PERU SPLENDORS MACHU PICCHU & GALAPAGOS CRUISE MARCH 24 APRIL 6, 2018 Escorted by Ms. Debi Termaat Vacation Highlights: 13 Days/12 Nights from Lima, Peru to Guayaquil, Ecuador including a 3-night Galapagos cruise Daily breakfasts, 5 lunch, 7 three-course dinners Tour escort throughout the duration of the trip Prices and Important Dates Trip Price: $7499 per person double occupancy Credit card add 3% Promotion Discount: $249 Sale Price $7250 (may discontinue at any time) Deposit: $350 per person Single room supplement: $1475 Journey s Club discount available Price includes- Land Package, intra air between Peru and Equador, roundtrip airfare from Grand Rapids, transfers, and services of a trip escort. Bag fees are traveler responsibility. Travel Insurance: Contact wetravel for pricing. The wetravel Experience wetravel escorts our travelers on group trips, making certain that things run as smoothly as possible. Christine Friedt & Debi Termaat, the wetravel escorts, advocate for individuals as well as the group to ensure that any problems which crop up are handled quickly, allowing you to enjoy the best possible experience. Our trips provide the best of all worlds, the ability to travel to domestic & foreign destinations in the most convenient, cost-efficient & stress-free way possible. Your experienced escort handles every detail, answers questions & connects fellow travelers interested in optional excursions & free time exploration. You will have peace of mind knowing your escort is available prior to & throughout the trip.
Destination and Sightseeing: From its amazing archaeological treasures to its gastronomic delights and from its rich history to its melting pot of cultures, Peru offers visitors a wide array of attractions and on this tour, you ll experience its highlights. Plus, you ll have the thrilling opportunity to cruise through the Galápagos Islands. Start in Lima, a cosmopolitan city steeped in history with pre-columbian ruins, Spanish colonial buildings, and remnants of colonial mansions. On your sightseeing tour, you ll see many of its famous sights. High in the Andes Mountains, Cusco is the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America and is sure to please history buffs. Learn about the Incas struggles with the invading Spaniards on your tour of Cusco and visit the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, built in the early 12th century with some stones weighing more than 350 tons. Try to figure out how it was built so precisely without the help of modern machinery and technology! Of course, no vacation to Peru is complete without visiting Machu Picchu. Built around 1450 at the height of the Inca Empire, Machu Picchu is located in a gorgeous mountain setting above the Urubamba Valley. Stand in awe as you witness it it is one of the most majestic images in all of South America! Not only will you visit the must-see sights, you ll also have an opportunity to learn about Peruvian life. Experience a Mother Earth ceremony performed by a local shaman. These ceremonies thanking Mother Earth and asking for good health and safe travels have been practiced in Peru since before the arrival of the Incas. You ll also stop at a local Peruvian food market and visit a home to meet some of the locals and experience their way of life. Conclude your vacation by cruising through the Galápagos Islands, where you will witness blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, sea lions, land iguanas, and much more. For even more spectacular beauty and fun, you can swim or snorkel in search of sea life such as octopus, sea horses, and starfish. Afterward, spend time in Quito, where a sightseeing tour shows you its highlights a perfect conclusion to an amazing adventure!
Trip Highlights MACHU PICCHU - Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel set high in the Andes Mountains in Peru, above the Urubamba River valley. Built in the 15th century and later abandoned, it s renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone walls that fuse huge blocks without the use of mortar, intriguing buildings that play on astronomical alignments and panoramic views. Its exact former use remains a mystery. We will take the Vistadome train through the Urubamba Valley; sightseeing with a Local Guide and a second entrance to the ruins on your second day in Machu Picchu. GALAPAGOS ISLANDS - The Galápagos Islands is a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. It's considered one of the world's foremost destinations for wildlife-viewing. A province of Ecuador, it lies about 1,000km off its coast. Its isolated terrain shelters a diversity of plant and animal species, many found nowhere else. Charles Darwin visited in 1835, and his observation of Galápagos' species later inspired his theory of evolution. We will enjoy a 3-night cruise. SACRED VALLEY The Sacred Valley is a region in Peru s Andean highlands. Along with the nearby town of Cusco and the ancient city of Machu Picchu, it formed the heart of the Inca Empire. Stretching roughly 60 kilometers, it s an area of fertile farmland and Spanish colonial villages like Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Pisac is known for its Sunday handicraft market and hilltop Incan citadel. We will experience a Mother Earth Ceremony with a shaman; visit Awanakancha and Pisac; visit Ollantaytambo and a local home for a glimpse into rural Peruvian life.
CUSCO - This city in the Peruvian Andes was once capital of the Inca Empire and is now known for its archaeological remains and Spanish colonial architecture. Plaza de Armas is the central square in the old city, with arcades, carved wooden balconies and Incan wall ruins. The baroque Santo Domingo Convent was built on top of the Incan Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha), and has archaeological remains of Inca stonework. We will enjoy sightseeing with a Local Guide; participate in a celebratory pasacalle (Andean parade); visit the cathedral, Santo Domingo Monastery, Kenko, and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman; farewell dinner. LIMA - Lima, the capital of Peru, lies on the country's arid Pacific coast. Though its colonial center is preserved, it's a bustling metropolis and one of South America s largest cities. It's home to the Museo Larco collection of pre-columbian art and the Museo de la Nación, tracing the history of Peru s ancient civilizations. The Plaza de Armas and the 16th-century cathedral are the heart of old Lima Centro.Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit San Francisco Monastery; visit a local Peruvian food market; welcome dinner at a local Peruvian restaurant The following UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be seen or visited on this vacation: City of Cusco Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu Historic Center of Lima Galapagos Islands City of Quito Headsets throughout the tour
INSIDE VISITS & SPECIAL FEATURES ARE SHOWN IN UPPERCASE IN THE DESCRIPTION. DEPART MARCH 24 TH GRAND RAPIDS DAY 1 Arrive in Lima, Peru where you will be met by your Tour Director. DAY 2 Lima: This afternoon, your Local Guide focuses on the city s colonial heritage during a walking TOUR. Start at the Plaza de Armas to see the Government Palace and the cathedral. From here, stroll to the venerable SAN FRANCISCO MONASTERY with its splendid 17th-century cloister murals. For a special treat, stop at a LOCAL PERUVIAN FOOD MARKET to get a real taste of life for the local people. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at one of Lima s Peruvian restaurants with your fellow travelers. (B,D) DAY 3 Lima/Cusco/Sacred Valley - Fly to Cusco, the impressive Andean city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Head into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you will have lunch and experience an El Pago a la Tierra, or MOTHER EARTH CEREMONY, performed by a local shaman. These ceremonies thanking Mother Earth and asking for good health and safe travels have been practiced in Peru since before the arrival of the Incas. Next, stop at AWANAKANCHA to meet local families who preserve the ancient technique of Pre-Columbian weaving using South American camelid fibers. Here is your chance to get up close to the various camelids, including alpaca, llama, guanaco, and vicuña, indigenous to the region. Continue to PISAC, an old mountain village where you will have free time to shop its famous market for local wares such as alpaca sweaters and blankets, jewelry, or hand-painted ornamental dishes and vases. Stay in the Sacred Valley tonight, and enjoy a special dinner at the hotel. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 Sacred Valley Machu Picchu This morning, visit the Inca Fortress of OLLANTAYTAMBO, followed by the opportunity to visit a HOME, meet some of the locals, and experience their way of life. Next, board the Vistadome TRAIN for a short journey through the lush Urubamba Valley. Then, transfer to a motorcoach for the ascent to legendary MACHU PICCHU, the Lost City of the Incas, high above the steep valley overlaid with dense tropical jungle. Your Local Guide will bring you closer to the lives and mysteries still hidden in these amazing structures built by the pre-columbian masters of this sacred land. Tonight, stay at a nearby hotel. (B,D) DAY 5 Machu Picchu Cusco Your entrance to MACHU PICCHU is included for a second day. Enjoy the tranquility of the morning, with free time to wander the ruins at your own pace and experience the magic that is Machu Picchu. After lunch, return to the Sacred Valley by TRAIN and continue on to Cusco. (B,L) DAY 6 Cusco This morning, learn more about the Incas and their struggle against invading Spaniards on your Cusco city TOUR, with visits to the imposing CATHEDRAL and the SANTO DOMINGO MONASTERY. Also visit the TEMPLE OF SACSAYHUAMAN, perched on a hillside overlooking Cusco. It remains unfathomable how and when this fortress of gigantic stones with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons was built. The remainder of your day is free to explore at your leisure. Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) DAY 7 Cusco Lima Quito, Ecuador Fly to Quito, where the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)
DAY 8 Quito On a city tour, see INDEPENDENCE SQUARE with its CATHEDRAL and SAN FRANCISCO PLAZA CHURCH, and the BASILICA. (B) DAY 9 Quito Baltra Santa Cruz (Embarkation) Cruising Fly to Baltra and transfer to SANTA CRUZ Island and the highlands. While here, visit a private FARM where giant tortoises are found in their natural habitat. You can also explore lava tubes and pit craters. Board the Galápagos Legend for your 3-night CRUISE. (B,L,D) DAY 10 Cruising: Santiago & Bartolome Islands Wake up at SANTIAGO and Puerto Egas, once a buccaneer supply base. Watch for yellow-crowned night herons, Darwin s finches, iguanas, and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Encounter a Galápagos fur seal grotto, one of the few places in the archipelago where fur seals can be seen. From here you can swim and snorkel in search of octopus, sea horses, starfish, and other sea life. After lunch on board, visit BARTOLOMÉ to discover a fascinating moonscape formed by volcanic parasitic cones. Take a hike to the summit for impressive views of the surrounding islands. Bartolomé offers some of the best snorkeling in the archipelago, thanks to clear waters and abundant sea life. (B,L,D)
DAY 11 Cruising: Santa Cruz & North Seymour Islands Back at SANTA CRUZ, walk by a brackish lagoon where feeding flamingos are often found. Climb DRAGON HILL, an important nesting ground for endemic land iguanas, offering lovely views of the neighboring islands. The forest is home to mockingbirds, Darwin s finches, yellow warblers, and Galápagos doves. At NORTH SEYMOUR, walk amid large nesting colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent and great frigate birds, and swallow-tailed gulls for an in-depth encounter with sea bird breeding cycles. You will also encounter sea lions and land iguanas. (B,L,D) DAY 12 Cruising: Baltra (Disembarkation) Guayaquil After breakfast, fly to Guayaquil, where the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B) DAY 13 Guayaquil Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B) Dates, Itineraries, Prices, Escort subject to change.
ACCOMODATIONS LIMA, PERU - CASA ANDINA SELECT MIRAFLORES - This hotel welcomes you to Lima in comfort and style. It is located in the center of Lima's bustling district of Miraflores, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, bars, and other Lima attractions. The excellent Casa Andina Select Miraflores exudes sophistication and comfort, focusing on personalized service and great amenities. SACRED VALLEY, PERU POSADA DEL INCA YUCAY - Bursting with character, the Posada Del Inca Yucay is the leader in boutique hotels in the Sacred Valley. Featuring a rustic ambiance with modern comforts, dynamite local cuisine, and friendly service, it makes for a memorable stay in one of the most remarkable places in the world. The colonial-style former monastary is surrounded by views of the Andes and beautiful gardens - a leisurely and soothing escape. MACHU PICCHU PUEBLO, PERU - EL MAPI HOTEL MACHU PICCHU - Smart and contemporary are the defining elements of this hotel, amidst the commercial village of Machu Picchu Pueblo; it welcomes a wide range of guests expecting an uncomplicated visit. Hotel amenities include a restaurant, bar, hot-water pond, gift shop, Internet, and laundry service. CUSCO, PERU - SONESTA HOTEL CUSCO - The Sonesta Hotel Cusco (Superior First Class) features a modern contemporary décor and a fine dining restaurant serving classic Peruvian cuisine. It is within blocks of a handicraft market, Plaza de Armas, shops, and restaurants. QUITO, ECUADOR - HILTON COLON QUITO - The Hilton Colon Quito hotel is 10 minutes' walk from the colonial Old Town, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. This modern hotel enjoys spectacular views of the city. Amenities include a fitness center, spa, outdoor heated pool, 5 restaurants/lounges, laundry service, concierge, florist, barber shop, and gift shop. GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR - ORO VERDE HOTEL - A five-time winner of the World Travel Awards, the Oro Verde offers an exquisite combination of European experience and Ecuadorian hospitality. The hotel is conveniently located, tastefully decorated, and offers a unique and full list of amenities, making your stay in Guayaquil as easy and comfortable as possible - while still adding a touch of elegance. SHIP OVERVIEW/GALAPAGOS LEGEND Enjoy a cruise in the in the most extraordinary wildlife sanctuary of South America. The Galapagos Legend expedition-style ship offers you the best in Galapagos escorted tours, with accommodations that will pamper you and choices that will allow you to direct your own luxury vacation experience. There is an activity for everyone during this cruise! The Galapagos Legend will personally take you through the wonderful world of the Galapagos Islands. The cruise experience also features spacious air-conditioned cabins and suites, delicious local and international cuisine, and the most popular Galapagos Islands itineraries. SHIP STATISTICS Refurbished: 2007 Length: 301 ft. Width: 47 ft. Decks: 4 Staterooms: 57 Passengers: 100 Crew members: 60
SHIP AMENITIES: Restaurant, Medical Center, Jacuzzi, gym, sauna, Bar/Lounge, Library/interpretation center, Boutique, Outdoor Bar, Auditorium, Jogging track, Observation deck, Sun terrace, Cruise director and naturalists on board CABIN CATEGORIES JUNIOR SUITE Located on the Earth Deck. 24 suites, 9 interconnected cabins. Average area: 159 ft2. 2 panoramic windows. Low twin beds or a queen, 7 triples w/ a day-bed. Air conditioning, Phone service for internal, local & international calls. Video system with LCD TV, music, activities, itineraries and consumption on board. Safe-deposit box, Private bathroom, Use of spa STANDARD PLUS CABIN The Standard Plus Cabin includes low twin beds or a double bed. Air conditioning, phone service for internal, local and international calls, Video system with LCD TV, music, activities, itineraries and consumption on board, safe-deposit box, private bathroom. Located on Sea Deck and Earth Deck. 17 cabins with panoramic skylights, Average area of 118ft.
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