Peru Itinerary - Distinctive Americas

Classic Ecuador & the Galápagos
16-days / 15-nights
Itinerary Summary
No.
1
2
Date
Location
Details
Meals
Hotel
Day 01
QUITO
Arrive in Quito
-
Casona de La Ronda
3
Day 02
Half day city tour inc. the Middle of the World Monument
B
Day 03
Full day tour of Cotopaxi National park
BL
Day 04
Air, road & boat transfer to your Amazon Lodge
BLD
Sacha Lodge
3
B
Casona de La Ronda
1
M/Y Beluga
7
AMAZON
Guided activities from Sacha Lodge
Day 05
1
3
BLD
Guided activities from Sacha Lodge
Day 06
BLD
QUITO
Air, road & boat transfer to Quito
GALAPAGOS
Air & road transfer to your Galapagos cruise vessel
BLD
Day 09
Excursions to Floreana
BLD
Day 10
Excursions to Isabela
BLD
Day 11
Excursions to Isabela
BLD
Day 12
Excursions to Isabela
BLD
Day 13
Excursions to Isabela & Fernandina
BLD
Day 14
Excursions to Santiago & Bartolomé
BLD
Day 15
Excursion to North Seymour & meet flights to the UK
B
-
Day 16
Arrive back in the UK
-
-
Day 07
Day 08
Nts
2
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01
DEPART - QUITO
Depart Heathrow for Quito via Madrid flying with Iberia.
IB7443
IB6463
Economy
Economy
Dep: Heathrow T5 07:25
Dep: Madrid T4S 12:45
Arr: Madrid T4S 10:50
Arr: Quito 16:55
Transfer on arrival to your hotel.
La Casona de La Ronda
1 x Standard Room on a Bed on a Bed & Breakfast basis for 3-nights
With an excellent location in the heart of the Old Town, La Casona de la Ronda is an 18 th century colonial style
house recently converted into a lovely boutique hotel. The 22 rooms are arranged around a central courtyard
and are bright and airy. The interiors include wooden furnishing and parquet floors. Drinks from the bar and
the coffee shop can be enjoyed in the garden and on the terrace.
Day 02
QUITO
Private half day city tour including the Middle of the World Monument
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Quito, the capital of Ecuador has retained much of its colonial past. Steep
cobbled stone streets, ornate churches and fine plazas are all to be found in the old district of town. The
modern new town is the business district and this is where you will find the best shopping and restaurants.
The city was founded in 1534 and has a wonderful setting at the base of the Pichincha Volcano. In the
distance the snow-capped peak of Cotopaxi and its surrounding national park dominates the horizon. The
Equatorial Monument 25 km North of Quito, marks the exact Middle of the World, latitude 0º, where you can
stand with a foot on each hemisphere. Visit the Ethnographic Museum inside the monument, which shows the
great diversity of Ecuador’s native groups. Beside the monument there is a colonial-style town, complete with
main square, church, post office, bullring, cafeterias, restaurants and many gift shops that sell postcards and
souvenirs.
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Day 03
QUITO
Full day tour of Cotopaxi National park with lunch at a traditional hacienda
You will have an early departure from Quito to visit the Cotopaxi National Park; an ecological sanctuary of
88,920 acres around the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano which rises 5897 meters (19,347 feet) above sea level.
The evergreen landscape of the Ecuadorian highlands is one of the main attractions, with beautiful valleys and
mountains covered by multi-coloured fields. Upon arrival to the park there will be an introductory briefing
about the habitat of the Andean paramo or moorlands, its flora and fauna in the small Interpretation Centre.
You will then continue on to Limpiopungo Lagoon to observe a variety of birds and occasionally wild horses.
On clear days, the Cotopaxi Volcano is the magnificent backdrop. A short walk around the lagoon allows the
observation of the Andean flora. Lunch is served at a local restaurant before returning to Quito in the
afternoon.
Day 04
QUITO - AMAZON
Private transfer to Quito Airport to board your internal flight to Coca, flying with TAME.
EQ213
Economy
Dep: Quito 11:20
Arr: Coca 11:50
As you fly east from Quito the mountain ranges give way to lowland primary rainforest. Viewed from the air,
the landscape is a carpet of green with the occasional blue ribbon of water flowing through it. Covering much
of Ecuador’s eastern territory, the Amazon Rainforest is the world’s most impressive jungle system. On arrival
you will be met and taken to a private dock where you will have a quick snack before boarding a covered
boat for a 2hr trip down the Napo River; the largest river in the Ecuadorian Amazon. During the ride it’s easy
to spot shore birds such as herons, kingfishers, spoonbills and ospreys, between the scattered native huts as
you travel steadily away from civilization.
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Day 04
QUITO – AMAZON …
Upon arrival at Sacha Lodge's 5000-acre private reserve, you will walk along a raised boardwalk through dense
flooded palm forest where several species of monkeys are often seen. The path leads to Pilchicocha lake,
where dugout canoes await to carry you even farther across the lake to the lodge
Sacha Lodge
1 x Standard Room with Full Board & Shared Activities for 3-nights
Sacha Lodge is set amongst a 5000 acre private reserve, deep In the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest. All of the
lodge’s 26 cabins have been constructed using traditional materials. The recently opened 940 foot long
canopy walkway takes you right up close to, otherwise hard to spot, bird and animal life. On arrival you will
have an afternoon introductory Rainforest tour.
Day 05-06
AMAZON
Shared guided activities from Sacha Lodge
A typical day at Sacha begins at sunrise or earlier, in order to take advantage of the cool morning hours when
the rainforest's animals are most active. Each group may decide on its own wake-up and breakfast time, as
well as the difficulty and duration of their morning outings. In the afternoon, visits begin at around 3:00 and
often continue into the evening, when the nocturnal insect and frog chorus begins. Activities are spread out
over a wide area and allow visitors to explore several distinct but equally fascinating habitats. Trails lead
through pristine forest, where 150 foot tall kapok trees tower above and roots form huge buttresses to give
trees support. Others follow strategically raised boardwalks in seasonally flooded forests, where walking on the
ground would be nearly impossible during most of the year due to groundwater.
A popular activity is paddling dugout canoes along the tannin-rich black-water creeks and lakes, where
luxuriant lianas, orchids, bromeliads and palm trees thrive. All outings provide opportunities to see animals,
from the tiny pygmy marmoset to the feared ocelot or puma. During free time at the lodge, swimming and
piranha fishing are also activities not to be missed. In the evening night walks and canoe trips are on offer
with the aid of flashlights, which often reveal creatures seldom seen during daylight, such as Caimans (of the
alligator family) and giant insects.
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Day 07
AMAZON - QUITO
Depart Sacha early in the morning by motorised canoe & road to Coca Airport to meet your flight to Quito,
flying with TAME.
EQ214
Economy
Dep: Coca 12:20
Arr: Quito 12:50
Private transfer to your hotel.
Casona de La Ronda
1 x Standard Room on a Bed on a Bed & Breakfast basis for 1-night
Day 08
QUITO - GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
Private transfer to Quito airport to meet your onward flight to Baltra, flying with TAME.
EQ191
Economy
Dep: Quito 08:15
Arr: Baltra 10:35 (local time)
Shared transfer on arrival to your Galapagos vessel.
M/Y Beluga
1 x Double Standard Cabin with Full board & Shared Activities for 7-nights
Re-built in 1994, the Beluga is a popular first class motor vessel which offers week long expeditions departing
on Fridays. The 110 foot, fully air-conditioned vessel accommodates 16 passengers in double staterooms, each
with private bathroom and shower. The Beluga is spacious and comfortable with plenty of deck space, and the
friendly experienced crew of 7 help retain a relaxed atmosphere both on aboard and ashore.
M/Y Beluga Deck Plan
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Fernandina Itinerary
Day 1: Board & Excursion on Santa Cruz
Day 2: Excursions to Punta Cormorant & Post Office Bay (Floreana)
Day 3: Excursions to Puerto Villamil & Sierra Negra (Isabela)
Day 4: Excursions to Punta Moreno & Elizabeth Bay (Isabela)
Day 5: Excursions to Elizabeth Bay & Tagus Cove (Isabela)
Day 6: Excursions to Punta Espinoza & Punta Vicente Roca (Fernandina / Isabela)
Day 7: Excursions to Puerto Egas & Bartolomé (Santiago / Bartolomé)
Day 8: Excursion to North Seymour and Depart
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Day 08
QUITO - GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS …
Shared afternoon excursion to the Santa Cruz Highlands & Charles Darwin Research Station
Visit the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, with their impressive Scalesia forest and the geological formation of
the twin pit craters known as Los Gemelos. From December to mid-April a visit to see the giant tortoises in
the wild may be included, if weather conditions are good. Then you will visit the Charles Darwin Research
Station and the giant tortoise pens within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest home to many land
birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park
administration. You can then enjoy a late afternoon stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora.
Day 09
FLORENA
Shared morning excursion to Punta Cormorant
Disembark at Punta Cormorant (wet landing) at an olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk that includes a
brackish water lagoon where bird species like greater flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons,
sandpipers, and others may be observed. This outing also includes a white-sand beach where sea turtles come
out at night to nest (from December to May). There is a possibility of snorkelling from the beach.
Shared afternoon excursion to Post Office Bay
A wet landing at the Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has been serving as a post office in the
archipelago for over two centuries, to learn about the human side of the islands, its early inhabitants and the
adventures of pirates and whalers.
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Day 10
ISABELA
Shared morning excursion to Puerto Villamil
Isabela Island is the largest and one of the youngest islands in the Galapagos archipelago. We land in Puerto
Villamil, which has the second smallest population in Galapagos with approximately 3000 habitants.
Shared afternoon excursion to Sierra Negra
We head up to the highlands from Puerto Villamil to Sierra Negra slope, and later we will do some hiking on
uneven terrain until we arrive to the Sierra Negra volcano rim. Sierra Negra is the second widest crater in the
world. From this viewpoint, you have fantastic sights to the 6 x 5 mile-wide crater, the rest of the volcanoes,
and Perry Isthmus, a 12km wide lava field. From here we can hike to Chico Volcano to watch the striking lava
formations, examples of the geological occurrences that have created the Galapagos Islands.
Day 11
ISABELA
Shared morning excursion to Punta Moreno.
The main attractions are coastal lagoons amid black lava flows where there are several species of birds.
Panoramic view of three volcanoes, the most active of the Islands: Sierra Negra, Cerro Azul of Isabela Island
and La Cumbre.
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Day 11
ISABELA …
Shared afternoon excursion to Elizabeth Bay
This is a marine visitor site so the excursion is carried out in a zodiac and there is no landing point. Your
zodiac ride starts with a visit to the Marielas islets where there is the largest and most important penguin
colony in the Galapagos Islands. The excursion continues into the cove that is surrounded by red mangroves
where you can admire their red roots and green leafs. It is here that you are able to observe sea turtles,
flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, brown pelicans and sea lions. Frequently visitors have
been able to see Galapagos Hawks soaring overhead whilst schools of Pompano and Dorado fish swim below.
Day 12
ISABELA
Shared morning excursion to Elizabeth Bay
Urbina Bay is located in Western Isabela, at the foot of Alcedo volcano. This is the spot where the Galapagos
National Park began their successful eradication of goats on Isabela Island. After a wet landing on a beautiful
black-sand beach, you may be able to observe sea turtle nesting sites. This area is also known for penguin
and flightless cormorant sightings and is one of the best places to see Darwin’s finches as well as large land
iguanas. Also, be on the lookout for Galapagos tortoises which like to feed within the site’s dense vegetation.
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Day 12
ISABELA …
Shared afternoon excursion to Tagus Cove
On the northwest of Isabela, the secluded Tagus Cove has provided a favourite anchorage for pirates and
whalers over the centuries and old graffiti can still be found carved on its walls. The vegetation in the area
includes the fragrant palo santo trees; these white-barked trees are leafless and look dead most of the year
but they leaf and spring back to life in the wet season. An uphill hike takes guests to the back of Darwin
Crater, filled with salt water. Darwin is one of Isabela’s six volcanoes, a remarkable contrast to the lower
islands to the east of the archipelago. The view at the end of the trail is worth the climb. There are
opportunities to swim, snorkel or ride kayaks at this site. There’s no beach in the area, so these activities are
done from the pangas.
Day 13
FERNANDINA - ISABELA
Shared morning excursion to Punta Espinoza
Morning visit to the youngest island of the archipelago: Fernandina. Disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile
walk over dark lava. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness and a lot of wildlife. Having no
introduced mammals, Fernandina boasts a very unique environment with the highest density of marine
iguanas. There are also sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorant.
Snorkelling is possible at this site.
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Day 13
FERNANDINA – ISABELA …
Shared afternoon excursion to Punta Vicente Roca
Punta Vicente Roca is a wonderful snorkelling site, where you can usually see turtles as well as all kinds of
fish. For those who do not snorkel, a panga ride will give you the opportunity to study some of the Galapagos’
spectacular geological rock formations. Nazca boobies, pelicans, swallow-tailed gulls, marine iguanas, flightless
cormorants and penguins are often seen in the area.
Day 14
SANTIAGO - BARTOLOMÉ
Shared morning excursion to Puerto Egas
Puerto Egas (James Bay) is located on the northwest side of Santiago Island. The landing is on a black beach
with eroded rock formations in the background. The trail crosses the dry interior, where the remains of a salt
mining enterprise can still be seen, and then continues along the coast. Tidal pools are home to a variety of
invertebrate organisms, including sea urchins, octopus and starfish. You will also see marine iguanas, finches,
oyster catchers and possibly the Galapagos Hawk. The trail leads to the Fur Sea Lion Grottos, one of the only
places in the islands where these unique animals can be seen. After the walk, you will have time to swim or
snorkel off the beach, where you will see sea lions, fish and maybe some turtles, rays and maybe some reef
sharks.
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Day 14
SANTIAGO – BARTOLOMÉ …
Shared afternoon excursion to Bartolomé
Bartolomé Island is situated across Sullivan Bay. It has an altitude of 114 meters, and views of the most
beautiful sceneries of the Galapagos Islands such as: Volcanic cones, lunar-like craters, lava fields, and the
famous Toba formed pinnacle eroded by the sea. There is very little vegetation on this island. It has two
breath-taking beaches where marine turtles can be found and a very small colony of Galapagos penguins at
the base of the pinnacle.
Day 15
NORTH SEYMOUR - DEPART
Shared morning excursion to North Seymour
North Seymour may very well be the perfect way to say goodbye to the Galapagos Islands. Although the
island is characterized by arid vegetation, fauna abounds and you will soon find yourself surrounded by sea
lions, blue footed boobies, marine iguanas, frigates and more. With some luck you may even get to see land
iguanas as well.
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Day 15
NORTH SEYMOUR – DEPART …
After returning from your excursion you will disembark the vessel for a shared transfer to Baltra airport to
meet your return flights to the mainland.
EQ192
Economy
Dep: Baltra 12:45 (local time)
Arr: Guayaquil 15:30
On arrival collect luggage and check-in for return flights to the UK, flying with Iberia in economy class.
IB6464
Day 16
IB3164
Economy
Dep: Guayaquil 20:05
Arr: Madrid 13:55 (Day 16)
Dep: Madrid 26:25
Arr: Heathrow 17:50
UK
Economy
Arrive back in the UK.
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Holiday Cost
from £5,495.00 per person
20% deposit is required to secure this booking
Suggested Itinerary
 This is just a suggested itinerary which we can amend to fit your exact requirements.
Includes
 International flights as listed.
 All pre-payable airport departure taxes.
 Hotel accommodation as listed.
 Transfers as listed (on a shared basis unless specified as private).
 Meals as listed.
 Excursions as listed (on a shared basis unless specified as private).
 $20.00pp Galapagos Transit Control Card fee.
Excludes
 Local departure taxes where applicable.
 Tips and gratuities.
 Any future currency surcharges.
 Any future airline fare, tax or fuel surcharges.*
*In the event of airfare /tax increases you will have the option to pay for your airfare in advance to avoid these increases.
Please Note
 The cost of this itinerary is based on 2 passengers sharing one room.
 All flights, accommodation and services are subject to availability at the time of booking.
 Air fares, taxes, schedules and routings are subject to change until ticket issue.
Booking Conditions
 Usually a deposit of 20% is required to secure a booking.
 The final balance would be due 10 weeks prior to departure.
 You can review our full booking conditions at: www.distinctiveamericas.com
Financial & Consumer Protection
 When you book with Distinctive World Travel you are safe in the knowledge that we are fully bonded with
the Civil Aviation Authority and hold an Air Tour Operators Licence (ATOL 9027).
www.caa.co.uk/ATOL 9027
 We are a member of AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators) which represents the UK’s 140 top
specialist tour operators and prides itself on providing the highest level of customer satisfaction by
concentrating on: Choice, Quality and Service.
www.aito.co.uk
For more information or to discuss this quote please contact us on:
t: 01242 890 555
e: sales@distinctiveamericas.com
www.distinctiveamericas.com
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