Machu Picchu To The Galapagos

Travel with alumni and friends from March 12-27, 2024, on a special 16-day small group journey to Peru and Ecuador. Explore two of South America’s treasures: the enigmatic ruins at Machu Picchu and the fascinating Galapagos Islands.

Begin with a full-day tour of Lima. Next, fly to Cuzco and explore the beautiful Sacred Valley. Enjoy a captivating train ride to Machu Picchu, and stay overnight at the on-site Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, which affords virtually private access to the stunning ruins. In the Galapagos Islands, spend four nights in the lush highlands of Santa Cruz Island, your base for exploring North Seymour, South Plaza and Santa Cruz Islands, and embark on day excursions on a privately chartered yacht. Conclude your journey in Quito and enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate your adventure. Guests may also start the tour early on the four-day/four-night Amazon Rainforest pre-tour option.

Dates & Rates

Dates:  March 12 – 27, 2024

Countries: Peru, Ecuador

Rates:

• Land/tour only from $8,695 per person based upon double occupancy (exclusive of international air to Lima/return from Quito)
• air-inclusive packages from $9,293* per person based upon double occupancy total price from Miami ($8,395 air & land inclusive plus $898 airline taxes and departure fees).
• Single travelers please add $2,595. Single space is limited. Please contact us to verify availability prior to forwarding your reservation and deposit.\

*All rates are per person based upon double occupancy. Airfare from other cities is available. Airline taxes, fuel surcharges, and departure fees are subject to change until final payment is made. Please see the brochure or contact us for more information. Please see brochure or contact us for rates* from other cities.

Trip Type: Land & Air

Trip Status: Confirmed & Open for Reservations. Request a reservation today, or please contact the Georgetown Travel Society at 866-525-8664 or GeorgetownTravelSociety@Georgetown.edu for more details.

Please Click Here For PDF Brochure

Itinerary:

Day 1: Depart U.S. for Lima, Peru
We depart today for the Peruvian capital. Upon arrival tonight we transfer directly to our hotel.

Day 2: Lima
This morning we visit a prominent art museum in Lima. Then we encounter colonial Lima on an afternoon tour, followed by a welcome dinner at our hotel. B,D

Day 3: Lima/Cuzco/Sacred Valley
Arriving in Cuzco today, we stop at the important Incan site of Koricancha, dedicated to the Sun God. Then we continue on to Sacred Valley, a region of Inca sites and indigenous villages. We visit the colorful Indian market at Pisac before reaching our hotel
late afternoon. B,L,D

Day 4: Sacred Valley
Today we explore Ollantaytambo, both a living town and site of massive Incan ruins that still inspire wonder. Then we visit the Incan farming town of Chinchero, where we see a traditional weaving demonstration. Before dinner at our hotel tonight, we attend a native “Offering to the Earth” ceremony. B,L,D

Day 5: Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu
Early this morning we board a train to Aguas Calientes, where we transfer to the ruins at Machu Picchu for our first guided visit of the stunning “Lost City of the Incas.” With an overnight stay here, we have the rare privilege of seeing the ruins after the tourists have departed. B,L,D

Day 6: Machu Picchu/Cuzco
This morning before the day trippers arrive, we enjoy our second guided tour of this UNESCO site. Following lunch at our lodge, we return to Aguas Calientes with some free time before our mid-afternoon train to Cuzco. B,L

Day 7: Cuzco
Known for its Incan and Spanish Colonial heritage, Cuzco is the archaeological “hub” of the Americas and the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city. This morning we tour this UNESCO site then stop at the ruins of Sacsayhuaman fortress, a masterpiece of Incan architecture. We enjoy lunch today in the home of a gracious Cuzco family. B,L

Day 8: Cuzco/Lima/Quito, Ecuador
Early today we fly via Lima to Quito, arriving late afternoon. We attend a briefing about our Galapagos adventure then dine at our hotel. B,D

Day 9: Quito
Nestled in the Andes foothills, Quito boasts a well-preserved historic center, as we see on today’s city tour that includes the Intiñan Museum and the Middle of the World Monument. B,L

Day 10: Quito/Baltra/Santa Cruz Island
Today we fly to the island of Baltra then transfer to Santa Cruz, our island-based home for our Galapagos exploration. This afternoon we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see and learn about the giant Galapagos tortoises. B,L,D

Day 11: North Seymour Island/Bachas Beach
This morning we embark on our first excursion aboard the Santa Fe, our privately chartered yacht. We set out for North Seymour, a flat, low-lying island with ample opportunities for close encounters with the magnificent frigate bird, land iguanas, and lava lizards on our naturalist-led walk. After lunch, we head back to Santa Cruz island, weighing anchor in the calm waters off Bachas Beach. Highlights of our nature walk here include flamingos, nesting sea turtles, and both aquatic and migratory birds. B,L,D

Day 12: South Plaza Island/Punta Carrion
Today’s destination is the small in size but rich in flora and fauna island of South Plaza. During our nature walk, we are on the lookout for such local residents as iguanas, bright orange Sally Lightfoot crabs, Nazca and blue-footed boobies, and a male colony of sea lions (“the bachelors”). Then we cruise to Punta Carrion, where we have the opportunity to snorkel. B,L,D

Day 13: Santa Cruz Island
Today we explore Santa Cruz itself. We see the giant Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat; Los Gemelos, the huge twin craters formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago; and Garrapatero, a secluded white-sand beach. Finally, we have a chance to explore the “lava tunnels” at our hotel: to literally walk through the naturally-formed tube through which lava flowed eons ago. B,L,D

Day 14: Santa Cruz Island/Baltra/Quito
This morning we transfer to Baltra for the return flight to Quito, arriving mid-afternoon. Tonight we celebrate our adventure at a farewell dinner in a local restaurant. B,D

Day 15: Depart for U.S.
We depart this evening for overnight return flights to the U.S.A.

B

Day 16: Arrive U.S.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: due to airline schedule changes air-inclusive participants will now depart Quito on the evening of Day 15, arriving back in the U.S. on Day 16.  This is one day later than the previously advertised itinerary and the one published in the tour brochure.  Air-inclusive guests will receive a preliminary airline itinerary approximately two and a half months prior to departure.  Carriers, routing, and flight times are subject to change up until that time. 

 

Tour Price Includes:

•    Round-trip air transportation from listed cities for air-inclusive participants (US – Lima/Quito – US);
•    All internal flights within the itinerary
•    14 nights’ accommodations in Deluxe and Superior First Class hotels
•    34 meals: 14 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 10 dinners
•    Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees; Galapagos National Park fee
•    Services of professional tour directors; plus experienced naturalist guides while in the Galapagos
•    Private motor-coach transportation throughout your trip
•    Luggage handling for one bag per person
•    Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers

 

What’s not included:
Taxes; passport, visas and associated fees; personal expenses such as laundry and telephone calls; accident/sickness, trip cancellation, and baggage insurance;  baggage charges on aircraft; International airfare, transfers and baggage handling to/from hotel on day of arrival and/or departure if you have booked as a “land only” participant or if you are arriving earlier or later than and/or departing earlier or later than the scheduled group transfer(s); any overnight on land due to flight schedule(s); meals, alcoholic or other beverages and all other services not specifically mentioned in the “Included Features” section of the program brochure.