Independent Galapagos at the Finch Bay Resort & Peru ( ISC1)

14 days from Quito to Lima

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How deep is your love of adventure? Is it deep enough to follow the course of Charles Darwin to discover your own love affair with the wildlife paradise of the Galápagos Islands? And delve further south to soar higher in the Andes and the heart of Peru? If so, this Independence by Globus vacation in Ecuador and Peru is pointing you in the right direction. Depart for parts unknown where blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, and diving iguanas of the Galápagos give new meaning to mind-blowing discoveries. Sail in luxury upon pristine waters to discover the perfectly evolved creatures who thrive on this volcanic archipelago. Stroll the sand where sea lions bask and albatross brace against the updrafts above the cliffs. Sail, snorkel, and simply stay in a state of astonishment through the islands of Santa Cruz, South Plaza Island, and other island sanctuaries of spectacular species. Then, set your compass to the heart of Peru to ignite your independent spirit in Lima, Cusco, and magnificent Machu Picchu to find the “Lost City of the Incas.” Explore ancient ruins that defy explanation and encounter the captivating cultures that live on in the Sacred Valley and Cusco. Timeless temples, textiles, and tantalizing dishes are all on the menu with the I-time you crave on this free-spirited sojourn in South America.

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Notes:

Transportation is as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary and include private airport transfers to/from intra-vacation flights. Internal flights to/from the Galápagos are included. Local guide service is provied in Quito, Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu. A Naturalist in the Galápagos is also provided.

Intra-vacation flights to and within Peru are not included but can be added.

Maximum enjoyment of this vacation requires walking on cobblestone streets, uneven pathways, and climbing stairs. Elevations exceeding 10,000 feet can make even modest exertion a challenge. Maximum elevation on this tour is 12,200 ft. On the Galapagos Islands, we use a small vessel (20 guests) that has 3 crew members, emergency washrooms and a snack bar. The excursions are day cruises with landings on the islands, some of which are wet landings. Departure times vary depending on what islands we visit. At times we may visit 1 island but we land on different parts of it. These sailings are subject to change and weather related depending on what island we are visiting. The day sailings are around 5 to 6 hours per day which includes the landings and sightseeing.

 Meals & Itinerary

 Meals

Buffet breakfast daily, 6 Lunches, 5 Dinners

 Itinerary

Day 1

ARRIVE IN QUITO, ECUADOR
Welcome to Quito, where your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2

QUITO
• Your included private city tour showcases the rich legacy left by the Incas and the Spaniards. See Independence Square, dominated by its formidable cathedral, San Francisco Plaza Church, and the Basilica with its marvelous stained-glass windows.


Breakfast Breakfast

Day 3

QUITO–BALTRA–NORTH SEYMOUR–SANTA CRUZ
• Fly to Baltra in the Galápagos.
• Upon arrival, board a yacht bound for North Seymour, an island teeming with life. You might have to give way to a passing sea lion, marine iguana, or blue-footed boobies that nest here. As you walk along the shore, see large flocks of pelicans in a dive-bomb feeding-frenzy, and one of the Galápagos’ largest nesting sites of the magnificent frigatebird. In the bushes you can see the males up close with their puffed-up scarlet throat sacs.
• Return to the yacht and continue to the Finch Bay Hotel.


Breakfast Breakfast Lunch Lunch Dinner Dinner

Day 4

SANTA CRUZ. EXCURSION TO THE HIGHLANDS
• Transfer to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz to a farming area called El Manzanillo on the edge of the Giant Tortoise Reserve. Here, tortoises can be seen grazing year-round, along with woodpecker finches, mockingbirds, and flycatchers.
• After lunch, visit a local farm, where coffee, sugar cane, and cocoa beans are grown, harvested, and prepared.
• Return to the hotel and perhaps spend time on the private beach.


Breakfast Breakfast Lunch Lunch Dinner Dinner

Day 5

SANTA CRUZ. EXCURSION TO PUNTA CARRION & SOUTH PLAZA ISLAND
• This morning, travel to Punta Carrion on Santa Cruz Island for some time to snorkel. The shallow reefs and mangroves make this an ideal site to snorkel with plenty of reef fish as well as occasional sea lions and sharks.
• Next, sail to South Plaza Island, a small island full of fascinating wildlife, both along its shore and along its dramatic, wind-swept cliffs. Here you will see large, yellow land iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, masked and blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and much more during your guided walk.
• Return to the hotel this afternoon.


Breakfast Breakfast Lunch Lunch Dinner Dinner

Day 6

SANTA CRUZ. EXCURSION TO DIVINE BAY
• Today’s adventure takes you to wildlife-rich Divine Bay on Santa Cruz Island. Marine iguanas, herons, noddy terns, blue-footed boobies, and tropicbirds are commonly seen here. You may explore by boat or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can take to the sea by kayak. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks as you cruise the tranquil waters.
• Return to the hotel for lunch, followed by an afternoon visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, established to help conserve the Galápagos’ natural habitats and protect the area’s famous giant tortoises.


Breakfast Breakfast Lunch Lunch Dinner Dinner

Day 7

SANTA CRUZ–BALTRA–GUAYAQUIL–LIMA
• Depart the hotel this morning for the airport in Baltra.
• Then, fly to Lima where you will be met by your Local Guide who will take you to your hotel.


Breakfast Breakfast

Day 8

LIMA
• Your included city tour focuses on Lima’s rich colonial history as well as the modern city. Lima was the bastion of Spanish South America from its founding in 1535 until the independence of the South American republics in the early 19th century. See the cathedral, where the remains of Francisco Pizarro are sealed in a wooden coffin, and the Santo Domingo Convent to see the relics of three famous Peruvian saints—Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martin de Porres, and San Juan Macias.


Breakfast Breakfast

Today’s I-Time Tips
This evening, you may choose to head over to a nearby park to witness the largest electronic water fountain complex in the world, certified by the Guinness Book of Records. You will enjoy a wonderful show of water, lights, music, and images.

Day 9

LIMA–CUSCO
• Fly to Cusco, high in the Andes, where you will be met by your Local Guide.
• Your guided tour visits the cathedral in Plaza de Armas and Santo Domingo Monastery, one of the most important temples devoted to worship of the sun. It is said it was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature.
• Take a short drive outside the city to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, a fortress of gigantic stones—with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons. Followed by the amphitheater of Kenko, and the red fortress of Puca Pucara.


Breakfast Breakfast

Day 10

CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY
• Today, a short drive into the Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you will learn about the importance of the alpaca for Inca cultures, as well as the ancient weaving techniques still in use today.
• Continue to the market town of Pisaq, where you can buy handmade rugs, alpaca sweaters, and jewelry at bargain prices.
• At the other end of the valley, visit Ollantaytambo to see some of the finest examples of Inca masonry.


Breakfast Breakfast Lunch Lunch

Day 11

SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHU
• Embark on a train trip bound for Machu Picchu and cut a path through the Sacred Valley to this “Lost City of the Incas,” discovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911.
• On a guided tour of Machu Picchu, explore this intact fortress with its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct. For hikers, a brisk one-hour walk leads to the Sun Gate, the ancient entrance used by the Incas.


Breakfast Breakfast Lunch Lunch Dinner Dinner

Day 12

MACHU PICCHU–SACRED VALLEY–CUSCO
• A morning at leisure allows you to wake up early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu with your second included entrance to the ruins.
• Return to Cusco by train.


Breakfast Breakfast

Day 13

CUSCO–LIMA
• Fly to Lima today.


Breakfast Breakfast

Day 14

LIMA
Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning.


Breakfast Breakfast

 Tour Director

With Globus, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of your Tour Director. Averaging over a decade... we’d like you to meet a Tour Director, who is representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

ANA CECILIA CARDENAS

Escorting tours for more than 10 years

" I always liked to travel and that is why after finishing high school, I decided to study tourism administration. While I was studying at the University, I started to work as a tour guide and found it very interesting. Being a tour guide allows me to meet people from many different places and it took me to incredible places. For a period of time I moved to Argentina where I taught Spanish and English but I missed my family and country, so I decided to come back to Ecuador. When I came back to Quito, I worked as a Key Account Executive for a tour operator, which was a great experience for my career, but after a time, I decided to be a tour guide again. I realized I enjoy being with people outside in the nature more than working in an office, and I am able to have more time for other activities I like, such as painting and working with the children of my church."

Tour Director -  ANA CECILIA CARDENAS

 Accommodations

QUITO

HILTON COLON QUITO - MET

Hotel as shown or similar
Superior First-Class
  Free Wifi

SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

FINCH BAY ECO HOTEL - FINCH BAY ROOM

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class
  Free Wifi

LIMA

HOTEL PULLMAN MIRAFLORES

Hotel as shown or similar
Superior First-Class
  Free Wifi

CUSCO

CASA ANDINA PREMIUM CUSCO

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class
  Free Wifi

SACRED VALLEY

CASA ANDINA PREMIUM VALLE SAGRADO HOTEL AND VILLAS

Hotel as shown or similar
Superior First-Class
  Free Wifi

MACHU PICCHU

SUMAQ MACHU PICCHU HOTEL

Hotel as shown or similar
Moderate Deluxe
  Free Wifi

 Optional Excursions

Contact your Travel Consultant for more information.
Price Ranges

$ ($50 USD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 USD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 USD)
$$$$ (Over $150)



* The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price includes a limited time promotional offer(s) – please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Globus).
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