galapagos’cruise,’machu’picchu’&’lake’titicaca’...

GALAPAGOS CRUISE, MACHU PICCHU & LAKE TITICACA 2018 Thai Physicians Associa?on of America | October 13-‐26, 2018

Highlights •  Privately guided tour of Machu Picchu •  3-‐night/4-‐day Galapagos Cruise on the Legend •  Galapagos Legend 100-‐passenger vessel* •  Two full days of exploring the Sacred Valley •  Ample acclimaGzaGon Gme in the Andes •  Explore the highest navigable lake in the world •  Quechua village visit and Pachamanca feast •  Expert staff and pre-‐departure assistance

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Trip Summary Oct 13-‐ Arrive Quito, Ecuador Oct 14-‐ City Tour of Colonial Quito & Equator Oct 15-‐ Fly to Galapagos Islands & begin cruise Oct 16-‐ Genovesa Island Oct 17-‐ Santa Cruz Island / Santa Fe Island Oct 18-‐ Conclude cruise and fly to Lima, Peru Oct 19-‐ Fly to Cusco & explore the Sacred Valley Oct 20-‐ Visit a Quechua community & Inca ruins Oct 21-‐ Ollantaytambo & Train to Machu Picchu Oct 22-‐ Private tour of Machu Picchu & Cusco Oct 23-‐ Overland journey to Lake TiGcaca Oct 24-‐ Explore Uros and Taquile Islands by boat Oct 25-‐ Sillustani ruins and fly to Lima | Depart Oct 26-‐ Arrive Home

AndeanDiscovery.com | 339 Boston Post Rd | Sudbury, MA 01776 | 1-‐800-‐893-‐0916

Availability is limited. For more informaGon or to reserve your space, please call 1-‐800-‐893-‐0916 or email [email protected]. Early Bird booking discount of $100 per traveler for reserva?ons received by August 31, 2017.

Galapagos Cruise & Machu Picchu & Lake TiGcaca | October 13-‐26, 2018

2 AndeanDiscovery.com | 339 Boston Post Rd | Sudbury, MA 01776 | 1-‐800-‐893-‐0916

Day 1 – October 13, 2018 | Arrive Quito Quito, Ecuador, is a spectacular city posiGoned just a few miles shy of the equator in a narrow valley surrounded by volcanoes. At 9,350 feet above sea level, it is the second highest capital city in LaGn America, and maintains a pleasant spring-‐like climate all year round. Quito is also the cultural epicenter of Ecuador, with a plethora of museums, expansive outdoor parks, and colorful fesGvals and

fairs. Upon evening arrival into Quito’s Mariscal Sucre InternaGonal Airport, you will be met by Andean Discovery staff and transferred to your hotel to relax ader the long flights. Overnight: Swissotel Quito Meals: (no meals)

Day 2 – October 14, 2018 | City Tour of Colonial Quito and Middle of the World equator line Meet up with your Andean Discovery guide and head north toward the middle of the world equator line. The first stop is Pululahua Volcano, one of only two inhabited volcanic calderas in the world. Here, clouds from the Pacific lowlands collide with the Andes producing fog or “neblina,” which rolls in around midday every day and fills the crater. These condiGons produce a unique microclimate and ferGle farmland on the crater floor, a phenomenon that has fascinated geologists and meteorologists for centuries. Next, travel to zero degrees laGtude and visit the equatorial monument. Stand with one foot in each hemisphere and test out the effect of gravity on the equator through a series of interacGve experiments. For example, is it possible balance an egg on the equator? ConGnue on to Quito’s colonial center, commonly referred to as “old town,” and enjoy a delicious lunch made with locally grown ingredients. This

adernoon visit Quito’s Independence Plaza, the PresidenGal Palace, and the striking La Compañia church, with an ornate baroque facade built enGrely out of volcanic stone. Equally impressive is the Church of San Francisco, Quito’s largest colonial structure. Its adjacent museum houses much of the church’s original artwork, some of which dates back to the early 1600s. See the Virgin of Quito (El Panecillo), an enormous statue of an elegant winged woman who watches over the city from an impressive vantage point atop a 650-‐foot peak. The site offers sweeping 360-‐degree views of Quito and the surrounding valley below. Later this adernoon return to your hotel and relax on your own this evening. Overnight: Swissotel Quito Meals: B, L

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Day 3 – October 15, 2018 | Fly to the Galapagos Islands and begin cruise | Santa Cruz Island

This morning you will be met by Andean Discovery staff and transferred to the airport in Gme for your morning flight to Baltra Island, Galápagos. Upon arrival, you will be met by your Galapagos naturalist guides. A 45-‐minute bus ride will take you to the Santa Cruz highlands where we will find a natural reserve with giant Galapagos tortoises. Travelers can walk inside surprising lava tubes; we also visit Pit Craters created from the collapse of surface materials into chamber fissures underground. It’s a great place to spot Vermilion Flycatcher as we walk inside an endemic Scalesia forest. This adernoon board the Galapagos Legend for a welcome briefing. Highlands Tortoise Reserve (Santa Cruz Island) Dry landing. In the mountains of Galapagos is possible to admire different kinds of birds, such

as tree and ground finches, vermillion flycatchers, paint-‐billed crakes, yellow warblers, and caple egrets (usually standing on the tortoises’ shell). The journey to the reserve offers great opportuniGes to see the contrasts that the island offers in reference to the variety of ecosystems. The road goes from the coast through the agricultural zone and straight up to the dense humid forests. Oden, Galapagos Giant Tortoises are also seen on the way, wandering through pastures in the paddocks. This spot is a bird watchers’ haven since almost every land bird present on the island lives or migrates here. Overnight: Galapagos Legend – Standard Plus cabin or Junior Suite Cabin (for $400 more per person) Meals: B, L, D


Day 4 – October 16, 2018 | Genovesa Island El Barranco, Prince Philip’s Steps (Genovesa) Be marveled at the variety of sea life that uses the crevices of the lava cliffs for shelter. Red-‐billed Tropicbirds fly overhead, switching between their nests and the bay, and a small colony of fur seals may be found near the landing site. You will be dropped off at a steep stairway that begins on rocks at the foot of a path that leads through a seabird colony full of Nazca and Red-‐footed Boobies. At the plateau, the trail conGnues inland allowing you to see more nesGng booby colonies in the thin Palo Santo forest. Near the end of the trail, over a rocky lava plain, Wedge-‐rumped Storm Petrels can be observed flying in all direcGons. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a Short-‐eared Owl.

Darwin Bay (Genovesa) Disembark onto a small sand and coral beach. A short trail heads west along a Gdal lagoon and then up a rocky hill that leads to a point overlooking the cliffs and Darwin Bay. Along the trail near the Gdal lagoon, visitors will see pairs of Swallow-‐tailed Gulls, Lava Gulls, Yellow-‐crowned and Lava Herons. The trail conGnues through Palo Santo trees, OpunGa cacG, and Saltbushes inhabited by Great Frigate birds and Red-‐footed Boobies. This is one of the few places in the islands where visitors are guaranteed to see Red-‐footed Boobies. It is esGmated that more than 200,000 Red-‐footed Boobies live in the trees and bushes of Genovesa. Overnight: Galapagos Legend – Standard Plus cabin or Junior Suite Cabin (for $400 more per person) Meals: B, L, D


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Day 5 -‐ October 17, 2018 | Santa Cruz Island / Santa Fe Island Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz) This morning disembark on the north side of Santa Cruz Island and walk by a brackish lagoon where feeding flamingoes can be occasionally found. The trail leads across typical dry zone vegetaGon up to Dragon Hill, an important nesGng ground for endemic land iguanas, offering lovely views of the anchorage and neighboring islands. The forest is home to mockingbirds, Darwin’s finches, Yellow Warblers and Galapagos Doves. Santa Fe Island Wet landing. Santa Fe shows white sand beaches

surrounded by sea lion colonies; through the island path an endemic cactus forest is passed, home the Santa Fe land iguanas (the largest in the islands). This island is the habitat for a number of species, including: the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snakes, rice rats (one of the few endemic Galapagos rodents), a variety of finches and one of the four mockingbird species of the archipelago. Overnight: Galapagos Legend – Standard Plus cabin or Junior Suite Cabin (for $400 more per person) Meals: B, L, D

The 100-‐passenger Galapagos Legend is a first class ship that boasts stability and comfort.


Day 6 – October 18, 2018 | Santa Cruz Island / Baltra Island / Guayaquil / Lima Bachas Beach (Santa Cruz Island) Disembark on Bachas Beach on the north side of Santa Cruz. Behind the beach lie two small flamingo ponds with iguanas, coastal birds, Darwin finches, mockingbirds, and gulls, as well as interesGng naGve and endemic vegetaGon, red and black mangroves, salt bushes, and much more. This beach is one of the main nesGng sites of sea turtles in the Galapagos. At this paradisiacal site we will also find the remains of barges that sank long ago, once property of the United States Navy when they operated an airbase on Baltra Island during World

War II. That is why the beach is called “Bachas” because the word “barges” in English was hard to pronounce for the local people. Later this morning, transfer to the airport in Baltra in Gme for your morning flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, you will be met by your Andean Discovery guide and transferred to your hotel. A light lunch/snack is served on the plane. Lunch and dinner not included. Overnight: Lima Airport Wyndham Meals: B, L

Junior Suite Cabin Standard Plus Cabin


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Day 8 – October 20, 2018 | Visit a Rural Quechua Community & Pachamanca Ceremony This morning. head to Moray, an important Inca ruins site whose mulG-‐terraced architecture made it an advanced bio-‐agricultural laboratory in its Gme. The changes in alGtude between levels allowed for experimentaGon with different condiGons, and ulGmately allowed the Inca to perfect their farming techniques. We’ll then visit a rural Quechua village and parGcipate in a Pachamanca ceremony with community members. This revered tradiGon pays homage to Mother Earth by cooking meats and produce in a baking hole underground using heat

from stones that have been led in the fire. Enjoy delicious local potatoes, lamb, chicken, corn, beans, and cheese, and learn about how this custom celebrates the ferGlity of the earth. Ader lunch, we head to the incredible salt ponds of Maras. Since before the Inca, this mountainside cascade of thermal springs has provided salt for the area’s residents. Return to your hotel in the adernoon and relax on your own. Overnight:: Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley Meals: (B, L, D)

Day 7 – October 19, 2018 | Private Tour of The Sacred Valley – Travel at your own pace The capital of the Inca Empire awaits! This morning, Andean Discovery staff will assist with your check-‐in for the spectacular one-‐hour flight over the Andes Mountains to Cusco. Upon arrival, you will explore Cusco, the capital of the Inca empire and known as the "Navel of the World" in the Quechua language. Quechua-‐speaking descendants of the Incas fill the streets, proof that this ancient culture is sGll vibrant today. Meet your Andean Discovery guide and wander down cobbled walkways admiring the architecture, a unique blend of Inca and Spanish influences. Visit the Coricancha, a temple dedicated to the sun that was once covered in sheets of gold and filled with golden figures and statues and the Plaza de Armas. Ader lunch, begin the journey toward the Sacred Valley. Extending from Cusco to

the intriguing 15th-‐century city of Machu Picchu and surrounded by the Andes, the Sacred Valley is home to archeological sites and small towns alike. Prepare to experience this balance of what was and what is—ancient civilizaGon and modern life. Next visit Sacsayhuaman, featuring some of the largest and most impressive stonework of the Incas. Marvel at the massive limestone boulders and ponder how the Incas transported, carved, and meGculously posiGoned the stones so that not even a sheet of paper fit between them. Later this adernoon, you’ll check in to your room at an Andean paradise with fragrant gardens and mountain views. Overnight:: Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley Meals: (B, L, D)



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Day 10 – October 22, 2018 | Private tour of Machu Picchu citadel Take a short bus ride through tropical mountain forests to reach Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas. Flanked by steep Andean peaks on all sides and the mighty Urubamba River gorge below, it’s no wonder the Spanish were never able to find this secret Incan hideaway. Journey back in Gme with a walking tour through the complex and learn about the mysterious origins of this other-‐worldly citadel, which once served as a private retreat for Inca royals and their families. Marvel at the intricate and sophisGcated stonework of its dwellings, sculptures, terraces and waterways, all of which make Machu Picchu one of the greatest architectural achievements of all Gme. Visit the Temple of the

Three Windows, the Sacred Plaza, and the famous In#huatana stone, a sacred stone carved by the Inca to mark the solsGce and determine the beginning and end of each agricultural year. Ader exploring Machu Picchu, relax and watch the clouds of mist roll in over the mountains or opt for an exhilaraGng hike up to the summit of Wayna Picchu for an unparalleled aerial view of the ruins. Return to Cusco this evening. Dinner on your own. Overnight: Casa Andina Standard Cusco Plaza Meals: (B, L)

Day 9 – October 21, 2018 | Train ride to Machu Picchu This morning conGnue down the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo, home to the royal estate of the ninth Inca, PachacuG, one of the most important Inca rulers because of his role in expanding the empire throughout South America. Today, Ollantaytambo is thought to be the only remaining example of pre-‐Colombian urban planning. It sGll retains the original street plan and foundaGons designed by the Incas. Later this morning, experience one of the world’s great train rides as you embark on the journey to Machu Picchu. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views as the mighty Urubamba River carves its way through the Andean

peaks outside your window. Descend into the cloud forest and arrive in Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Our staff will assist you to your bouGque eco-‐lodge, Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, situated in 13 acres of cloud forest garden along the Urubamba River. This adernoon is free to spend as you desire, with opportuniGes to visit thermal hot springs, a natural sweat lodge sauna, and a serene orchid pavilion. For those who just can’t wait, an opGonal visit to Machu Picchu can also be scheduled during this Gme Overnight: El Mapi hotel by Inkaterra Meals: B, L, D



7 AndeanDiscovery.com | 339 Boston Post Rd | Sudbury, MA 01776 | 1-‐800-‐893-‐0916


Day 11 – October 23, 2018 | Overland Journey from Cusco to Puno, Lake Ti?caca This morning your guide will transfer you to the bus staGon in Gme for your 7am departure for Puno (Gckets by Andean Discovery). The bus makes several stops along the way to visit sites such as Andahuaylillas, referred to as the Andean SisGne Chapel because of its magnificent frescoes. The church is but one example of the mesGzo baroque architecture typical of the Cusco School of Art, which was prominent in the 17th century. You will marvel at the ceiling of carved panels covered with gold leaf. Next visit Raqchi (temple of the God Wiracocha) 75 miles from Cusco. This Inca temple is monumental (100 meters in lengh, 85 feet wide and 46 feet high). Divided in two naves, each of these sGll retains the base of eleven giant columns. The base of the walls consists of Imperial Inca stonework with a top secGon of adobe. Adjacent to the temple, we can see many storehouses, used for various purposes including military and religious. Stop for a delicious buffet lunch in Sicuani Village. ConGnue south to La Raya, the highest pass on the route between Cusco and Puno perched at an exhilaraGng 14,222 feet above sea level. BeauGful landscapes await you, as well as the animals that are symbolic of the Andes like llamas, alpacas and vicunas. This unique region is situated between two cultures, Quechua and Aymara, as well as a

composite of two terrains: the more verdant Quechua valleys and rivers and the dry and arid alGplano. The last stop before Puno is Pukara, the most important and oldest ceremonial site this side of Tiahuanaco. Characterized by a series of stair-‐like playorms, the ruins also reveal some litosculptures and tombstones, all testaments of a pre-‐Inca civilizaGon. Early evening arrival in Puno (12,400 d.). Puno and the surrounding countryside are the cradle of the Aymara civilizaGon and the legendary birthplace of the founders of the Inca empire. Puno lies on the shore of Lake TiGcaca, one of the world’s highest navigable lakes, from whose waters the Inca believed, Manco Capac, their cultural founder, emerged. Many ethnic groups like the Uros sGll depend on the resources of the lake for their living. The Uros themselves dwell on the floaGng islands they build with the lake’s reed vegetaGon. You will be met at the bus staGon by Andean Discovery staff and transferred to your hotel for check-‐in. Dinner on your own. Overnight: Libertador Hotel Puno Meals: B, L

Day 12 – October 24, 2018 | Visit the floa?ng islands of the Uros people This morning your Andean Discovery guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to the hotel’s private pier. A 45-‐minute boat ride will take you to the floaGng islands of the Uros people. The Uros began their unusual floaGng existence centuries ago in an effort to isolate themselves from the Colla and Inca tribes. Sadly, the Uros language has died out, and today the islanders speak Aymara due to intermarriage with Aymara-‐speaking clans. Today about 300 families live on the islands. Ader visiGng the floaGng islands, conGnue on for about an hour to Taquile Island.

Taquile’s unique culture, style of dress, and lifestyle make for a memorable visit. The men of the community do all the knizng, as this is strictly a male domain, while the women do the spinning. High quality, locally kniped goods are available for purchase at various cooperaGves. This adernoon explore the island’s trails by foot with your guide. There are no roads on the island and several hills can be climbed to observe ancient ruins. Ader lunch, depart Taquile for Puno. Dinner on your own. Overnight: Libertador Hotel Puno Meals: B, L

Day 14 – October 26, 2018 | Arrive Home



Day 13 – October 25, 2018 | Visit the pre-‐Inca Sillustani Tombs, fly to Lima | Depart This adernoon you will be transferred to the airport in Juliaca in Gme for your flight to Lima. On the way, you stop for a visit to the pre-‐Inca burial ground of Sillustani (Gme permizng). A short walk will allow you an up-‐close look at the funeral towers, which are among the finest and most

perfect cylindrical construcGons in all of ancient South America. Upon arrival in Lima, Andean Discovery staff will assist you with your check-‐in to your hotel. Meals: B, L

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Trip Considera?ons •  Galapagos cruise: In the Enchanted Islands of the Galapagos, you will visit the

islands with a naturalist guide in small groups of no more than 16 travelers. This package includes a Standard Plus cabin with two port-‐hole windows on the 100-‐passenger Galapagos Legend, the largest boat in the Galapagos. Cabin upgrades are available. Smaller boats are also an opGon, such as the Coral I & II yachts.

•  Private excursions: The mainland Ecuador and Peru porGons are private

excursions, accompanied by one of our local Andean Discovery guides, allowing you to explore at your own pace with maximum flexibility. Traveling in a small, private group allows you to immerse yourself in the culture and gain an insider’s perspecGve on the customs and tradiGons. Apached is informaGon about the tradiGonal Pachamanca Ceremony, a special Quechua feast that you may parGcipate in during your Gme in the Sacred Valley.

•  Acclima?za?on ?me: This iGnerary is designed with maximum acclimaGzaGon

Gme in mind allowing you to comfortably adjust to the high elevaGon in the Peruvian Andes. Your first cozy night in the highlands will be in an eco-‐lodge in the Sacred Valley, which is several thousand feet lower than Cusco.



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Why travel with us?

✔ We are Machu Picchu and Galapagos travel specialists -‐ it’s not just another desGnaGon for us. We have lived and worked in this region for years and we are passionate about sharing it with you.

✔ No Middlemen. Our offices in the U.S. and South America ensure you a safe and seamless adventure and a terrific value.

✔ Our local Andean Discovery professional guides have been a part of the Andean Discovery family for years and they are eager to introduce you to their homeland.

✔ We organize sustainable projects that benefit local communiGes in the areas we visit. We’d be happy to share with you some of our latest projects and you’re welcome to parGcipate, too.

✔ Happy travelers – we encourage you to contact our past guests to hear about their travel experiences.



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Included ✔  Professional travel specialists and detailed pre-‐departure materials ✔  All acGviGes and excursions as per the above iGnerary (private basis, except for Galapagos cruise) ✔  Private land transportaGon in a comfortable, government-‐inspected vehicles as per the above iGnerary ✔  AccommodaGons based on double occupancy, as noted ✔  Private tours in Peru and mainland Ecuador, small group excursions on the Galapagos cruise ✔  All meals as per the iGnerary inclusive of restaurant staff Gps (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) ✔  Local Andean Discovery professional guides ✔  Airport transfers as per iGnerary, one group transfer per day ✔  Internal airfare ✔  First-‐class Vistadome train or equivalent round-‐trip to Machu Picchu ✔  Guest Cell Phone for use during the trip for trip leader Not Included ✗  InternaGonal airfare ✗  Galapagos park fees ($120 per person) ✗  AddiGonal airport transfers to accommodate flight schedules ✗  Single supplement (if applicable) ✗  Tips for staff such as guides and drivers (see pre-‐departure packet for recommendaGons) ✗  Bopled water between meals, alcoholic beverages, laundry, phone and other items of a personal nature ✗  Cost of hospitalizaGon and evacuaGon if necessary ✗  Fees for passport, visas, immunizaGons, if applicable. Travel insurance

2018 Pricing for Chintana Paramagul & Thai Physicians Associa?on of America Land & cruise pricing in Standard Plus cabin Based on 21-‐30 travelers: $4,690 per person + internal airfare Based on 15-‐20 travelers: $4,990 per person + internal airfare Based on 10-‐14 travelers: $5,290 per person + internal airfare Single supplement $3,190 Land & cruise pricing in Junior Suite cabin Based on 21-‐30 travelers: $5,090 per person + internal airfare Based on 15-‐20 travelers: $5,390 per person + internal airfare Based on 10-‐14 travelers: $5,690 per person + internal airfare Single supplement $3,590 Internal airfare Quito > Galapagos > Guayaquil > Lima > Cusco, and Juliaca > Lima: $1,390 per person



Payment Schedule and Booking Informa?on First payment: $1,000 per person land & cruise deposit by credit card over the phone to reserve the trip. Second payment: $1,000 per person internal flights deposit due by November 10th, 2017 Final payment: Remaining balance is due 90 days prior to departure by check or bank transfer. Availability is limited. For more informaGon or to reserve your space, please call 1-‐800-‐893-‐0916 or email [email protected].

Early Bird booking discount of $100 per traveler for reserva?ons received by August 31, 2017.

galapagos’cruise,’machu’picchu’&’lake’titicaca’...

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