Caral revealed an elaborate complex of temples, sunken plazas and some of the largest terraced pyramids in the world, leading archeologists to ponder the possibility of Caral being the fabled ‘Mother City’ of ancient civilizations. Now open to the public, the site has garnered acclaim for its beautifully preserved ruins and intriguing collection of artifacts, which include a quipu (a unique knot system used by ancient Andean civilizations) and a number of musical instruments fashioned from animal bones, but significantly, no trace of warfare or weaponry. In the afternoon, return to the hotel for another great night with dinner provided at a wonderful restaurant (B, L, D)
CARAL – PARACAS
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then drive back to Lima and then drive for 3 hour Aprox. In to an amazing Place call Paracas (known as a Peruvian Galapagos Island). We will visit a small town name el Carmen were Afro Peruvian lives and see their costumes also have lunch at Mama Ine Restaurant, great place for food. Passing by small cost desert towns and beautiful beaches. Early Evening walk in town after check inn at your amazing hotel at the ocean from. Drive to visit the Oasis of the Huacachina that is located just 4 miles from Ica City, to our next adventures, the Sand buggy on the Amazing desert drive and enjoy the sun set and amazing pictures, like our ancestors eyes will see. Note: Paracas is at sea level is why we begin here to ease your acclimation to the altitude. For your convenience, we provide water every day. (B, L)
PARACAS – NAZCA FLIGHT – LIMA
Breakfast starting at 6:00 a.m. pick up at 7:30 or 9:30 a.m. to walk for 10 minutes to the port for boat transportation 25 minutes Aprox. To the Peruvian Galapagos Islands, were you will see Gumball Penguins, Birds, turtles and more animals. Be careful with your hats as the boat goes fast, the tour is to explore these place for about 2:00 hours and take many beautiful photos of the natural arches as well. In the way back from the islands we will see the Candelabro, carve on the sand mountain by the ancient cultures that have live in these region – The Paracas Culture. Back to town and private transportation to the Aeropodromo for Your flight to see all the Nazca Lines. The Nazca Lines are a series of ancient geoglyphs located in the Nazca Desert of Peru. They have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The high, arid plateau stretches more than 80 kilometres (50 mi) between the towns of Nazca and Palpa on the Pampas de Jumana. Although some local geoglyphs resemble Paracas motifs, scholars believe the Nazca Lines were created by the Nazca culture between 400 and 650 AD.[1] The hundreds of individual figures range in complexity from simple lines to stylized hummingbirds, spiders, monkeys, fish, sharks or orcas, llamas, lizards, etc. The largest figures are over 200 metres (660 ft) across. After Late Lunch meet your driver for your scenic drive back to Lima. Note: Here you can get a certificate of the Nazca flight, bring good camera to capture the figures, also Shoes are recommendable and not sandals to go in the desert as the sand is really warm, Sun glass. (B, L)
FLIGHT FROM LIMA TO QUITO, ECUADOR
We will flight from Lima to Quito the center of the world I will transfers you to your comfortable hotel in Quito’s Old Town for rest and for overnight. Walk to the plaza and Dinner on your own.
QUITO – GALAPAGOS INTERPRETATION CENTER, HIKE AND SNORKEL TIJERETAS
After a morning flight from the mainland to San Cristobal Island, we continue to our hotel for an energizing lunch, introductions, and a short overview of our trip. Our Galapagos adventure starts with a visit to the local Interpretation Center where we learn about the unique wildlife, geology, natural history, and social dynamics of the Galapagos. Now that we know a little more about the islands we make our way to our first stop, Frigate Hill, where we might spot many of the unique avian species of the Galapagos. As we hike over natural lava rock trails our guides tell us all about the Galapagos cotton, palo santo, acacia, and cacti surrounding us, as well as blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, pelicans, herons, gulls, warblers, mockingbirds and finches that we spot in the vegetation and sea cliffs. In addition to the diverse wildlife, this walking tour provides marvelous views of the rugged coastline and the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno below us. During the return trip we stop at beautiful Carola Beach for a dip, where we snorkel and swim with sea turtles and sea lions while enjoying a lovely sunset on the beach. We return to the hotel for a gourmet seafood dinner after which you can set out to explore the friendly, laid-back town and visit the colony of endemic Galapagos sea lions next door (L, D).
SNORKEL THE NORTHERN COAST OF SAN CRISTOBAL
Today we explore the northern coast. We either visit Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock), Punta Pitt or Cerro Brujo. The visiting site depends on the week day and the Galapagos National Park regulations. On our exploration trip we make sure to search the nearby coves and cliffs for sea turtles, sea lions, frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, and nazca boobies. Here we have the chance to get up close and personal with sea lions in their favorite playground. As we snorkel, we might see eagle rays, golden rays, Galapagos sharks, starfish, clams, and thousands of tropical fish. If we’re lucky, we may even come across hammerhead sharks. As the sun sets on our day under the waves, we return to the hotel to for a relaxed evening (B, L, D).
DISCOVER ISABELA’S BEACHES, LAGOONS, AND ISLETS – SNORKEL
Our journey continues to Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos. It´s constantly changing and evolving due to the six shield volcanoes, rendering it one of the most volcanically active spots on the planet. After a short small aircraft flight we settle into our hotel. We then set out on a one-of-a-kind hike that will take us through an incredible variety of coastal ecosystems, along the way we spot giant tortoises, flamingos, and other wildlife as we pass through white sand beaches, the alluring poison apple forest, a gaping lava tube, dark mangroves and brackish lagoons. After a nourishing lunch we set out to explore Tintoreras, a group of small islets filled with hidden coves and isolated beaches. Here we find the endemic Galapagos penguin, as well as reef sharks, sea turtles and sea lions. At the end of the day, we retire to our hotel.
EXPLORE THE SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS
An invigorating speedboat ride takes us to our next destination: Santa Cruz Island. Along the way we keep an eye out for whales and dolphins in the ocean around us. After checking in we head to El Chato nature reserve in the Santa Cruz highlands, home to the Galapagos giant tortoise. It is an honor to hike among these fascinating, gentle giants, who on average live to be over 175 years old. El Chato is also home to many pintail ducks, finches, frigate birds, egrets and the beautiful vermillion flycatcher. Our hike continues through some incredible lava tunnels created by flowing magma. Legend has it that the buccaneers who once frequented the Galapagos used these deep caves to hide Inca gold plundered from Spanish ships! After some pirate stories from our guides we head up to Los Gemelos, a pair of deep volcanic sinkholes at the high point of Santa Cruz. The path takes us through a forest of endemic Scalesia trees covered in ferns and epiphytes where we’ll keep a lookout for the resident short-eared owl. If there is enough time we may visit the Charles Darwin Research Station where local scientists rear endemic plants and animals for educational, scientific, and conservation purposes. We’ll learn about the ongoing conservation efforts to protect the future of the Galapagos. In the late afternoon we return to the hotel and get ready to celebrate our once-in-a-lifetime trip with a delicious farewell dinner. We soak up the ambiance of our last night in the Galapagos with magnificent views of the brightly-lit ships in the bay and the town beyond. (B, L, D).
TRANSFER OUT TO QUITO
Finally, it’s time bid a fond farewell as we transfer to Baltra Island for our return flight to the mainland to connect to the international airport for your departure home, marking the end of Magical Tours Peru services. If your schedule permits, trip extensions to other regions or extra days in Quito can also be arranged. (B)
NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change without notice due to seasonal changes, inclement weather conditions, and adjustments of National Park policies.
- Cell Phone, Phone Charger
- Clock/ alarm / lock your important things at hotels
- Bank Card authorized
- Luggage lock and Tag
- Passport
- Camera
- Reading and Sun Glasses
- Cash USD and not broken dollar bills
- Small day back pack
- Comfortable walking shoes and shoes you can hike in.
- Waterproof Jacket
- Wind proof jacket, mostly clothes for mild weather 60-70 degrees F.
- Warm jacket, hat and gloves for high altitude evenings.
- Good camera and extra battery and memory card
- Good flash light
- 220/ 110V ( plug) adaptor
- Insect repellent (you can buy it there if needed)
- Sun block, sunglasses, hat
- Some school supplies to share with the children while visiting communities. (Pencils, Pens, notebooks etc.)
- Tips for Guides, Hotels and restaurant beverages
- Dinners
