INDEPENDENT GALAPAGOS CRUISE ABOARD THE GALAPAGOS LEGEND WITH PERU

Ecuador
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How deep is your love of adventure? Is it deep enough to follow the course of Charles Darwin to discover your own love affair with the wildlife paradise of the Galápagos Islands? And, delve further south to soar higher in the Andes and the heart of Peru? If so, this Independence by Globus holiday in South America is pointing you in the right direction. Begin by exploring the historic heart of Quito and depart for parts unknown where blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, and diving iguanas of the Galápagos give new meaning to mind-blowing discoveries. Cruise in luxury on the Galápagos Legend and explore the archipelago in the company of a Naturalist guide. Sail upon pristine waters to discover the perfectly evolved creatures who thrive on this volcanic archipelago. Stroll the sand where sea lions bask and albatross brace against the updrafts above the cliffs. Sail, snorkel, and simply stay in a state of astonishment through the sanctuaries of spectacular species on Bartolomé, Santiago, North Seymour, and San Cristobal Islands. Visit the Giant Tortoise Reserve where conservationists work to protect the gentle giants for which the islands are named. Then, set your compass to the heart of Peru to ignite your independent spirit in Lima, Cusco, and magnificent Machu Picchu to find the “Lost City of the Incas.” Explore ancient ruins that defy explanation and encounter the captivating cultures that live on in the Sacred Valley and Cusco. Timeless temples, textiles, and tantalising dishes are all on the menu on this free-spirited sojourn in South America. You’ll also find the I-time you deserve to fall in love with adventure again!

Traveller Notes
- Transportation: As outlined in the day-by-day itinerary below and private airport transfers to/from intra-holiday flights; Galápagos intra-holiday flights and taxes are included
- Guides: In Quito, Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu; Naturalist in the Galápagos
- For your overnight stays in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu you will only be allowed to bring an overnight bag weighing no more than 5 kgs due to luggage restrictions on the train. Your main luggage will be stored at the Cusco hotel where you will return.
- Maximum enjoyment of this holiday requires walking on cobblestone streets, uneven pathways, and climbing stairs. Elevations exceeding 10,000 feet can make even modest exertion a challenge. Maximum elevation on this tour is 12,000 ft. In the Galápagos, there will be “wet landings” meaning guests will need to be able to jump in the water, out of the boats/zodiacs and walk a couple of meters to the beaches. Terrain is rocky and uneven.
- Galápagos Islands itineraries are fully subject to change.

Availability

From 06/01/2024 to 19/12/2024

What's included

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Breakfasts Included: 12.
Lunches Included: 5.
Dinners Included: 4.
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Itinerary

  • 1 ARRIVE IN QUITO, ECUADOR
    Welcome to Quito, where your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
    2 QUITO
    Your included private city tour showcases the rich legacy left by the Incas and the Spaniards. See Independence Square, dominated by its formidable cathedral, San Francisco Plaza Church, and the Basilica with its marvellous stained-glass windows. (B)
    3 QUITO-BALTRA (EMBARKATION)-GAL?PAGOS CRUISING: NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND
    Fly to Baltra and transfer with your expert Naturalist to the Gal?pagos Legend for your 3-night cruise. Sail to North Seymour, a landmass formed by a series of underwater volcanic eruptions, which deposited layers of lava on the ocean floor. Take a walk amidst 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, land iguanas and, on a lucky day, you might even come across the endemic Gal?pagos snake. (B,L,D)
    4 CRUISING: BARTOLOM? ISLAND & SANTIAGO ISLAND
    Wake up at Bartolome Island to discover a fascinating moonscape formed by volcanic parasitic cones. Hike to the summit for impressive views of the surrounding islands and Pinnacle Rock. You will also encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and blue-footed boobies. Bartolome offers some of the best spots to snorkel, thanks to clear waters and abundant sea life, including sea turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, and maybe even Galapagos penguins. This afternoon, sail to Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island and take a walk on young Pahoehoe lava flows formed during the last quarter of the 19th Century. See the reddish-yellow tuff-cones with various flora growing from the fissures. Walking on the solidified lava gives the impression of walking on another planet. After your guided walk, spend time snorkelling from the white sand beach where you may see penguins, sea lions, sharks and rays. (B,L,D)
    5 CRUISING: SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
    Arrive at Pitt Islet on San Cristobal and walk to the top of a volcanic tuff to be rewarded with several magnificent viewpoints. This is one of the few sites where the Galapagos' three booby species (blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca) can be seen together. You will also find the two species of frigate birds and a sea lion colony. The island waters are excellent for dinghy rides to see a range of seabirds-and a great spot to snorkel! At Cerro Brujo, visit a lagoon where migratory bird species can be seen: black-necked stilts, ruddy turnstones, whimbrels, other sandpiper species, and white-cheeked pintails. Cerro Brujo offers beautiful views of Kicker Rock, the southern part of San Cristobal, and the adjacent coast. Your visit includes time to swim with the sea lions and other marine life. (B,L,D)
    6 CRUISING: SAN CRISTOBAL (DISEMBARKATION)-QUITO-LIMA, PERU
    After breakfast, disembark in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and visit the Giant Tortoise Reserve on San Cristobal. Learn about the national park's conservation and breeding programs to protect the endangered tortoise species. Also, visit the port village for a last chance at souvenirs before bidding farewell to the enchanted Galapagos Islands. Transfer to San Cristobal Airport and fly to Quito. Later, fly to Lima, Peru. (B)
    7 LIMA

    Your included city tour focuses on Lima's rich colonial history as well as the modern city. Lima was the bastion of Spanish South America from its founding in 1535 until the independence of the South American republics in the early 19th century. See the cathedral, where the remains of Francisco Pizarro are sealed in a wooden coffin, and the Santo Domingo Convent to see the relics of three famous Peruvian saints-Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martin de Porres, and San Juan Macias. (B)

    Today's I-Time Tips
    This evening, you may choose to head over to a nearby park to witness the largest electronic water fountain complex in the world, certified by the Guinness Book of Records. You will enjoy a wonderful show of water, lights, music, and images.


    8 LIMA-CUSCO
    Fly to Cusco, high in the Andes, where you will be met by your Local Guide. Your guided tour visits the cathedral in Plaza de Armas and Santo Domingo Monastery, one of the most important temples devoted to worship of the sun. It is said it was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Take a short drive outside the city to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, a fortress of gigantic stones-with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons. Followed by the amphitheatre of Kenko, and the red fortress of Puca Pucara. (B)
    9 CUSCO-SACRED VALLEY
    Today, a short drive into the Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, brings you to Awanakancha to learn about the importance of the alpaca for Inca cultures, as well as the ancient weaving techniques still in use today. Continue to the market town of Pisac, where you can buy handmade rugs, alpaca sweaters, and jewellery at bargain prices. At the other end of the valley, visit Ollantaytambo to see some of the finest examples of Inca masonry. (B,L)
    10 SACRED VALLEY-MACHU PICCHU
    Embark on a train trip bound for Machu Picchu and cut a path through the Sacred Valley to this "Lost City of the Incas," discovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. On a guided tour of Machu Picchu, explore this intact fortress with its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct. For hikers, a brisk one-hour walk leads to the Sun Gate, the ancient entrance used by the Incas. (B,L,D)
    11 MACHU PICCHU-SACRED VALLEY-CUSCO
    A morning at leisure allows you to wake up early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu with your second included entrance to the ruins. Return to Cusco by train. (B)
    12 CUSCO-LIMA
    Fly to Lima today. (B)
    13 LIMA
    Your holiday ends after breakfast this morning. (B)
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