| Ecuador & the Galápagos |
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Embark on an adventure through the Galápagos Islands, the archipelago made famous by Charles Darwin. The main islands cover 19,500 square miles and feature sea lions, penguins, turtles, whales and the blue-footed booby.
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Quito
Day 1 Fly to Quito. Arrive late this evening and meet your Go Ahead representative.
Day 2 A professional local guide leads this morning’s sightseeing tour of Quito. Take in spectacular views of the Valley of Tumbaco. Then pass Catholic University, the Legislative Palace, Independence Square, the Government Palace and El Sagrario Church as you venture through the streets of the Old Town. Stop for a visit to the enormous 16th-century San Francisco Monastery. Continue through the Old Town to La Compańia, the city’s exquisite baroque church. This afternoon, take an included journey to the Equatorial Line monument. Enjoy an included dinner with the rest of your tour group this evening. (B, D)
Galápagos Islands cruise
Day 3 This morning, fly to Baltra Island, gateway to the Galápagos. Board your cruise yacht, the Galápagos Coral, and begin following in the footsteps of Charles Darwin. Your first stop is Santa Cruz Island and a walking excursion to Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill), so named for its rare land iguana. Then venture out on a dinghy ride around the islet for more views of the marine life here. (B, D)
Day 4 This morning, explore Rábida Island, known for its red hue (a result of the high percentage of oxidized iron in the lava). Flamingos, white-cheeked ducks and brown pelicans make their home here. This afternoon, reach James Island and enter Puerto Egas, a bay of black-sand beaches and unique rock formations. As you hike the trail, you might see Galápagos hawks, Galápagos doves and Darwin finches. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Reach Fernandina Island for a look at Punta Espinosa, a geologic site formed 25 years ago by a vertical tectonic shift. Turtles, sharks and fish of all kinds surround the point, and groups of marine iguana gather here. Voyage onward to Isabella Island, made up of six ancient volcanoes that merged into a single land mass. You’ll sail the Bolivar Channel (watch for dolphins and whales) to Tagus Cove. An on-shore hike reveals spectacular views of Darwin Lake. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Cruise on to Bartolomé Island and gaze up at the island’s volcanic formations, including lava bombs, spatter and cinder cones. Hike to the summit for impressive wildlife sightings and spectacular views of the surrounding islands. Then continue on to Black Turtle Cove on the north coast of Santa Cruz for a dinghy excursion and close observation of marine turtles, spotted eagle rays and more. (B, L, D)
Quito
Day 7 In Santa Cruz, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galápagos National Park offices. This is the hub of conservation
efforts. On your visit, learn about the ecology of the islands and view a tortoise breeding center. Later, board a flight back to Quito, and check into your hotel. (B)
Day 8 With a free day in Quito, visit the city’s many museums, shops and cafés. Or join our full-day optional excursion to the traditional craft markets of Otavalo, which date back to pre-Incan times. You’ll also stop at some of the native villages along the way. This evening, try our optional Ecuadorian cooking class. (B)
Day 9 Situated northwest of Quito, Mindo Reserve offers 15,000 acres of protected land, 2,000 species of plants and 325 bird species—three reasons it was named one of the top five biodiversity spots in the world. This full-day optional excursion includes lunch. (B)
Day 10 Board your flight home. (B)
Extend your stay
Peru
LIMA
Day 9 Fly to Lima, the capital of Peru. (B)
Day 10 Today, take a guided sightseeing tour of modern and colonial Lima. (B)
Cuzco
Day 11 Fly to the Incan capital of Cuzco, where you’ll visit Korikancha Temple and the city’s cathedral on a guided tour. Then travel to four nearby Incan archaeological sites. (B)
Day 12 Take a day trip to legendary Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.” (B, L)
Day 13 Journey to Valle Sagrado de Los Incas (Sacred Valley of the Incas). Enjoy a traditional Peruvian Folklore Dinner this evening. (B, L, D)
LIMA
Day 14 Fly to Lima. (B, D)
Day 15 Spend a free day exploring Lima on your own. Tonight, board your flight back to the United States. (B)
Day 16 Arrive back home. (B in flight) |
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Round-trip air transportation with a major airline, airport transfers and escorts
The services of a bilingual Tour Director
A licensed local city guide in Quito
5 nights accommodation in comfortable, well-located hotels with twin beds and private bath or shower
All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling and local taxes included
4 nights accommodation in comfortable cabins that include twin-bedded rooms with private shower
Buffet breakfast (B) daily; 1 three-course dinner (D) while on land
All shipboard meals and shipboard porterage
Private deluxe motorcoach featuring reclining seats
Guided sightseeing and entrance fees to select sights as described
Go Ahead travel bag and membership in our World Traveler Club, which includes credit toward your next tour |
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| Daily Departures from 1/1/2009 to 12/31/2010 |
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Destination Information
Itinerary
Items Included
Departure Dates
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