Jewels of South America: Double Occupancy Per Person

127.5 hours | Manta | M E C - 8 4 6
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AUD$ 9899.95
Passport required (See special notes)
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Shopping Opportunities, Includes meal, Strenuous activity

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

What you will visit:
The Galapagos Islands
Thanks to a lack of natural predators, this volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean offers unparalleled wildlife settings and a chance to get up close and personal with gigantic tortoises, incredible marine life and colorful birds. This string of about 19 islands, a World Heritage Site, had a strong impact on Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.

Individual Islands
Each of the islands has its own landscape, vegetation and animal inhabitants. Bartolome's lunar landscape and nearby beach is home to the Galapagos penguins. Seymour Island is famous for its colonies of birds, including the Galapagos blue-footed boobies. Bachas Beach, along the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island, is an isolated paradise. South Plaza Island is blanketed with a carpet of Sesuvium, an endemic plant that spreads over the island. Punta Carrion is a prime snorkel spot. Santa Fe is known for its beautiful secret coves. Floreana's typical dry vegetation transform into lush, green tropical plantations as you gain elevation. Isabela boasts a Giant Galapagos Tortoise Breading and Interpretation Center, and lagoon sheltering flamingos and migratory birds.

Charles Darwin Research Station
This is the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park Administration in the islands. Gain insight into the huge efforts being made by scientists, guides, rangers and park managers to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Charles Darwin Research Station is also part of the Centro de Crianza Fausto Llerena, which is the breeding center for the famed tortoises.

Dominican Convent of Santo Domingo
Also known as Koricancha, or Court of Gold, Cusco's most sacred structure was built to honor Inti, the sun god. Santo Domingo church and convent were built atop the Incan complex, but remnants of its fascinating past remain.

Cathedral of Cusco
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Gothic-Renaissance cathedral is the most important monument of colonial architecture in Cusco. Built between 1559 and 1669 over a former Incan temple, the sacred spot holds paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries.

The Fortress of Sacsayhuaman
An impressive example of Incan architecture, this imposing military complex is believed to have housed over 10,000 men. What remains today are three large terraces that overlap in a zigzag formation. The enormous granite ramparts stretch about 985 feet with stones that reach as high as 17 feet.

Machu Picchu
Constructed as a royal retreat for the Inca emperor Pachacuti in the 1400s, Machu Picchu was abandoned less than 100 years later. The Spanish conquistadors never found this hidden city, with such architectural highlights as the Temple of the Sun, hundreds of terraces, and a mysterious carved stone that towers above the plaza.

Meals:
Most meals are covered on this excursion and include local restaurants, hotel dining, box lunches/dinners conducive to travel, and freshly prepared meals on board while on island tours.

Special Notes:

The tour is non-refundable unless cancelled 90 days prior to the cruise. Wait-listed requests also become non-refundable if confirmed either onboard or within the 90-day period prior to the cruise. Any cancelled requests inside of 90 days prior to the voyage will be assessed cancellation fees on your shipboard account. Waitlisted requests will be cleared in the order received and are subject to the same cancellation policy; waitlisted requests must be cancelled 90 days prior to the cruise to avoid cancellation costs in the case we are able to accommodate you on the tour.
Final hotel/flight manifests must be provided well in advance of the tour; we recommend passengers book overland options no later than 60 days prior to your voyage.

Notes for Galapagos:
Boat tours may be shared with independent guests and tour may not include a ship escort but is guided on the Galapagos Island. A minimum number of participants are required to operate this tour.

This itinerary may change without prior notice due to National Park dispositions or due to force majeure. The islands to be visited are determined at the sole discretion of the Galapagos National Park. Your Galapagos Itinerary may vary due to weather conditions or changes in park regulations at Galapagos National Park. The descriptions here are examples of sites that may be visited during your itineraries.

Notes for Machu Picchu:
Tour itinerary may be changed based on flight schedules or hotel availability. All sightseeing is subject to flight arrival times, and arrival to Cuzco City.

Plastic containers are prohibited at Machu Picchu.

TOURING AT HIGH ELEVATIONS
Your excursion to Cuzco and Machu Picchu will require traveling to an elevation of 13,300 feet. Altitude sickness can affect anyone. When planning an overland excursion, receive a full medical check-up prior to embarkation. Ask your physician or a doctor specializing in travel medicine about preventive measures to prevent or alleviate altitude sickness. While at high elevations, eat light and avoid consuming alcoholic beverages. Should you feel the effects of altitude sickness, our buses will be equipped with oxygen which is available for an additional charge.
Maximum elevation during train journey - 9,200 feet
Cuzco - 11,200 feet
Machu Picchu - 8,000 feet

TRAVEL
Flights to and from Cuzco generally depart in the morning. Air travel can be subject to delays. We request your patience and understanding in the event of delays caused by weather, mechanical problems or schedule changes. A passport will be required to board flights and the train to Machu Picchu.

LUGGAGE
Please limit your luggage to one carry-on bag per person (23kg), or one suitcase for two people.

WHAT TO PACK
A waterproof jacket and sturdy, comfortable walking shoes are essential. Include long pants and clothing to layer, such as undershirts, and sweatshirt during the day. Evenings at the hotels are casual; there is no need for formal clothes. Always pack an extra pair of socks. Include any medicines you require. Bring a backpack or zippered tote to carry other essentials such as sunglasses, hat, collapsible umbrella, camera, sunscreen and insect repellent. Lockers are available at Machu Picchu to store items; the cost is about one U.S. dollar. Hotel outlets operate on a dual 110/220 current.

PURCHASES
Many vendors in Cuzco and Machu Picchu accept U.S. currency; we recommend carrying small amounts of local currency for small purchases. Hotels accept payment in U.S. dollars, credit cards and travelers' checks for incidental expenses.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
The tour price does not include refreshments, bottled water, telephone calls, laundry, gratuities, room service, fees for doctor's visits and prescriptions/medications.

Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.

Pick up from the pier for Guided Transfer from Manta to Guayaquil

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
25
Travel time:
04:00
Air conditioned:
Yes
Restroom available:
No

Lunch on board or in a seated venue

Time at site:
00:30
Restroom available:
No

Navigate back to the dock

Transport type:
Motorized Vessel
Transport Capacity:
16
Travel time:
02:00
Restroom available:
No

Transfer from the dock to the hotel

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
25
Travel time:
00:45
Air conditioned:
Yes

Dinner at the hotel

Time at site:
01:00
Inside visit:
Yes
Restroom available:
Yes

Breakfast at the hotel

Time at site:
00:30
Inside visit:
Yes
Restroom available:
Yes

Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
25
Travel time:
00:20
Time at site:
01:30
Walking distance:
2100
Restroom available:
Yes
Shopping available:
Yes

Transfer to the Baltra Airport

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
25
Travel time:
00:50
Air conditioned:
Yes
Walking distance:
1000
Restroom available:
Yes

Flight to Guayaquil

Transport type:
Aircraft
Transport Capacity:
25
Travel time:
01:30
Air conditioned:
Yes
Restroom available:
Yes

Flight Guayaquil - Lima

Transport type:
Aircraft
Transport Capacity:
25
Travel time:
02:00
Air conditioned:
Yes
Restroom available:
Yes

Transfer from Callao Airport to the Wyndham Costa del Sol Hotel next to the airport

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
25
Travel time:
00:05
Air conditioned:
Yes
Restroom available:
Yes

Flight to Baltra - Galapagos

Transport type:
Aircraft
Transport Capacity:
25
Travel time:
01:30
Air conditioned:
Yes
Restroom available:
Yes

Breakfast at the hotel

Time at site:
00:30
Inside visit:
Yes
Restroom available:
Yes

Check in at the airport

Time at site:
02:00
Walking distance:
300
Restroom available:
Yes
Shopping available:
Yes

Flight to Cusco

Transport type:
Aircraft
Transport Capacity:
25
Travel time:
01:35
Air conditioned:
Yes
Restroom available:
Yes

Transfer and visit Koricancha

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
25
Travel time:
02:00
Time at site:
01:40
Air conditioned:
Yes
Walking distance:
100
Steps:
4
Restroom available:
Yes

Transfer and visit the Cathedral

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
25
Travel time:
00:15
Time at site:
00:45
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
Yes
Walking distance:
200
Steps:
20
Restroom available:
Yes

Transfer to local restaurant

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
25
Travel time:
00:15
Air conditioned:
Yes
Walking distance:
100
Steps:
20

Lunch at local restaurant

Time at site:
01:00
Inside visit:
Yes
Restroom available:
Yes
Shopping available:
Yes

Transfer and visit Sacsayhuaman Fortress

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
25
Travel time:
00:15
Time at site:
00:45
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
Yes
Walking distance:
500
Restroom available:
Yes
Shopping available:
Yes

Transfer to the hotel - dinner at hotel

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
25
Travel time:
02:00
Air conditioned:
Yes

Breakfast at the hotel

Time at site:
00:30
Inside visit:
Yes
Restroom available:
Yes

Transfer from Baltra airport to Santa Cruz highlands

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
25
Travel time:
00:45
Air conditioned:
Yes
Walking distance:
218
Restroom available:
Yes

Transfer to Ollantaytambo Station

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
25
Travel time:
02:00
Air conditioned:
Yes

Board the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu

Transport type:
Train
Transport Capacity:
25
Travel time:
02:30
Restroom available:
Yes

Transfer to a local restaurant for lunch

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
25
Travel time:
00:25
Time at site:
01:15
Inside visit:
Yes
Walking distance:
30
Restroom available:
Yes
Shopping available:
Yes

Transfer and tour Machu Picchu

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
25
Travel time:
00:45
Time at site:
01:30
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
Yes
Walking distance:
1000
Steps:
100
Restroom available:
Yes

Board the Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo

Transport type:
Train
Transport Capacity:
25
Travel time:
02:30
Restroom available:
Yes

Transfer to the hotel

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
25
Travel time:
02:00
Air conditioned:
Yes

Breakfast at the hotel

Time at site:
00:30
Inside visit:
Yes
Restroom available:
Yes

Transfer to the Cusco Airport

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
25
Travel time:
00:25
Air conditioned:
Yes

Flight to Lima

Transport type:
Aircraft
Transport Capacity:
25
Travel time:
01:35
Air conditioned:
Yes
Restroom available:
Yes

Transfer to Pisco. Box lunch en route to ship

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
25
Travel time:
05:00
Air conditioned:
Yes

Lunch & visit the highlands

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
25
Travel time:
00:45
Time at site:
02:00
Air conditioned:
Yes
Walking distance:
765
Restroom available:
Yes

Transfer to the hotel & check in

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
25
Travel time:
00:45
Air conditioned:
Yes

Dinner at the hotel

Time at site:
01:00
Inside visit:
Yes
Restroom available:
Yes

Breakfast at the hotel or on the boat

Time at site:
00:30
Inside visit:
Yes
Restroom available:
Yes

Transfer to the dock

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
25
Travel time:
00:15
Air conditioned:
Yes
Walking distance:
874
Restroom available:
No

Navigable tour

Transport type:
Motorized Vessel
Transport Capacity:
16
Travel time:
02:00
Time at site:
03:00
Walking distance:
2734
Steps:
300
Restroom available:
No