The Wonders of the Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu

A Galapagos Photo Tour and Workshop with Boyd Norton

April 10 - 20, 2009 (11 days) with a maximum of 10 participants Note: as of August 30, 2008, only 1 space left (female to share cabin with other female). Contact us if you'd like to be added to the waiting list in case of cancellations.

Optional Extension to Photograph Machu Picchu, Cuzco, Sacred Valley:

April 19 - 24, 2009 

Click here to download a PDF brochure of the trips

 

Galapagos - Land of Evolutions on board a superior motor yacht

Extension To The Lost Inca Kingdom Of Machu Picchu

 

 

This extraordinary journey begins in Quito, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands and continues on to Peru's most stunning sites including Cuzco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. This is the perfect trip for individuals who want to combine natural history with Andean cultural heritage. You will begin with a day of cultural discovery at the Otavalo Market. The following day, you will set out to explore the Galapagos Islands.  Your English-speaking naturalist guide will make your experience both fun and educational since you will have ample time to learn about the evolutionary and geological significance of the islands while still having the opportunity to relax, enjoy the warm Ecuadorian sun, and snorkel and swim in the pristine turquoise waters. During this once-in-a-life-time experience you will have the opportunity to view extraordinary wild life, many of them endemic, including species such as: the marine iguana, 7 species of lava lizards, two species of land iguanas, Galapagos sea lion, giant tortoise, Galapagos Fur Seal, Pacific green sea turtle, bottlenose dolphin, and over 100 species of birds. Some of the bird species include the blue-footed booby, brown pelican, masked booby, red-footed booby, frigate birds, Galapagos Hawk, lava gull, Galapagos dove and thirteen finch species made famous by Charles Darwin. Marine life is also abundant and those interested in snorkeling can view numerous species of fish and mammals including Galapagos fur seals, tropical fish, and manta rays. Since much of the islands existence has to do with relatively recent volcanic activity, visitors can have the opportunity to witness the slow creation of these islands and to observe lava flows as recent as 100 years.

The second portion of your journey will begin in Lima where you will visit the historical sites and museums.  The next day you fly to Cuzco, the heart of Tahuantinsuyo, Peru's pre-Colombian Empire where you will retrace the history of the longest inhabited city in the Americas with its magnificent churches and Inca temples like Coricancha and Sacsayhuman. You will have time to discover the Sacred Valley and see the town of Ollantaytambo where the inhabitants still live much the same way as the Quechuas did during the Inca times. You will travel by train following the course of the mighty Urubamba River and spend two magical days exploring Machu Picchu and its surrounding areas. The complex was so well hidden by the towering jungle covered ramparts of the Cordillera Vilcabamba that it was never discovered by the Spaniards. Machu Picchu preserves the most perfect picture of what the Inca world must have been like. However, much of its origins and purpose are lost in time.

ITINERARY - Galapagos Islands Main Trip

Day 1 - April 10  Arrival in Quito (Friday)

Arrival in Quito, Ecuador. Meet Mondo Verde Expeditions representative and Boyd Norton.  Transfer to hotel for overnight. Meals aloft.

 Day 2  - April 11 Otavalo Market (Saturday)

Otavalo Market: Depart Quito early in the morning to arrive at the market as early as possible. We enjoy a typical lunch at the Hosteria Chorlavi and see a folkloric performance. On our way back to Quito, we stop at the small towns of Calderon, Cotacachi and San Antonio de Ibarra.

B,L (Note: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

 

Day 3 – April 12 Galapagos  (Sunday) San Cristobal / Playa Ochoa / Leon Dormido

 

Transfer back to airport for flight to Galapagos.    Upon arrival to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, SAN CRISTOBAL Island, our crew is waiting at the airport to escort you to your anchored yacht.  After the welcome briefing and safety drill we set sail for Playa Ochoa, where we have a chance to test our snorkeling equipment and at the same time swim with a small colony of sea lions.  Behind the beach, there is a tidal lagoon where bird can be spotted including the rare Chatham mockingbird. At sunset, we cruise around Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido), a vertical tuff cone formation that abruptly juts up almost 500 feet out of the ocean.  On the cliffs, we find blue-footed boobies, masked boobies and magnificent frigate birds.

B,L,D

Day 4 – April 13 Galapagos (Monday) : Darwin Bay/ Prince Philip’s Steps, Tower

We spend the entire day on TOWER (Genovesa), considered to be one of the most spectacular Islands in Galapagos for bird species.  This morning, we have a dry landing at Prince Philip’s Steps.  Red-footed boobies nest here in Palo Santo trees and Nazca (formerly masked) boobies nest near the trail.  In an open lava field, we find storm petrels in large numbers.  If you are lucky, we will see the elusive short-eared owl.

After lunch, sea kayaks are available to paddle along the shoreline.  Look for the beautiful red-billed tropic bird usually seen in a crevice.   A snorkeling opportunity is offered along the inner rim of the volcanic crater. We land on Darwin Bay, a coral sand beach where swallow-tailed and lava gulls gather near the tide pools.   Enter a forest of Optuntia cactus and mangroves where colonies of great frigate birds nest. The males inflate their red-throated pouches to attract females as they fly overhead.  The trail leads through a rich inter tidal zone where we find a wide diversity of animal life. Swim from the beach with sea lions.

B,L,D

 

Day 5 – April 14 Galapagos (Tuesday)  Bachas Beach/ North Seymour

This morning, we visit Las Bachas, which is the Spanish translation for “barges”.  There is a long stretch of a soft white-sand beach and interior lagoons where we find the Greater Flamingo.  There is also a wonderful chance to snorkel here from the beach.  Remnants of the U.S. presence from World War II – a floating pier -  is found here.
This afternoon, we disembark on North Seymour, a small geological uplift.  After a dry landing, we follow a trail that leads us to swallow-tailed gulls, blue-footed boobies and the endemic land iguanas. Visit the largest colony of magnificent frigate birds found in Galapagos.  As we stroll along the beach, sea lions body surfing the northern swells.

B,L,D

 

Day 6 – April 15 Galapagos (Wednesday) Tagus Cove, Isabela / Punta Espinoza, Fernandina

This morning, we visit Tagus Cove, located on the western Island of ISABELA.  Six volcanoes flowed together and formed the largest Island in Galapagos.  On our walk, we discover a salt-water lagoon, a scenic overlook with a spectacular view of the ocean, lava fields and volcanic formations.  Graffiti dating back to the 1800's is written on the rocky cliffs.  Explore the Cove in pangas or sea kayaks to find Galapagos penguins, boobies, pelicans and other seabirds.   After lunch, we cross the Bolivar Canal.  Be on the look out for whales and dolphins riding the bow wave.

We disembark at Punta Espinoza, FERNANDINA, the youngest and most pristine Island found in Galapagos. Hundreds of marine iguanas, the largest colony in Galapagos, bask in the sun along the rugged shoreline.  Observe sea lion harems with resident bulls carefully guarding their territory.  Flightless Cormorants build their nest on the point and Galapagos Hawks fly overhead.  Recent lava flows formed by an active volcano stretch their way around the coast.   A snorkel here provides opportunities to see many sea turtles.

B,L,D

Day 7 – April 16 Galapagos (Thursday) Puerto Egas, Santiago/ Bartolome

This morning, stroll along the shore at Puerto Egas, SANTIAGO (James) looking for octopus, starfish and other sea life caught in the tide pools.   At low tide, catch a glimpse of marine iguanas as they feed on exposed green algae. Watch for great blue herons, lava herons, American oystercatchers and yellow-crowned night herons. Our walk ends at the grottos, deep pools of clear water where we encounter fur sea lions once on the verge of extinction. Before returning to the yacht, there is a snorkeling opportunity with loads of tropical fish.  

On Bartolome, it seems like we are walking on the moon. This young Island is inhospitable to most plants and animals.  After a dry landing, climb 30 minutes up stairs leading to the summit of a once active volcano. Along the way, we pause to marvel at lava bombs, spatter cones and cinder cones.  From the top of the wooden stairs, we can gaze out across the island for a panoramic view of the island and "Pinnacle Rock", an eroded tuff cone.  Down below, crystal clear water is an invitation to snorkel with schools of tropical fish and Galapagos Penguins. On the other side of the Island, encounter sea turtles and white-tipped sharks.

B,L,D

Day 8 – April 17 Galapagos (Friday) Darwin Station / Highlands, Santa Cruz

Friday is feeding day at the tortoise corals at the Charles Darwin Research Station.  We visit all three tortoise corals and the breeding center with new hatchlings and miniature tortoises not yet ready to be repatriated. Scientists from all over the globe work at the station and conduct biological research from anatomy to zoology.   We also visit the Van Straelen Hall where there are exhibits and a short video presentation.   Visitors can now see the pen of Lonesome George, the last surviving member of the Pinta Island subspecies.


 
After lunch on board, we travel by bus to the highlands of SANTA CRUZ Island.  The scenery gradually changes as we wind our way through all seven vegetation zones found in Galapagos. From June to January, we can find giant tortoises on a private farm in the highlands.  We visit Los Gemelos, Spanish for “The Twins”, a pair of large pit craters where we find the bright red male vermilion flycatcher.  We stop at "the tunnels", the largest lava tubes found in Galapagos.  Stroll through the town of Puerto Ayora (population: 15,000) the largest town in the Galapagos.  Buy souvenirs, mail postcards or kick back at an internet cafe in the social heart of the Islands.

B,L,D

Day 9  - April 18  Galapagos (Saturday) Gardner Bay / Punta Suarez, Espanola (Hood)

This morning, step onto Gardner Bay, ESPANOLA (HOOD).  Walk along seemingly endless stretches of sandy beach where you’ll find large colonies of sea lions.  There is no trail to follow so this is a chance to explore and you may find a Galapagos Hawk, Darwin’s Finches or Hood Mockingbird.  Swim with sea lions from the beach. There’s an excellent snorkeling site off Gardner Islet with  a colorful diversity of sea life near Gardner Islet and Tortuga Rock with caves covered with invertebrates.

This afternoon, we disembark at Punta Suarez, ESPANOLA, where we witness the highest rate of endemic species in Galapagos. Sea lions noisily green us as we land on their beach.  Curious Hood mockingbirds peck at our shoelaces.  From April to November, the waved albatross, found only on Espanola, perform their wild mating ritual.  Colonies of blue-footed boobies engage in “sky-pointing” to show off for potential mates. Nazca (formerly masked) boobies busily care for their young.  Stunning swallow-tailed gulls are the only nocturnal gulls in the world. Red-billed tropicbirds take shelter under the cliffs.  We also find Darwin’s Finches, Galapagos Doves and Galapagos Hawks.  Observe a unique specie of marine iguana identified with traces of red and green colorings.  Colorful sally light-foot crabs crawl along the shoreline near to the famous "blow hole". 

B,L,D

Day 10 – April 19 Galapagos (Sunday) Interpretation Center/ San Cristobal/ Quito

This morning, we drop anchor in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, SAN CRISTOBAL.   We visit the Interpretation Center opened in 1999. Here we gain a more complete understanding of the natural and human history of the Islands. Afterwards, we head straight to the airport for our flight back to Quito.  After arrival transfer to hotel for overnight.  Dinner at the hotel on your own.

B,L

 

Note: Those on the Machu Picchu extension will continue their Journey to Peru from Guayacil. A Mondo Verde Expeditions representative will be at the airport in Quito to greet returning clients and assist with transfer to hotel for overninght.

 

Day 11 – April 20 Quito – USA

Morning transfer back to the airport for flight back to USA.

B

Trip Cost: $4950 based on double occupancy and 10 client minimum and maximum. The trip will not be run with less than 10 participants. Single accomodations are VERY expensive, nearly equal to the cost given; if you are traveling alone we urge you to bring along a friend to share the boat cabin. Also, prices may be subject to change based on fuel surcharges by the boat operator and internal airline. A 50% deposit per person is required to register. The balance is due 90 days before the trip begins.

To register for this trip, go to this web page: www.mondove.com/register1.html. Be sure to enter the trip (Galapagos) and dates (April 10 - 20, 2009). Payments should be in U.S. Dollars (USD).

To contact us

email: barb@mondove.com

phone: 303-674-3009 (Boyd & Barb Norton); 877-870-0578 (Mondo Verde Expeditions, Toll Free)

To make payment by check, send to Mondo Verde Expeditions, PO Box 2605, Evergreen, CO 80437.

To make payment by credit card using secure online form, go to www.mondove.com and click on "Login" at the bottom of the page. Add an additional 3% USD for credit card payment.

TRIP DIFFICULTY: Journey requires moderate walking along trails and sufficient mobility to board small boats in variable land and sea conditions. In the Galapagos several islands require "wet landings" meaning passengers must step out of a small zodiac in shallow water in order to reach the beach. Passengers are not required to go out on every outing and have the option to remain on board the large boat to relax. Travelers with heart conditions and high blood pressure should consult their physician before traveling at high altitude (Quito & Otavalo)

TRIP COSTS INCLUDE: All hotel accommodations based on double occupancy. Roundtrip airfare Quito to Galapagos (As noted above there may be a fuel surcharge added). Galapagos park and transit fees. Cabin accommodation, all meals and snacks on the boat, non-alcoholic beverages, mineral water, Captain's welcome and farewell cocktail, guide services, shore excursions, use of wet suits, snorkeling equipment and sea kayaks, transfers in the Islands between the airport and dock. Other meals as specified in the itinerary, entrance fees, transfers, and English speaking guides. B=Breakfast; L= Lunch; D=Dinner.

NOT INCLUDED: Does not include international airfares, airport departure taxes or visa fees, meals not specified, tips and gratuities, excess baggage charges, alcoholic beverages, insurance of any kind.

Machu Picchu Extension

April 19 to April 25, 2009

MACHU PICCHU ITINERARY

Day 10 - April 19

Galapagos to Quito or Guayaquil (Sunday) Interpretation Center/ San Cristobal/Lima, Peru

This morning, we drop anchor in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, SAN CRISTOBAL. We visit the Interpretation Center opened in 1999. Here we gain a more complete understanding of the natural and human history of the Islands. Afterwards, we head straight to the airport for our flight back to the mainland. After arrival in Guayaquil check in for Lima flight. Flight to Lima. After arrival transfer to hotel for overnight.

B,L

Day 11- April 20

Lima-Cuzco (Monday)

Morning flight from Lima to Cuzco. Meet Mondo Verde representative and transfer to hotel to relax and acclimatize to altitude. At 11,200 feet above sea level, Cuzco is the heart of Tahuantinsuyo, Peru's pre- Colombian Empire. Cuzco today is the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America, a fascinating and colorful paradox of the past and the present. After lunch you will have a guided city tour. Some of the sites you will visit in Cuzco include:

Santo Domingo.- This church is built over what once was the most magnificent temple in the Americas, Coricancha or Temple of the Sun. Its courtyards were filled with life-sized gold and silver representations of all the flora and fauna of the Empire. Pizarro's men looted the temple as part of Inca Atahualpa’s royal ransom. He was held prisoner in Cajamarca by the Spaniards and later killed. An earthquake destroyed the Santo Domingo church in 1950 revealing the Inca walls that were hidden or plastered over. These walls of the Temple of the Sun are the finest example of Inca stonework in existence.

The Cathedral.- The church is located in the northeast side of the Plaza de Armas, built in 1550. It contains over four hundred paintings done by the members of the renowned Cusco School. The Lord of the Earthquakes altar weights over 52 pounds and is made of solid gold and studded with precious stones. The main altar is covered with sheets of silver.

Plaza de Armas.- Called Huacaypata by the Quechuas, signifies cry or moan, and originated in the expressions of reverence and submission with which the religious or military ceremonies were carried out in this place. Colonial arcades, remains of ancient Inca temples and churches, today surround the plaza.

Sacsayhuaman.- Located two kilometers from the city of Cuzco, the immense walls of the complex made up of huge stones distributed in a zigzag pattern in three platforms with an average of 1,181ft in length. These platforms are connected by flights of stairs and doorways also in stone; one of these is 29 feet tall and 15 feet wide and weighs more than 100 tons. The largest stone block found in Sacsayhuaman stands 27.88 feet high and weighs 361 tons. Inca Pachacuti employed 20,000 men for the construction of the complex and it took approximately 50 years to complete. If time allows we will also visit the sites of Qenco and Tambomachay. Overnight at hotel in Cuzco.

B

Day 12 - April 21

Pisac - Ollantaytambo (Tuesday)

In the morning we will drive to the village of Pisac located 20 miles from Cuzco and on the banks of the Vilcanota River. Pisac is a very picturesque town famous for its Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday indigenous market. You will have a chance to visit with locals, take photos, do some shopping or just take in this memorable experience. Later in the day, you will travel to the ruins of Pisac. These ruins are located on a mountain top, 2 1/2 miles away from town and are surrounded by some of the most impressive Inca terraces in all of Peru. The terraces are still being used for farming today.

From Pisac we drive to a private hacienda for a gourmet lunch. Hacienda Huayo-Ccari was built in the 1950s by one of the most prestigious families in Cuzco. From the hacienda's wonderful gardens we'll enjoy splendid views of the valley below. The hacienda also houses a fine collection of antiques and folk art.

In the afternoon, you will travel to Ollantaytambo. The most fascinating aspect of this town is that visitors have the opportunity to see how the Quechuas lived their lives during the Inca times. The walls, homes, canals and streets have survived intact despite the rigors of time and the Spanish conquest. To reach the fortress overlooking the town, one must walk up some very steep steps (over 200) that make up part of the fortified terracing used for the protection of the complex. The Spaniards lost a battle here and never conquered this area in battle. The most magnificent aspect of this ruins are the six huge stones located at the top of the complex in the Temple of the Sun. This site was never completed. Afternoon drive back to Cuzco for overnight. Dinner on your own.

B,L

Day 13 - April 22

Machu Picchu (Wednesday)

Early morning transfer from hotel to train station to board the train to Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is located in the highland jungle of the Urubamba River. The complex is so well hidden by the towering jungle covered ramparts of the Cordillera Vilcabamba that it was never discovered by the Spaniards. Machu Picchu preserves the most perfect picture of what the Inca world must have been like. Its origins and purpose are lost in time. Overnight at hotel in Aguas Calientes.

B,L,D

Day 14 - April 23

Machu Picchu - Cuzco (Thursday)

Morning spent around Aguas Calientes to photograph the market and town or back up at the ruins, continuing your exploration of the forests around the famous complex. You will have the option of retracing the Inca Trail for as far as you like in order to photograph the cloud forest surrounding the complex of Machu Picchu from a high vantage point. After lunch, you will retrace your route to Urubamba Valley by train and travel to the city of Cuzco. Overnight at hotel in Cuzco.

B,L

Day 15 - April 24

Cuzco-Lima-Out (Friday)

Morning transfer to airport for flight to Lima. Transfer to hotel and day room. Farewell lunch and last minute shopping. Evening transfer to airport for flight out.

B,L

Day 16 - April 25

Arrive back in U.S. for connecting flights home.

Machu Picchu Extension Cost: US$ 3295 based on double occupancy 6 client minimum. The trip will not be run with less than 6 participants. Also, prices may be subject to change based on fuel surcharges by the internal airline. A 50% deposit per person is required to register. The balance is due 90 days before the trip begins. Single accomodations are possible on this extension; contact us for pricing.

To register for this trip, go to this web page: www.mondove.com/register1.html. Be sure to enter the trip (Peru) and dates (April 19 - 25, 2009). Payments should be in U.S. Dollars (USD).

To make payment by check, send to Mondo Verde Expeditions, PO Box 2605, Evergreen, CO 80437.

To make payment by credit card using secure online form, go to www.mondove.com and click on "Login" at the bottom of the page. Add an additional 3% USD for credit card payment.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are doing BOTH Galapagos and the Machu Picchu extension, contact us for information and advice on booking your international travel from the U.S. to Quito, Guayaquil to Lima and Lima to the U.S return.

To contact us

email: barb@mondove.com

phone: 303-674-3009 (Boyd & Barb Norton); 877-870-0578 (Mondo Verde Expeditions, Toll Free)

TRIP DIFFICULTY: Travelers with heart conditions and high blood pressure should consult their physician before traveling at high altitude (Cuzco and Sacred Valley).

INCLUDES: Domestic Peruvian flights. All hotel accommodations based on double occupancy. Meals as specified in the itinerary, entrance fees, transfers, and English speaking guides. B=Breakfast; L= Lunch; D=Dinner.

NOT INCLUDED: Does not include international airfare, airport departure taxes or visa fees, meals not specified, tips and gratuities, excess baggage charges, alcoholic beverages, insurance of any kind.

All photos © Boyd Norton; all rights reserved

 

 


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