Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands

Meals Included
13 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners

Meals
Travelling with Discovery Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful foods and flavors that are available in the world. Some meals are included in the trip price in more remote regions or as a highlight where we can share a local specialty or cultural experience. In many places where there is a choice of eating options, we like to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each others company, but there is no obligation to do this. Your group leader will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Transport
Van, Mini-bus, Local flight, Train, Walking, Hiking, Superior class Catamaran, Zodiac, Public bus.

Local Flights
The Lima-Quito international flight (Day 9) is not included and must be purchased together with your international airfare at time of booking. This flight must arrive in Quito on Day 9. All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

Accommodation
Comfort hotels (7 nts), camping (3 nts), Superior hotel (2nts), your choice while on board the catamaran of Deluxe cabins with private balcony (both twin share and double available), a Suite (double) and Standard twin share cabins (3 nts).

Day 1 Arrive Lima
Arrive in Lima at any time and transfer to the hotel. There are no planned activities, so head out to explore the city. In the evening we will meet our tour guide and fellow group members to go over the details of our trip. Check the notice board (or ask reception) to see the exact time and location of the group meeting. If you arrive late, the leader will leave a message at the front desk. Peru is frequently referred to as the Land of the Incas. It is true that the Incas formed the greatest empire on the continent and left mysterious cities such as Machu Picchu. However, it is important to remember that the Incas were only the last in a long series of Peruvian civilizations spanning several thousand years and the ruins of many of these earlier civilizations can also be visited. Peru is made up of three main geographical areas: the Andes, the Amazon and the desert coastal area. Known as the City of Kings, Peru’s capital, Lima, was founded by Francisco Pizarro on the day of the three Kings (Epiphany) in 1535. The Plaza de Armas is the heart of old Lima, and it is here we find the Cathedral, Government Palace and Archbishop’s Palace. The Cathedral dates back to the 1700s and houses the remains of the conquistador Pizarro. To get a feel for colonial Lima, take a cab to the Plaza de Armas and watch the changing of the Palace guard in the afternoon. Walk the streets surrounding the Jirón de la Unión for great examples of Spanish-colonial architecture and to get a taste for life in a large South American city. There are many fine museums in and around the city, including the Museo Rafael Larco Herrera, which houses an equally impressive collection of pottery, mummies and textiles from the Paracas and Nazca cultures. The more affluent districts of Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro, which are on the coast, offer nightlife and cafés all within walking distance. Limeños (Lima’s residents) are friendly, and the city is filled with excellent restaurants; seafood lovers in particular should be sure to try a ceviche, for which Lima is well known.

Day 2 Cuzco (B)
This morning we take an early flight to Cuzco, and check in to our comfortable hotel. We will then enjoy an orientation walk of this beautiful historic city. The remainder of the day is at our leisure, relax or explore the cobblestone streets during the afternoon and evening. Cuzco is the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city and the hub of the South American travel network. The city attracts travelers who come not just to visit a unique destination but also to experience an age-old culture very different from their 21th century way of life; one could easily spend a week just in and around the area. Inca-built stone walls line most of the central streets and we don't have to go far to see other major Inca ruins. It is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend. Every year Cuzco attracts thousands of travelers who come to delve into its noble but tragic past. It is the perfect base for optional explorations around the city and area as well as a range of outdoor activities. Relax and explore this fascinating city, and take time to acclimatize to the high altitude. Cuzco is considered the mecca of Peru and rightly so. This beautiful colonial town offers much to the visitor with its nearby ruins, cobble stoned streets, museums, churches and lively atmosphere. Among the more adventurous optional activities available in Cuzco are: horseback riding around archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuaman, Tambo Machay and Puca Pucara; white water rafting on the Urubamba River; and mountain biking down to the Sacred Valley, perhaps visiting an Inca ruin along the way. Cuzco’s numerous colonial churches are one of the city’s most common sights. The Cathedral was started in 1559 and took 100 years to build; it is also one of the city’s greatest repositories of colonial art. Immediately in front of the entrance is a vault containing the remains of the famous Inca historian, Garcilaso de la Vega. Also worth visiting are the churches of La Compañía, La Merced and San Francisco. While most ruins are just outside of the city, the main ruin within is the Coricancha, once the Inca Empire's richest temple. Today the ruin forms the base of the colonial church of Santo Domingo. During Inca times this temple was literally covered with gold, but within months of the arrival of the first conquistadors this incredible wealth had all been melted down. It is left to the individual imagination to envision the magnificence of the original structure. There are several good museums in Cuzco, including the Archeological Museum, which also houses a small art museum, the Regional History Museum and the Religious Art Museum. The best advice for exploring Cuzco is to wear a comfortable pair of shoes, arm yourself with a city map and set off to explore!

Day 3 Urubamba (B,L,D)
An early start takes us from Cuzco with a local guide into the Sacred Valley for a full day tour. The first stop will be an extensive and interactive visit to a Planeterra community weaving project, before moving on for a tour of the Pisac ruins and handicraft market. We also visit a Chicha House to try the popular local beverage which is fermented from corn and is similar in taste to beer. We finish with a visit to the Inca town and ruins of Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at our hotel, we assist in the preparation of a thousand year-old tradition: a Pachamanca, an ancient ceremony akin to the Polynesian meal of burying a variety of delicious treats wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooking them with pre-heated rocks buried in the ground. Ollantaytambo is our first taste of what lies ahead on the Inca Trail. The town and fortress of Ollantaytambo are strategically situated overlooking the beautiful Urubamba River Valley. This major ruin site is known as the best surviving example of Inca urban planning and engineering. It is admired for its huge steep terraces guarding the Inca Fortress and for being one of the few places where the Spanish lost a major battle during the conquest. We'll spend the night in an idyllic setting outside of Ollantaytambo near Urubamba.

Days 4-7 Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (4B,3L,3D)
Today we embark upon a once-in-a-lifetime journey on the ancient trail of the Incas, and do it in style. This deluxe trek offers comfortable mattresses, gourmet food and upgraded camping facilities. Friendly local porters and guides will ensure that our trip is worry-free. Fascinating ruins and spectacular mountain scenery fill every day. On the final day, climb the steps to Intipunku, the 'Sun Gate', to watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu. We return to Cuzco by train on Day 7. The 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is physically challenging but worthwhile, and the excursion is within the ability of most reasonably fit travelers. It is a 25 mile (40 km) hike, with 3 high passes to be crossed, one of which reaches an elevation of 13,776 ft (4,200 m). The trail is often steep, and it may rain even during the dry season. The temperatures at night may fall below freezing, so it is important to come prepared. We head outside of Ollantaytambo for the 50 mile (82 km) mark where we begin our walk in the footsteps of the Incas. Our local crew of porters, cooks and guide look after us well for the duration of the hike. Porters carry the majority of the gear for the hike, so we only have to carry a small daypack with water, rain gear, snacks, a camera, etc. As we walk the trail that linked this ancient empire, we admire breathtaking views at every step as we move from high plateau areas to dense cloud forest. Depending on the season, we may see a great variety of flora, including miniature and large orchids, and fiery rhododendron bushes. We will pass several smaller ruin sites, the first of which is Llactapata. On the second day we climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, or Dead Woman’s Pass. At 13,769 ft (4,198 m) above sea level, this pass is the highest point of the trek. The second pass of the hike is at 13,113 ft (3,998 m) where on clear days, we enjoy superb views of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. The trail goes through some beautiful cloud forest on the gentle climb to the third pass, where we will walk through a causeway and a tunnel, both original Inca constructions. The highest point of the third pass is at 12,136 ft (3,700 m). On clear days we are rewarded for all this work with beautiful views of the Urubamba Valley below. Soon we reach the serene ruins of Phuyupatamarca, or the Town above the Clouds, at about 11,972 ft (3,650 m) above sea level. We will camp either here or an hour and a half further along close to Wiñay Wayna ruins, a grandiose terraced hillside site, with panoramic views of the valley below and just a short hike from Machu Picchu. On the final day of the hike we climb the steps to the Sun Gate overlooking the peaks that surround Machu Picchu. When the morning is clear, there is no way to describe the feeling of the first views of Machu Picchu, as the mist rises off the mountains early in the morning and the famous site appears in front of us. Machu Picchu is both the best and the least known of the Inca ruins. It is not mentioned in any of the chronicles of the Spanish conquistadors and archeologists today can do no more than speculate on its function. The local Quechua farmers in the area knew of Machu Picchu for centuries, but it was not until an 11-year-old boy led the American historian, Hiram Bingham, to the site on July 24, 1911 that the rest of the world became aware of its existence. At that time the site was covered in thick vegetation, and Bingham and his team returned in 1912 and 1915 to clear the growth. Over the years, much work has been done on excavating and studying the site. Despite these efforts, many questions remain unanswered. NOTE: Those passengers not able or uninterested in the hike spend 2 days in Cuzco, then travel by train to Aguas Calientes for the night. The next morning we take the bus to the Machu Picchu and rendezvous with the hikers at the ruins. If you decide not to do the hike we need to know prior to your departure in order to obtain train tickets. Please advise your agent or Discovery Adventures. Also note that portions of the Inca Trail will be closed for general maintenance during the month of February each year. Also, closures may occur at various times throughout the year due to inclement weather or other conditions beyond our control. During these periods, any tour affected will hike the Lares Trek.

Those choosing not to do the Inca Trail, will follow the below itinerary:
Day 4-7 Cuzco, Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (4B)
For those not hiking the Inca trail, we return back to Cuzco on Day 4 where we visit the Planeterra project; House of the People of the Sun. This non-profit organization is a haven for children and adolescents who live in extreme poverty in the Cuzco area. Before we arrive, we stop at a local market where we have the opportunity to buy gifts and supplies for the project (this is at your own cost and discretion). Day 5 is at leisure with numerous optional activity's to choose from including: rafting, horse riding, cycling or just exploring the city on your own. On Day 6, we enjoy a scenic train ride through the Andeas to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. We take a brief orientation tour of the town and the remainder of the day is free for optional activities such as: visit the hot springs, shop or even venture up to Machu Picchu on your own to explore. On Day 7, we rise early to meet up with the hikers at Machu Picchu for our guided tour, then return to Cuzco by train later in the afternoon. In Cuzco we have partnered with a local organization called Inti Runakunaq Wasin (IRW), Quechua for House of the People of the Sun, which acts as a haven for 50 children and adolescents who live in extreme poverty. Our goal is to purchase a permanent home that will provide IRW with long-term security and support. The home is open during the day, and is run by a staff of teachers and social workers. Children are given the opportunity to voluntarily drop-in to receive help with homework, a warm meal, and participate in classes and workshops that teach them valuable skills, including jewelry making, leather working, sewing, cooking, music and English.

Day 8 Lima (B)
A morning flight brings us back to Lima around midday. In the afternoon we enjoy a guided tour of the historical center of Lima, followed by a unique visit to Pueblo Libre, known especially for its historic association with pisco production. Enjoy a typical pisco sour or some traditional food with the locals while soaking in the atmosphere.

Day 9 Lima/Quito (B)
Fly to Quito and transfer to the hotel. Your flight is unescorted, not included and must be pre-booked. Airport transfer in Lima is also not included but can be easily arranged locally by your Peru guide. There are no planned activities, so check in and enjoy the city. A Discovery Adventures representative will hold a briefing at the hotel to review the various aspects of the tour. If you are not able to attend this welcome meeting, our representative will leave all important information at your hotel’s reception, indicating what time to be ready on Day 10 of our trip. If there is any confusion on arrival, please do not hesitate to call the contact number listed in these trip details. Located 9,348 ft (2,850 m) above sea level, the Ecuadorian capital of Quito enjoys a wonderful spring-like climate, despite the fact that it is only 14 miles (22 km) south of the Equator. Nestled in a valley flanked by mountains, on a clear day several snow-capped volcanoes, including nearby Pichincha, are visible from the city center. Add to its beautiful location a rich history and well-preserved colonial district, and you begin to understand Quito’s appeal to thousands of tourists every year. In 1978, UNESCO declared Quito a World Heritage site, and any new development in Quito's old town is now strictly controlled. Life in Quito tends to be peaceful, though the drivers are fond of using their car horns! There are approximately 2 million inhabitants in the metropolitan area, but the pace is relaxed and the residents hospitable. Since pre-Columbian times, the site of Quito has been inhabited by the Quitus, the Shyris and the Puruhas. The Inca reached this city before the Spaniards, but leveled it to the ground rather than give it up to the Spanish. The present capital was founded by the Spanish on December 6, 1534. Quito is separated into two basic sections, the old and the new cities. The old city is full of historic buildings and churches. One of the more noteworthy is the Catedral de Quito, located on the Plaza de la Independencia. Built between 1550 and 1562, it was one of the first neoclassical works in Quito. La Compañía de Jésus Church is considered one of the most beautiful in the Americas. The decorations in the Compañía contain approximately one and one-half tons of gold, and construction of the church took 170 years (1605-1775). There are several excellent museums scattered throughout the city. The Casa de la Cultura Ecuadoriana has an interesting display of traditional musical instruments and Ecuadorian traditional dress, a large art collection, and a small natural history museum. For archeology, the best museum to visit is the Museo del Banco Central with its well displayed pottery, gold ornaments, skulls showing deformities and early surgical methods, a mummy and many other objects of interest. The small, rounded hill dominating the old town is El Panecillo, the Little Bread Loaf, a major Quito landmark. From here there are marvelous panoramic views of the entire city and surrounding volcanoes. Tourists can easily take a trolley (streetcar) or a cab between the Old Town and New Town. Quito’s large foreign population and steady stream of travelers have given it a varied and vibrant nightlife, and salsotecas and other dance clubs abound. For a real Ecuadorian experience though, be sure and drop by a peña if you can; these are great places for meeting locals and dancing, as well as enjoying local cuisine. Just a few hours south of Quito is Parque National Cotopaxi, home to Cotopaxi Volcano at 19,342 ft (5897 m). The beautiful cone-shaped, snow covered volcano is Ecuador’s second highest peak and the highest active volcano in the world. This is a great spot for day hiking up to the refuge on the glacier’s edge or mountain biking (downhill all the way). True enthusiasts attempt the climb to the summit on an overnight excursion. Allow yourself an extra day or two in Quito, before or after your trip, if you want to conquer Cotopaxi. Warning: Please take care when wandering about the city on your own, as pickpockets and purse-snatchers are common, particularly in the Old Town. Be safe and leave your passport, credit cards, traveler’s checks and cash you don’t need in the hotel’s safety deposit box. Most Quiteños are honest and genuinely helpful and friendly, but be safe and enjoy the city!

Day 10 Baltra/ Black Turtle Cove (B,L,D)
We rise early to catch our flight to Baltra, in the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival, the group will be met by our expert naturalist guide who will assist with the transfer to our catamaran, to settle in and prepare for the journey ahead. After lunch and a briefing from our naturalist, we embark on our first excursion to visit Black Turtle Cove, an area of small mangrove surrounded inlets where we can view various bird and marine life which may include: herons, pelicans, mustard rays, white tipped sharks and marine turtles. The Galapagos Islands are located about 620 miles (1,000 km) off the Pacific coast of South America. The archipelago is comprised of 13 major islands and scores of islets that served as a living laboratory for Charles Darwin, the renowned evolution theorist. Long before Darwin arrived in the Galapagos, seafarers knew these isolated islands as home to some of the strangest and most wonderful wildlife imaginable, including birds that could swim but no longer fly, aquatic iguanas, dragon-like lizards left over from prehistoric times, and the giant Galapagos tortoises for which the islands were named. Covering nearly 3,100 square miles (5000 square km), the Galapagos Islands are now a National Park. The Galapagos National Park is the institution that controls the preservation of this environment, and is assisted by the Charles Darwin Research Station. This research station, inaugurated in 1964 and based in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, is the scientific institution that helps the Galapagos National Park with the preservation of the Islands. The station is the one place where visitors can easily see the famous Galapagos tortoises which may live up to two hundred years. This is also the training center for naturalist guides who accompany all visitors landing at more than 40 approved sites on the islands, and members of the international scientific community often come to study at the station. The National Park charges a visitor fee of $100 USD, payable on arrival, which funds park maintenance and supervision in the Galapagos, as well as ecological study, conservation and infrastructure development in Ecuador's other National Parks. Entry fees and the funds they generate for the National Park System are among measures taken by the Ecuadorian government to protect its natural heritage.

Day 11 Floreana (B,L,D)
This morning, we explore Post Office Bay, on Floreana Island. The history of Floreana Island, also called Charles, has gradually evolved to reach near mythic proportions. The story begins when a baroness and her two lovers, a German doctor and his mistress, and a German couple and their young son all came to settle on this land. Their dalliances and disasters were chronicled in John Treherne’s book The Galapagos Affair. Descendants of the German family, the Wittmers, still live on the island in the small community of Puerto Velasco Ibarra. Mrs. Margaret Wittmer has also written a book entitled Floreana, which can be purchased at the airport in Baltra or at a local bookstore. Post Office Bay has an older and less mysterious history. A barrel was placed here in the late 18th century by English whaling vessels to be used as a post office. Passing ships would stop to leave mail for loved ones, collecting at the same time any mail destined for ports on their itineraries. Today the box is used mainly by tourists, who may drop off and pick up unstamped letters to be carried to far destinations. The remains of a Norwegian canning factory are the only evidence of the Island’s history prior to its designation as a protected area. A short hike up past the post barrel takes us to an interesting lava cave. With the aid of a flashlight, we can descend about 262 ft (80 m) to the point where the sea enters the cave. Later in the afternoon, we continue to Punta Cormorant on the northern part of Floreana. The landing is on a beach of green sand, colored by olivine crystals, volcanic-derived silicates of magnesium and iron. From the beach, we hike to a lake normally inhabited by flamingos and other shore birds. We continue to a beach of fine white sand particles known as Flour Beach, an important nesting site for turtles. Around the point, Devil's Crown derives its name from the broken remains of a partially submerged volcanic cone. This is a perfect spot to go snorkeling from the boat, as the waters are home to a multitude of colorful fish and sea lions. Please make sure you are a comfortable swimmer, as the water here can be rough and the currents very strong.

Day 12 Española (B,L,D)
Early this morning, we arrive at Española Island, also called Hood Island, the southernmost island of the Galapagos. We explore Garner Bay, an excellent swimming and snorkeling site where we could find ourselves swimming with sea lions or even reef sharks. We continue in the afternoon to Punta Suarez on the western side of Española Island, where views are spectacular: gargantuan waves break on jagged cliffs and large bird colonies thickly populate the interior of the island. There is a distinct feel of desolate wilderness here. The waved albatross is seen here from April to December during its mating/nesting season. This bird leaves land between January and March each year to make its annual odyssey far out to sea. Amazingly, Española is the nesting site to virtually the entire world population of this species, with more than 12,000 pairs residing here. Large numbers of masked and blue-footed boobies are also found here. Red-billed tropic birds dash madly through the air and both marine iguanas and sea lions are common. A huge blowhole, where the surf is forced through a natural rock formation spouting seawater 49 to 66 ft (15 to 20 m) into the air, adds to the island’s impression of untamed beauty. During our hike, we follow the trail through a rookery and our naturalist tells us the geological history of the island, including its dramatic volcanic features, climate, flora and fauna.

Day 13 Santa Cruz/Quito (B)
In the morning, we arrive back to port in Puerta Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island where we visit the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station. Santa Cruz is the second largest island in the archipelago and has the largest population, with Puerto Ayora as its main town. It also boasts the most varied of the islands’ vegetation zones: coastal, transition, scalesia, miconia and pampa. The Charles Darwin Research Station is a 10 minute walk from the center of town. Here, an exhibition displays photos of recent volcanic eruptions, charts outlining geological formations and drawings of the evolutionary development of endemic species. A corral houses adult Galapagos tortoises and a nursery cares for young tortoises until they are about three years old, when their shells have hardened enough to resist attack from feral dogs. Following this, we transfer to the airport on Baltra Island for our flight to Quito. In Quito we transfer to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Enjoy one last night in historic Quito.

Day 14 Depart Quito (B)

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
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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.

Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Group Leader Description
In Peru trips are accompanied by one of our expert group tour leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. Group leaders are experts in their region with a broad, general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local expert guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. In Ecuador, you are met in Quito by a Discovery Adventures representative. The aim of the representative is to give you the required information for the rest of your journey and to assist with changing money, restaurant and excursion suggestions and general information about the city. For your shipboard voyage we have a highly experienced shipboard staff and crew, including a local naturalist guide in the Galapagos (certified by the Galapagos National Park).

Group Size Notes
Max 12, 16 in Galapagos

Your Fellow Travellers
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.

Highlights
Lima, Cuzco, Sacred Valley, Deluxe Inca Trail, Machu Picchu,Quito, Española, Floreana, Santa Cruz.

Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Important Notes
1. Discovery Adventures is operated in conjunction with Gap Adventures, the world leader in sustainable adventure travel. An award winning company with over 800 employees and 17 operational offices worldwide, Gap Adventures has 20 years experience in creating culturally interactive travel experiences. Gap Adventures advocates a triple bottom line business philosophy where equal attention is given to the environmental, social and economic impact of tourism to achieve long-term environmentally responsible growth whilst protecting destinations & cultural heritage for future generations. 2. The rules and regulations controlling the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are continually changing. Before embarking on your adventure to Peru it is very important that you familiarize yourself with the Inca Trail booking policies and guidelines as described in a document available on our website, at the following URL address: http://www.gapadventures.com/inca-advisory.php 3. Those passengers not able to or not interested in the hike can take the train. They will spend two days in Cuzco before travelling to Aguas Calientes by train, where they will overnight and rendezvous with the hikers in the ruins of Machu Picchu. If you decide not to do the hike we need to know at the time of booking in order to obtain the correct train tickets. Please advise your agent or Discovery Adventures Specialist. 4. Should Inca Trail permits be sold out, we offer the option to take the Lares Trek as an alternate. This is a superb 3-day trek, with 2 nights camping in the mountains bordering the Sacred Valley with views of the snow-capped Cordillera, ending with a spectacular train ride, overnight in the town of Aguas Calientes and guided tour of Machu Picchu. Please see further details of this trek below in detailed trip notes. 5. Should you choose not to do the Inca Trail, the physical grading of your trip is at 2. As well, the meal inclusions for day 4 to 7 will be breakfast only. 6. The Inca Trail will be closed for general maintenance during the month of February each year. Also, closures may occur at various times throughout the year due to inclement weather or other conditions beyond our control. During these periods, any tour affected will hike the Lares Trek. 7. Discovery Adventures requires your passport number, full name and date of birth at the time of booking. Please make sure you give this information to your travel agent. 8. Once you have confirmed your booking please give us your international flight details and advise us if you have any important issues such as allergies, special diets, etc. 9. The Ecuadorian government currently levies a Galapagos Islands Park entry fee of $100 USD per person. This is payable at the airport upon arrival in the park. It is not included in the cost of the tour, and must be paid in CASH. This fee funds Park maintenance and supervision in Galapagos, as well as ecological study, conservation and infrastructure development in Ecuador's other National Parks. Entry fees and the funds they generate for the National Park System are among measures taken by the Ecuadorian government to protect its natural heritage. 10. The Galapagos National Park authorities have implemented a system of Transit Control Cards at a fee of $10 USD per person. This card is to be purchased in CASH at a counter in the Quito airport before boarding the flight to the Galapagos. Please retain this card along with your passport as you will be required to present this upon arrival to the Galapagos Islands. Please note that this applies to all tourists entering the Galapagos Islands and is a supplement to the existing entry fee to the National Park and is not controlled by tour operators or travel agencies. It is the first of a number of initiatives to track, control and maintain the sustainable tourism targets set out by the Galapagos National Park and the Ecuadorian government in an attempt to preserve the fragile environment of the archipelago. 11. Please note that the rooming on our Galapagos yachts is done on a first-come, first-serve basis, and we are not able to guarantee the specific cabin you will receive on board. The cabins are comfortable and clean, all with private bathrooms. Due to the specific location of the cabins on board, the window sizes vary as well as the noise at times when the boat is navigating, given the proximity of the cabin to the engine room. Our friendly and competent crew will ensure the smooth and comfortable journey for the duration of your tour.

Single Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

What to Take
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a medium sized soft suitcase, duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential. Life aboard the yacht is very informal, making casual, comfortable clothing a must. Each cabin contains ample closet space, however you may choose to leave any unnecessary articles in your Quito joining hotel storage room. Porters are not often available, so be prepared to carry your own bags. Also note that beach towels are provided for your convenience on board. Please note that Galapagos is a protected National Park so your luggage will be checked before arrival and departure to and from the islands. Don’t bring with you any food, seeds or other organic material that could affect the delicate ecosystem of the islands. Please do not bring any alcoholic beverages aboard, as your boat has a bar offering a variety of alcoholic drinks and prices are reasonable.

Checklist
- Passport (with photocopies) - Travel insurance (with photocopies) - Airline tickets (with photocopies) - USD cash and travelers cheques - Credit or debit card (see personal spending money) - Discovery Adventures vouchers and trip details - Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required - Camera and film - Reading/writing material - Binoculars - Cover for backpacks - Pocketknife. - Fleece top - Windproof/waterproof jacket - Small towel and swim wear - 4 shirts/t-shirts - Sun hat - 2 pair of shorts - hand sanitizers/ antibacterial wipes - 2 pairs of long trousers - 1 pair hiking pants/track pants - Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes - Sport sandals - Soft-soled shoes to wear on the boat - Sunblock - Sunglasses - Toiletries (biodegradable) - Watch or alarm clock - Water bottle - Purification tablets or filter - Flashlight - Money belt - First-aid kit (should contain motion sickness medication, lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking). RECOMMENDED FOR THE INCA TRAIL - Inner sheet (for sleeping bag) - Wool hat, mitts or gloves (preferably waterproof) - Rain poncho - Strong plastic bags to help keep gear dry - Sleeping bag (this can also be hired locally for approximately $10 USD) - Mattress (a foam mattress is included as part of the hike; self inflating type mattresses are available for hire) - Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen) - Thermal underwear All other camping equipment is provided for the Inca Trail excursion. Porters carry the camping gear, food, and a portion of your personal belongings. All you will need to carry is a day-pack, containing waterproof jacket, fleece top, camera, water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, and hat during the hike. In our continued effort to support the rights of the porters on the Inca Trail we would like ensure that they never exceed the weight limit for their packs as set out by the Peruvian authorities. Porters are allowed to carry no more than 13 pounds (6 kg) of personal belongings per hiker. That means that including your sleeping bag, toiletries, clothing, etc... you are allowed a total weight of 13 pounds (6 kg) for the hike which will be carried in a duffel bag provided by our local office. Any additional weight must then be carried by you in your day pack. To help achieve this goal we recommend that you carry travel sized toiletries, that you bring sport sandals that can be worn with socks (which are lighter than an extra pair of shoes) and that you limit electronics such as MP3 players to those that you are willing to carry.

Visas
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.

Departure Tax
$32 USD (Lima), $40.80 USD (Quito)

Tipping
It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your Discovery Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used. Onboard the Galapagos Superior Class catamaran, tipping the Naturalist guide and boat crew is customary. There will be two envelopes presented at the end of the voyage, one for the guide and one for crew members. The recommended amount is $20-25 USD per day from each traveller ($8-10 USD for the guide and $12-15 USD for the crew members). This is only a suggestion as we understand that tipping is a personal choice.

Health
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes, as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. Discovery Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

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