Galapagos and Machu Picchu

This active, adventurous
Galapagos - Machu Picchu cruise and tour
combines the ancient empire of the Incas with the
timeless natural world of the Galapagos Islands.

A highlight of your
Galapagos -Machu Picchu cruise and tour
is a visit to the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu,
the spectacular Lost City of the Incas
and one of the must-see destinations on earth.

Embark on a memorable cruise aboard one of the finest expeditionary-style yachts in the Galapagos for amazing wildlife viewing and an opportunity to get up close to giant Galapagos tortoises, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, marine iguanas, and penguins.

Enjoy lunch on a Peruvian farm, dinner at a Colonial home, two nights in a converted monastery, and tours of Lima, Cusco, and Guayaquil; at the end of your land tour in Peru cruise the extraordinary waters of the Galapagos.

This is an active journey that includes a fair amount of walking, often on uneven terrain; Zodiac-style rafts are used for shore excursions. We may not visit each of the islands in the order here, but typically visit two different sites per day.

Cruise Itineraries are approved by the Galapagos National Park Service 30 to 60 days before departure and are subject to change. Inquire upon booking.

2009 Itinerary

Day 1: Miraflores Park Hotel, Lima, Peru

The best Galapagos - Peru cruise and tour begins Lima Your Galapagos / Peru cruise
and tour begins at the Miraflores Park Hotel. A transfer is included from Lima’s
Jorge Chavez International Airport to the five-star Miraflores Park Hotel, located
in an oceanfront section of Lima.

Day 2: Miraflores Park Hotel, Lima, Peru

Discover colonial Lima In Lima, sightseeing highlights include a visit to a ranch
for an impressive performance by Peruvian prancing horses, followed by lunch –
definitely a highlight on Tauck’s Galapagos / Peru cruise and tour.

Enjoy welcome cocktails and dinner at Casa Aliaga, a 66-room home built in
1535 that has remained in the same family for generations.

Day 3: Sol & Luna Lodge & Spa, Yucay Valley, Peru

Sacred Valley of the Incas Fly to Cusco, and enjoy lunch at a traditional farm
on your way to El Valle Sagrado, the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Visit the great fortress of Ollantaytambo, a well-preserved Inca settlement
and a National Archaeological Park. Dating to the 15th century, it features an
intricate walled complex.

Day 4: Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, Aguas Calientes, Peru

Machu Picchu, Galapagos / Peru cruise and tour highlight Journey by rail to the
spectacular, mystical ruins of Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.

Join a local guide for in-depth exploration, climbing up to the well-preserved remains.

Explore the extensive terracing and intricate stonework found on nearly vertical
terrain, surrounded by soaring jungle peaks and the Andes Mountains.

Your hotel enjoys stunning views of the Andes Mountains and is located close
to the entrance to the ruins – which means you can visit the Inca citadel when
you please.

Day 5:Hotel Monasterio, Cusco, Peru

Sunrise over Machu Picchu Take the opportunity to experience the spiritual complex
of Machu Picchu at sunrise, a highlight of any Galapagos, Peru cruise and tour.

The morning mist adds to the mystery of the site’s origins and why it was abandoned.
Depart for Cusco, where your lodgings are in a lavishly restored historic monastery.

Day 6: Hotel Monasterio, Cusco, Peru

Curious Cusco, a Galapagos / Peru cruise and tour gem Your Galapagos / Peru cruise
and tour continues with sightseeing in Cusco, once the powerful capital of the
ancient, sophisticated Inca empire.

See Plaza de Armas, a large square that was the center of the ancient city;
the Cathedral; and colonial buildings dating from the 16th and 17th centuries.

A guided walking tour of Sacsayhuaman explores the ruins of this Inca military
fortress, providing great views of the city below.

Day 7:Hilton Colón Guayaquil, Ecuador

Journey to Ecuador Your Galapagos / Peru cruise adventure begins! Fly to Lima
and take a connecting flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city.

It’s renowned as a major port and enjoys a pleasant tropical climate.

Day 8: Cruising aboard Isabela II, Galapagos Islands

Greetings GalapagosBlue-footed Boobie Birds Fly to the Galapagos Islands, 600
miles off the coast and home to wildlife found nowhere else in the world.

Enjoy a seven-night cruise aboard Tauck’s exclusive expeditionary-style yacht,
topped by an observation deck.

The cruise itinerary is flexible, allowing the ship to access many remote islands, choosing beaches that are full of wildlife. Landings are made in a panga, a Zodiac-style
raft, and may require wading ashore in shallow water. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodging:

Day 9: Cruising aboard Isabela II, Galapagos Islands

Explore Hood Island on landings wet and dry Both wet and dry landings by panga take you to Hood Island to visit with its friendly sea lions and observe finches, mockingbirds and other birdlife.

Ride a glass-bottom boat in Gardner Bay, walk across volcanic landscapes to check out unique seabird colonies at Punta Suarez, or spend some time snorkelingin crystal-clear waters.

Day 10: Cruising aboard Isabela II, Galapagos Islands

Flamingos and more on Floreana Island On Floreana Island, join your expert naturalist
guide on an easy nature hike to a lovely lagoon, where you’ll see flamingos in
their pristine habitat.

Explore Post Office Bay, where a primitive island “post office” has been in
use for hundreds of years, and land by panga to visit turtles, rays and other
wildlife up close.

Day 11: Cruising aboard Isabela II, Galapagos Islands

In Darwin’s footsteps on Santa Cruz Island Head for the inland highlands on Santa
Cruz Island, as well as the craters of Los Gemelos and a Scalesia forest.

Meet giant tortoises and observe a wide variety of flora – such as the giant
prickly-pear cactus – and fauna at the Charles Darwin Research Station, where
you’ll also learn about the history of the islands.

Day 12: Cruising aboard Isabela II, Galapagos Islands

Birds galore on Tower Island Land by panga in a lovely natural habor on Tower
Island to view thousands of incredible birds – including large colonies of frigate
birds, storm petrels, Nazca boobies and many more.

In most cases, the birds and animals of the Galapagos are unafraid of humans,
so you can get right up close to them.

Day 13: Cruising aboard Isabela II, Galapagos Islands

Cross the Equator to Isabela and Fernandina Cross the Equator aboard Isabela II
today en route to Isabela and Fernandina, the youngest of the Galapgos Islands
(they’re only about 5 to 10 million years old).

Arrive at Isabela’s Tagus Cove to see Darwin Crater; you’ll also have an opportunity
to do some snorkeling, as well as view Sally Lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas and
sea lions on Fernandina.

Day 14: Cruising aboard Isabela II, Galapagos Islands

More wonders on James and Bartolomé Islands Stroll across the ancient lava flows
of James Island and spot marine iguanas, fur seals and myriad birds.

There are even more wonders in store – on a climb to the top of Bartolomé Island
and on a panga ride around Pinnacle Rock where you may get a look at Galapagos
penguins.

Day 15: Hilton Colón Guayaquil, Ecuador

Explore Guayaquil Disembark Isabela II, and fly to Guayaquil. A tour of the city
precedes some free time, perhaps to stroll the waterfront promenade, El Malecon.

Share favorite experiences from your Galapagos and Peru cruise and tour at
the farewell dinner.

Day 16: Goodbye Galapagos / Peru cruise and tour Tour ends in Guayaquil.

A transfer is included from the Hilton Colón Guayaquil to Guayaquil International
Airport; allow 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in. Meals: Breakfast

This Machu Picchu tour package has been put together by Tauck. Contact one of our tour specialist and find the right tour package for you.