National Geographic Galapagos and Peru
December 10, 2016-December 26, 2016
Day 1 |
Day 1 — U.S./Guayaquil, Ecuador
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Day 2 |
Day 2 — Guayaquil/Galápagos This morning, fly to the Galápagos Islands and board our comfortable expedition ship. During lunch, we begin our exploration of the islands. |
Day 3 |
Days 3 through 8 — Exploring Galápagos In keeping with the nature of an expedition, our itinerary is flexible, allowing you to take advantage of this extraordinary wildlife sanctuary. You will have the opportunity to go on nature walks with local naturalists; swim; snorkel; or explore the waters by kayak, glass-bottom boat (Endeavour only), or Zodiac. Isla Bartolomé Isla Santiago Isla Santa Cruz Isla Isabela Isla Floreana Isla Fernandina
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Day 9 |
Galápagos/Guayaquil Depart Galápagos this morning and fly to Lima, Peru via Guayaquil, arriving in the early evening.
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Day 10 |
Lima/Cusco/Sacred Valley of the Inca This morning, fly from Lima to Cusco and drive to Awanacancha, a farm where South American Camelidae are bred. Visit Pisac, the gateway to the Sacred Valley, and walk through the local food market before visiting nearby ruins.
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Day 11 |
Sacred Valley of the Inca Venture into the massive Inca stone fortress of Ollantaytambo. In the afternoon, go horseback riding, watch a Paso horse demonstration, go for a hike in the nearby countryside, or indulge in a spa treatment. Enjoy a barbecue dinner around the campfire, and take in a vibrant dance performance. |
Day 12 |
Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu Travel to Machu Picchu this morning. Join a guide for an introduction to the site and then stay overnight at the Sanctuary Lodge—sharing Machu Picchu with only a handful of visitors. |
Day 13 |
Machu Picchu/Cusco Before sunrise, hike to the Sun Gate, once the final checkpoint on the road to Machu Picchu. Watch day break over the quiet ruins. The morning is free to explore the site at your own pace. After a train and bus ride, we arrive in Cusco in the late afternoon for two nights at our elegant hotel.
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Day 14 |
Cusco Explore the Inca Empire's capital city of Cusco, and visit the vast Sacsayhuamán fortress. The afternoon is at your leisure to relax or stroll around the city, stopping in at one of the museums of the magnificent 17th-century cathedral and convent of Koricancha.
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Day 15 |
Cusco/Lima Return to Lima this morning. Browse pre-Columbian artifacts at the renowned Larco Herrera Museum, and wander across the Plaza Mayor. Following a traditional Peruvian lunch, the afternoon is free.
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Day 16 |
Lima/U.S. After breakfast, transfer to the Lima airport for your return flights.
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