Galapagos, Guayaquil & Machu Picchu

10 days:$4325 per person
Domestic flights included
(What’s Included)

Visit the incredible Galapagos Islands on a four-day cruise that takes you to the islands of Balta, Santa Cruz, Isabela and Fernandina – a great combination of wildlife viewing, remote visitor’s sites and fascinating volcanic formations. You get to see all these fascinating things while on board a magnificent luxury cruise ship. After that head to Peru to visit Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, as well as the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco. And as on all Southern Crossings tours, you’re taken care of from beginning to end – airport transfers and domestic flights are included!

Our preferred Galapagos boats are the Galapagos Legend, the Coral I and the Coral II. Click here for more information on these boats as well as other options.

Departs any Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday!

GALAPAGOS, GUAYAQUIL & MACHU PICCHU TRIP ITINERARY

Galapagos Legend Cruise itinerary

(Note: Coral I and II vary slightly – click here for details)

Day 2 – City Tour

We visit the Centenario Park devoted to the independence and freedom on the old city from the Spanish domain to continue on to the legendary Barrio Las Peñas, the original and only surviving colonial district of the city where you can have some fantastic panoramic views of the city and Guayas River. Stroll along charming river promenade, Malecón 2000: we’ll admire the Rotonda monument dedicated to San Martin and Bolivar, leaders of South American Independence together with some important historical landmarks such as the Moorish clock tower. We then visit the well known Central Bank Archaeological Museum. Overnight in Guayaquil.

Day 3 – Galapagos (North Seymour)

Dry landing. An approximately two hour walk amidst large nesting colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigatebirds, and swallow-tailed gulls for an in depth encounter with sea bird breeding cycles and as well as sea lions. Many marine and some land iguanas can be also encountered.

Day 4 – Santa Cruz (Dragon Hill)

Dry landing. We walk by a brackish lagoon where feeding flamingos can be occasionally found. The trail leads across the typical dry zone vegetation up to Dragon Hill, an important nesting ground for the endemic land iguanas, offering lovely views of the anchorage and neighboring islands.

Floreana (Cormorant Point)
Wet landing on an olive colored beach. We hike from the black mangrove beds to a brackish lagoon, which usually holds one of the largest flamingo populations in the Galapagos. This island features some endemic plants such as Scalesia villosa, white and black mangrove, and holy stick.
Novice snorkelers can practice on the main beach with playful sea lions and much more. Keep in mind this is an open-water activity; there is nothing to support your body on.

Day 5 -Española (Suárez Point)

Dry landing. An island of geological interest, we explore volcanic formations and a riveting wildlife: large sea lion colonies and seabirds including Española mockingbird, Nazca boobies and the spectacular red billed tropic bird. You will also encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and the colorful sally lightfoot crabs.
A somewhat lengthy hike will bring you amongst Nazca and Blue-footed Boobies, right up to nesting grounds that sometimes overlap the trail. Other birding favorites include Galapagos ground dove, Galapagos hawk, swallow-tailed gulls and the world’s largest colony of waved albatross, an unequivocal highlight during mating season (May-December).
Admire the island’s dramatic backdrop, featuring the famous Soplador, a seaward blowhole that shoots water at some 23 m. (75 ft.) in the air.

San Cristóbal (La Galapaguera Interpretation Center)
Dry landing in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Passengers visit the San Cristóbal giant tortoise Breeding Center to learn about the National Park’s conservation programs. Passengers will also have the opportunity to visit the port village, have a drink or shop for arts and crafts and other souvenirs.

Day 6 – Santa Cruz (Carrión Point)

A snorkeling activity is programmed, an opportunity to swim with a variety of tropical and subtropical fish, manta rays and perhaps the harmless white-tipped reef shark.  Return to the M/V Galapagos Legend, checkout and transfer to airport. Return flight to Guayaquil.

TRIP DETAILS
10 days: $4325 per person
Domestic flights included

Joining the Tour
On all Southern Crossings tours, you are met at the airport by one of our representatives (holding a Southern Crossings placard), who will accompany you to our joining hotel. No bargaining or being ripped off by airport taxis!

What’s included in the trip:

• All airport transfers
• Southern Crossings bilingual guides
• All other internal transport (excluding transport to optional restaurants, bars, sights and excursions)
• Private Guayaquil city tour
• Flights to and from the Galapagos from Guayaquil
• Four day/three night Galapagos cruise – including all food, excursions, snorkling, fuel surcharge of $90.00 and Galapagos National Institute Migration Control Card (US$ 10.00)
• Six nights of hotel accommodation, three nights aboard ship in the Galapagos
• Four domestic flights – Guayaquil-Galapagos Islands, Galapagos Islands-Guayaquil, Lima-Cuzco, Cuzco-Lima
• Breakfast – included with all hotel stays
• Machu Picchu excursion – including bilingual guide, round trip Vistadome or Executive train fare, transportation to/from ruins/Aguas Calientes, and entrance to the Machu Picchu sanctuary
• Private Lima city tour (if flight schedule allows)
• Private Cuzco city tour
• 24 hour customer support line while on tour

What’s not included
International flights, airport taxes (approx. US$45), pre- & post- tour accommodation, visas, vaccinations, personal insurance, meals except where specified above, drinks, laundry, souvenirs, tips while on optional excursions and other items of a personal nature. Medical travel insurance is not included through Southern Crossings though we do require that you have a policy, cancellation insurance is advisable.  Any medical insurance is acceptable, we recommend Travel Guard.  Click on the logo below for a quote:

In the Galapagos, the following is not included:

- Galapagos National Park Tax: US$ 100.00 (this is paid in the Guayaquil airport)

- Wet suit (US$ 25.00)

- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, not including water which is provided.

- Medical Services, travel insurance and other not specified.

- Tips & personal expenses.

Extra Accommodation
We will gladly arrange additional accommodation for you before or after your trip:
In Lima/Guayaquil/Cuzco/Machu Picchu: $140 double/$130 single.

Accommodation Upgrades
This tour includes 3 star hotels.  We would be happy to give you an upgrade to four or five star. If you would like to select a specific hotel, take a look at the accommodations page above and let us know your preference.  We can then work it into your custom itinerary.

Please note: If you are travelling alone, please add $500 to your trip price. You will also be sharing a cabin with one other person of the same sex. If you want your own cabin please add $2,200 to the price of the trip.

PRE-TRIP PLANNER

Required documents
All travelers to Peru and Ecuador are required to have a passport valid for at least six months from date of entry. Visas are not required for E.U., U.S., Canadian, Australian or New Zealand passport holders. For other nationalities, please consult the nearest embassy or consulate. An onward ticket and proof of funds may also be required at entry and should be available to show to immigration. Traveler’s checks, currency, or a bank statement, from the bank or printed off the internet, are sufficient for proof of funds.

Required immunizations
No vaccinations or immunizations are required for this tour. Travelers may wish to receive hepatitis vaccinations and should be current on all other standard vaccinations. The areas we are visiting are not yellow fever or malarial zones. Please consult your physician or local health department for more information.

Things to bring
One should come well prepared for outdoor activity at temperatures ranging from 30 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and for extremes of sun and the possibility of rain. A list of things to bring would include:

· Passport and, if necessary, visa

· Traveler’s checks and/or cash card

· Airline ticket

· Photocopies of airline ticket and documents

· Wearable pouch for documents and money

· Large, sturdy backpack or suitcase

· Smaller, comfortable day pack

· Trekking/walking boots, comfortable and worn-in

· Sandals or flip-flops

· Rain poncho or jacket

· Waterproof pants

· Sun hat

· Hat for cold weather

· Good, warm clothing for cold weather (think layers!)

· Scarf and gloves

· T-shirts

· Socks (thin wool or biking socks are best), undergarments

· Towel and swimsuit

· Camelback or Nalgene bottle (optional)

· Flashlight (head lamps are very handy)

· Sunscreen

· Insect repellent (15% DEET recommended)

· Lip balm

· Earplugs

· Alarm clock or watch

· Sanitizing hand wipes or gel

· Camera and film/digital memory cards

· Camera batteries

· Playing cards, games, reading material

· Prescription medications

· Snorkeling gear/wet suit (both available for rental on the Galapagos boat)

Note that common clothing, batteries, film, medications, and such toiletries as toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, deodorant and feminine hygiene items are available in Peru and Ecuador. It is best to bring from home such items as prescription meds, eyewear and care, extra large clothing, shoes, unusual film and camera batteries. Also note that most digital camera memory cards can be downloaded and burned onto a CD in internet cafes in any large city.

Climate
Rain is possible at any time of year, especially in high mountains and cloud forest, and one should always be prepared. The climate in sites we will visit is as follows:
Cuzco: days are warm if sunny, slightly chilly if cloudy. Nights are chilly.
Machu Picchu: similar to Cuzco, but warmer and with more chance of rain.
Lima: warm to hot days, cool evenings, almost never any rain. Often overcast.
Galapagos and Guayaquil: hot and humid, rain always possible. Galapagos can have a cooler, more moderate climate depending on current conditions.

Baggage
For your international flights, please check with your airline. Within Peru and Ecuador, you are allowed 20 kilos (44 lbs) of checked baggage, as well as one carry-on and another small, purse-like item. The carry-on size regulations are the same as international carry-on size regulations.

Money guide
The unit of currency in Peru is the nuevo sol. The unit of currency in Ecuador is the US dollar.Automatic cash points are available in Lima, Cuzco, Puno and Guayaquil. Credit cards and cash are accepted on the Galapagos cruise and in Puerto Ayora. Visa, MasterCard, Plus, and Cirrus are the most common usable types of cards. Traveler’s checks (American Express is best!) or a Visa or MasterCard for cash advances are also options. Do not bring MoneyGrams or International Money Orders, as they are extremely difficult to exchange. Banks and exchange houses are available in Lima and Cuzco. For currency, U.S. dollars are recommended and most easily exchanged. Please note that in Peru, cash must be untorn. It can be older-looking, but even the slightest tear on an edge will make it un-changeable. Acceptable bills come out of the ATMs in country. Expect to spend about US$3-10 on a meal, US$2 on a beer, water or soft drink in Peru. Shopping prices are usually lower than people expect. Alpaca sweaters, for example, run between $5 and $30. Ecuador is about 20% more expensive than Peru, and the Galapagos are about 20% more expensive than the rest of Ecuador, although most things you would need to spend money on are included within your cruise package. Currency Converter