Trafalgar > Highlands of Ecuador and Machu Picchu Extension

Highlands of Ecuador and Machu Picchu Extension
16 Days starting from $5,735

Countries Visited:
Ecuador, Peru

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Length: 16 Days
Type: South America 2008
Category: Regional Plus
Operator: Trafalgar
Tour Code: LHEP-2008
   
 
 
About This Tour


Cities Visited:
Quito, Riobamba, Ingapirca, Cuenca, Santa Cruz Island, Bartholome Island, Santiago Island, Rabida Island, North Seymour Island, Lima, Cuzco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing
  • Details
  • SPECIALS
Sightseeing Highlights
  • Quito: Tour thisWorld Heritage Site,with its old churches,monasteries and convents, see the Equatorial Monument.
  • Riobamba: Visit a Tagua workshop.
  • Ingapirca: Visit the Inca ruins.
  • Cuenca: Take a walking tour of this UNESCOWorld Cultural Heritage town including a colorful flower market.
  • Santa Cruz Island: Walk to Dragon Hill to see a variety of exotic animals.
  • Bartholome Island: Delight in the view of this islands volcanic features, mangroves and cactus.
  • Santiago Island: See dramatic rock formations.
  • Rabida Island: See animals such as sea lions,marine iguanas and mockingbirds.
  • Santa Cruz Island: Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.
  • North Seymour Island Tour: this home to blue-footed boobies and frigate birds,with its vegetation of prickly pear cacti, and palo santos trees.
  • Lima: Sightseeing includes the Plaza de Armas, the Government Palace, City Hall, the Archbishop’s Palace, the San Francisco Monastery.
  • Sacred Valley: Visit one of the most beautiful areas in the world.
  • Machu Picchu: Excursion to the famous ruined Inca city at Machu Picchu.
  • Cuzco: Visit the Inca city and the centre of the empire ‘Plaza de Armas’.
Dining Highlights
  • 15 Breakfasts
  • 10 lunches
  • 8 Dinners
33 included meals in total (see day by day itinerary)
First Class Travel Highlights
  • Services of an English-speaking Tour Director on land; local host/cruise director while cruising.
  • Travel on Trafalgar''s comfortable air-conditioned motor vehicles.
  • A stylish travel bag and wallet containing tour documents and helpful information.
  • Accommodations in hotels in twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower as listed or similar
  • Taxes, entrance fees and service charges at hotels, along with mandatory luggage handling fees at the airports and hotels are included.
  • Scheduled round-trip flights when Trafalgar issues the air tickets
  • Transfers between the airport/hotel/ship, including baggage handling at the airport
  • Cruise accommodation on the M/V Santa Cruz in outside cabin on the Main Deck with private shower and toilet. Upgrades available.
  • Services of a naturalist guide aboard the M/V Santa Cruz
  • Flights Guayaquil/Galapagos, Galapagos/Guayaquil
  • Galapagos Park tax valued at $100
  • Guided sightseeing in Quito
  • Visits to the Equatorial Monument and the Charles Darwin Research Station.
  • Your Cruise Ship: The 1600-ton M/V Santa Cruz was built exclusively for Galapagos Islands cruising. It features a broad sun deck, a Jacuzzi, spacious lounge areas, a large dining room, cocktail lounge, bar and an observation deck for dolphin and whale watching.The ship is fully air-conditioned, and all cabins have private showers and toilets. Each evening, the ship’s naturalist holds a film/slide presentation and a briefing on planned activities.
  • DAY 1 - Depart USA – Quito Upon arrival in Quito, check into your hotel. The balance of the day is free to acclimate to the altitude and relax.

    Hotel: Swissotel


  • DAY 2 - Quito The colonial legacy here is so well preserved that Quito has been designated aWorld Heritage Cultural Site.The architectural wonder of old churches,monasteries and convents in the ornate colonial baroque will be highlighted on your morning city tour. You will also stop at the Equatorial Monument, a 90-foot stone block crowned with a metal globe, and exactly half way between the two poles. Your afternoon is free.Tonight your Tour Director will host aWelcome Dinner. (Breakfast )


  • DAY 3 - Quito – Riobamba Transfer to the Tambillo Train Station to board the Chiva Express.This brightly colored, one-coach train is like a tour bus on tracks.Your adventure begins as you head out into the ever-changing Andean landscape.You might want to ride on the top of the double decker vehicle, enjoying the panoramic view. There are plenty of activities along the way, including a stop at a dairy hacienda with its cows, horses and llamas. As you skirt Cotopaxi National Park,watch for vistas of Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Travel along the Valley of Latacunga to visit a rose plantation and sample fresh local produce. The last part of the journey will be by coach to Riobamba, set at the foot of snow-capped Chimborazo Volcano. On arrival, visit a Tagua (artisan) workshop. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

    Hotel: Abraspungo Hotel or Andaluza Hotel


  • DAY 4 - Riobamba – Cuenca A day of incredible scenery and excitement as the Chiva Express travels with twists and turns through the Andes and over ravines and gorges. Keep your camera ready! Make a stop in the Indian village of Guamote and at Alausi, head down the astonishing switchbacks of Devil’s Nose, one of the world’s great feats of rail
    engineering.The last portion of your journey will be bymotorcar,and includes a stop at the Inca ruins of Ingapirca. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

    Hotel: Carvallo Hotel


  • DAY 5 - Cuenca – Guayaquil A walking tour this morning will show off the charm of this UNESCOWorld Cultural Heritage town. The red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, cozy cafés and museums make it a very special place. Your tour ends at the colorful flower market. Late this afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to the historic port city of Guayaquil. (Breakfast / Lunch)

    Hotel:Oro Verde


  • DAY 6 - Guayaquil – Baltra Island – Santa Cruz Island This morning fly to Baltra, one of the remote Galapagos Islands, and transfer to your ship, the M/V Santa Cruz. Cross the channel to Santa Cruz Island and Puerto Ayoro. Disembark for an easy hike to Dragon Hill, where you will see land iguanas and a variety of birds, including flamingos, stilts, pintail ducks, Darwin’s finches and
    flycatchers. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)


  • DAY 7 - Bartholome Island – Santiago Island Bartholome Island is best known for its volcanic features. After a short hike past red and white mangroves, saltbushes and cactus, delight in the view.Next, stop in a cove with a chance for snorkeling next to Galapagos penguins, the only penguins north of the equator. Perhaps, ride on a glass bottom boat. This afternoon visit Santiago Island with its black beach and dramatic rock formations. Keep an eye open for fur sea lions,marine iguanas and oystercatchers. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)


  • DAY 8 - Rabida Island – North Seymour Island A wet landing on a red beach will show off marine iguanas, mockingbirds, finches and more. There''s time for snorkeling from the beach. This afternoon, visit North Seymour Island. A walk shows you blue footed boobies, swallow-tail gulls, frigate birds, sea lions and marine iguanas. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)


  • DAY 9 - Santa Cruz Island This morning, head up to the highlands to see the scalesia (giant daisy trees) and famous giant tortoise. Next, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and see the rearing in captivity program for giant tortoises. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)


  • DAY 10 - San Cristóbal Island – Guayaquil Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital of the islands. After a visit to the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, fly back to Guayaquil.Your afternoon is free. Tonight your Tour Director will host a special Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant. (Breakfast)


  • DAY 11 - Guyaquil – Lima Free morning. Late this afternoon, fly to Lima. (Breakfast)

    Hotel: Sonesta Posada del Inca el Olivar


  • DAY 12 - Lima – Cuzco – Sacred Valley Transfer to the airport for the scenic flight to Cuzco. Then travel to Urubamba, better known as “The Sacred Valley of the Incas,” one of the most beautiful areas found anywhere in the world. Visit Ollantaytambo, for a walking tour through the quaint village. Continue outside of town and admire the magnificent Inca fortress. End the day at Pisac, where you will have an opportunity to bargain with the vendors for Peruvian arts and crafts. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

    Hotel: Posada del Inca Yucay


  • DAY 13 - Machu Picchu Excursion Board a train for the short journey through the lush Urubamba Valley. At Machu Picchu village board a coach for the quick ascent to legendary Machu Picchu. Your local guide will bring better insight to the “Lost City of the Incas” and answer some of its mysteries. Return back to the Sacred Valley late in the day. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)


  • DAY 14 - Sacred Valley – Cuzco Head back to Cuzco and enjoy a half-day tour of this colonial city and the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay.Afterward, you are free to continue exploring on your own, stroll along the narrow streets and bustling squares with their boutique shops or relax in a sidewalk café. (Breakfast / Lunch)

    Hotel:Casa Andina Private Collection Cuzco


  • DAY 15 - Cuzco – Lima A short morning flight brings you back to Lima. A city tour features the San Francisco Monastery, the Cathedral and much more. You evening is free. (Breakfast)

    Hotel: Sonesta Posada del Inca el Olivar


  • DAY 16 - Depart Lima – USA Morning transfer to the airport for your daytime flight home. (Breakfast)



Click here to check rates and availability online, 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Or, to speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.
         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)


No Departure Date Information was found for this Tour. This could be due
to our website undergoing an update.

Please call a tour specialist at 1-800-942-3301 for personalized assistance.

 
         
All Land & Air Prices: Additional taxes and fees will apply, please visit www.trafalgar.com/taxesandfees. Airline fuel surcharges are included in the base fare. Additional restrictions will apply; please visit www.trafalgar.com/restrictions. Prices shown are from New York City (Europe vacations), Los Angeles (South Pacific & Asia vacations) and Miami (South America vacations).
* 2009 departures are subject to itinerary and price modification. Details will be available in Aug 2008.
** Actual airfares from your hometown will be advised at the time of booking.
*** The “LAND ONLY”prices include all Intra-South America air.
**** Accommodations while cruising are based on double/outside standard cabins on the Main Deck.
***** The itinerariesmay be subject to change by the national park authorities.
****** Altitude of your overnights in the Highlands: Quito 9,300 feet; Riobamba, 9,075 feet; Cuenca 7,750 feet.
Please note: In addition to being sold out or on a request basis only, a tour departure may not be displayed on this site for operation reasons.
For details on discounts that apply to this tour please refer to a brochure or see your Travel Agent.
The displayed prices are based on twin-share accommodation. A single supplement price is available on request.
  • Quito
  • Riobamba
  • Ingapirca
  • Santa Cruz Island
  • Bartholome Island
  • Santiago Island
  • Rabida Island
  • Santa Cruz Island
  • North Seymour Island
  • Lima
  • Cuzco
  • Sacred Valley
  • Machu Picchu
All Land & Air Prices: Additional taxes and fees will apply, please visit www.trafalgar.com/taxesandfees. Airline fuel surcharges are included in the base fare. Additional restrictions will apply; please visit www.trafalgar.com/restrictions. Prices shown are from New York City (Europe vacations), Los Angeles (South Pacific & Asia vacations) and Miami (South America vacations).
* 2009 departures are subject to itinerary and price modification. Details will be available in Aug 2008.
** Actual airfares from your hometown will be advised at the time of booking.
*** The “LAND ONLY”prices include all Intra-South America air.
**** Accommodations while cruising are based on double/outside standard cabins on the Main Deck.
***** The itinerariesmay be subject to change by the national park authorities.
****** Altitude of your overnights in the Highlands: Quito 9,300 feet; Riobamba, 9,075 feet; Cuenca 7,750 feet.
Please note: In addition to being sold out or on a request basis only, a tour departure may not be displayed on this site for operation reasons.
For details on discounts that apply to this tour please refer to a brochure or see your Travel Agent.
The displayed prices are based on twin-share accommodation. A single supplement price is available on request.

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Take advantage of Trafalgar's great savings and discounts

Take advantage of Trafalgar's great savings and discounts.

EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT - Save up to 10%

Many Trafalgar tours sell out months before the departure date, so book NOW to avoid disappointment.The earlier you pay, the more you save! If you book and pay in full you'll save up to 10% off the Land-only portion of your trip. Below is our Early Payment Saving options - pay between:

4-6 months SAVE 2.5%

7-9 months SAVE 5%

10-12 months SAVE 7.5%

1 year or more SAVE 10%

All tours must be booked and paid for in full for this discount to apply. This discount does not apply to our Free & Easy Series, Greek Cruises, Egypt, European Express tour and extra night accommodation.*When booking our Basel to Amsterdam River Cruise please check our River Cruise brochure for the savings and discounts exclusions. Conditions apply.

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SAVE ON YOUR 2nd TOUR - Save 5%

Book two Trafalgar holidays, each 8 days or longer for a reduction of 5% off the land portion of the tour with the shortest duration. Take three tours and save on two! Ask your travel professional for suggestions on your perfect tour combination.

IMPORTANT: Tours are combinable with second and subsequent additional tours. Tours must be booked at the same time. Discount is per person only and does NOT apply to our Free & Easy Series, Cruises, Egypt and extra night accommodation or any combination of a tour plus a cruise or rail journey as shown in brochures. Please see our Trafalgar brochures for their saving or discount exclusions. Conditions apply.

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TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS - Save 5%

A party of five or more friends - Travel with 5 to 8 friends or family members on the same tour and everyone will receive a discount of 5% off the Land portion of the tour.

A party of 9 or more friends - Further significant savings are available for larger groups of friends and families traveling together. Ask your Travel Agent for full details.

IMPORTANT: Space is limited to one group per motorcoach, so book early! These discounts cannot be combined with any other rooming, Young Traveler or Triple Room Discounts. Names of all passengers traveling must be advised to Trafalgar at the time of booking in order to qualify. These discounts do not apply to extra night accommodation, are not combinable with our Frequent Traveler offer and are not available on Winter tours, Free & Easy Series, Cruises, Egypt, Turkey, Israel and Greece tours. Conditions apply.

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YOUNG TRAVELER AGES - SAVE 10%

Share your holiday memories with your family and take advantage of a discount on the Land-only portion of your tour. Young Travelers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date, and MUST be accompanied by and adult (limit of one young traveler per room).

On all escorted tours, children under 5 years old are NOT accepted. The Young Traveler must be the specified age at the time of travel to be eligible for this discount. This discount cannot be combined with our TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS DISCOUNTS, and is limited to one young traveler discount per room. It also does not apply to our Free & Easy Series, Cruises, Egypt, Turkey or Israel tours, extra night accommodation or London and gateway accommodation. Conditions apply.

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SINGLE TRAVELER room share and save

One of the great benefits of Escorted Travel is the ease of traveling solo, and with Trafalgar we make it simple by offering the following options:

Guaranteed Room Share

When traveling alone, we understand that some clients do not want to incur the expense of an additional single room supplement. With this in mind, on the majority of our itineraries, Trafalgar offers you the opportunity to purchase these tours on a 'room sharing' basis. We will accommodate you with a fellow passenger of the same sex on a 'twin room' basis (non-smoking rooms only). Please note that regrettably, we cannot guarantee that room mates will be of a similar age group. Even so, it is an enjoyable way to travel and get to make new friends and a positive way to stretch your vacation budget further. If we fail to match you we will provide a single room at no extra cost.

This service does not apply to our Free & Easy Series, Cruises, European Express tour, Egypt, Turkey, Israel and extra night accommodation. Conditions apply.

Single Supplement Value

If you prefer the privacy of your own room, you'll appreciate our low single room supplement.

TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNT

Travel with three people, sharing one room and each of you will receive a discount off the land-only portion of your tour price. Each itinerary page will list the price reduction, see the tour of your choice.

Triple room discounts are based on sharing a twin-bedded room with an extra bed which may be a rollaway. This discount is applicable to itineraries featuring the Triple Room Reduction offer only.
   
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