 |
|
The Galapagos Islands
with Machu Picchu & Peru Discovery |
November 06 - November 21, 2010 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 16 Days • 33 Meals | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
16 Breakfasts • 7 Lunches • 10 Dinners
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Highlights: Otavalo Indigenous Market, Andes Mountain Train, Middle of the World, Quito, 5-Day Galapagos Cruise, Lima, Sacred Valley of the Incas, Machu Picchu, Cuzco | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rates Per Person | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Itinerary at a Glance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Essential Experiences | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
For more information call Linda Kurokawa MiraCosta Community Services (760) 795-6824 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Included Meals Key | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
AVAILABLE OPTIONS: |
||||||||||||
|
| CANCELLATION WAIVER: |
|
Worry-Free Cancelation Plus, you're covered on tour. Cancellation Waiver and Insurance is just $235 per person. Click here for complete details. |
| TRAVEL TIPS: |
| The Galapagos Islands |
| Listed below is important information to assist you in preparing for your upcoming trip. This information provided will help you have a more enjoyable experience while you are on your tour. |
| Accommodations |
| On some programs, there are a limited number of single and triple rooms. Double rooms usually consist of 2 beds. Triple rooms are normally a standard double room with 2 beds. A cot or rollaway bed may be added to the double room at some hotels, based on room size and fire codes. When triples are not available, appropriate charges for single and twin accommodations will be assessed. We make every effort to accommodate your specific requests and forward them to the hotels. These requests cannot be guaranteed as hotels may not always be able to honor them. Check-in times are set by individual hotel properties and vary by hotel. Depending on your arrival time, there may be a delay in gaining access to your room as most hotels offer afternoon check-in. We ask guests to observe check-out times at all properties as designated by the hotel. Some hotels require a credit card imprint or your passport information upon check-in in order to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies. Hotel membership programs are not applicable. In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than standard U.S. accommodations. Please be assured that we use high quality properties throughout each country. |
| ADA |
| The Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply outside of the United States. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of tour participants. Persons requiring individual assistance must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for, providing the necessary assistance. Neither our personnel nor its suppliers may physically lift or assist clients onto transportation vehicles. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member who has special mobility, dietary or other like needs. |
| Arrival Day Suggestions |
| Should you have some extra time before your tour begins, you will find plenty to do in sunny Quito! This charming colonial city offers many interesting sights and numerous dining and shopping opportunities. Surrounded by the volcanoes of the Andes, Quito offers spectacular views and is one of the highest capital cities in the world. If you arrive early, take a stroll through the quaint the Old Town and bustling New Town. The Old Town has preserved colonial structures and colorful plazas and is a great place to explore on foot during the day. Ascend nearby Panecillo Hill to see the Virgin Monument and enjoy panoramic views of volcanoes. Take a cable car up Pichincha Volcano for stunning views at 13,300 feet of the city and the Andes Mountains. Quito's New Town is a modern, upscale section of the city and home to the districts of La Mariscal and La Floresta, where most hotels and restaurants are located. Taxis are plentiful, inexpensive and the recommended mode of transport. Within two hours of the city you can access Cotopaxi National Park, cloud forest reserves, and the Papallacta hot springs resort. |
| Clothing & Packing Tips |
| Sunscreen and bug spray are highly recommended for this tour. Bring a camera, film, and batteries and be sure to bring enough photography supplies for your entire trip. If you have a video camera, bring an extra battery, plus proper recharging equipment. Due to security screening, we recommend storing your equipment in your carry-on luggage. Bring a travel alarm clock, travel sewing kit and an alcohol based gel hand sanitizer when soap and water is not accessible. Pack items that may leak in plastic bags. Do not pack any articles of value in your checked luggage. As a precaution, we suggest that you divide the contents of your suitcase with your traveling companion. Avoid over packing and leave room for souvenirs that you plan to take back home. You may opt to pack wash cloths as they are not readily available in international hotels. |
| As you prepare to explore the Galapagos Islands, enjoy a casual dress style and be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes! Most walking ashore is over rocky lava terrain so plan ahead by packing tennis shoes, sneakers or walking that have rubber soles. To best navigate the ruins, you may wish to pack hiking shoes. It is recommended to bring clothing that may be worn in layers that may be added or removed as the temperature changes. Enjoy wearing comfortable, light-weight clothing. If you choose, you may opt for dressier attire for your welcome and farewell dinners. Since this tour involves some hiking excursions, pack a small waterproof backpack, shorts, long pants, both long and short-sleeved shirts, a wind breaker, bathing suit, a wetsuit for snorkeling in cold months (June through December), and a hat. Please read the itinerary as a guide only. Our route and program varies according to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety guidelines, and wildlife. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition. The Expedition Staff will provide you with snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel, fins, floating device and net bag). Wet suits are also available for rent at an additional fee. The operation does not carry prescription masks. A "Dry landing" means that guests step from the dinghy onto rocks or a dock. A "Wet landing" means that the dinghy edges onto a sandy beach, guests step into knee-deep water and wade ashore. Every guest is provided a towel for wet landings. While onboard your cruise ship, enjoy a comfortable and casual dress style. Pack a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for sun protection. |
| If you are taking prescription medication, please be sure to take an adequate supply for your tour and a few additional days, in original prescription containers. Medication should be packed in your carry-on baggage. Do not place it in your checked luggage. You may want to carry an extra prescription in a separate bag in case medication is lost. |
| Collette Foundation |
| The Collette Foundation and Peruvian Hearts are working together to support the Hogar de Mercedes de Jesus Molina Orphanage with a vitamin and nutrition program for the children and are funding structural improvements to the orphanage. Many of our past travelers have inquired about in-kind donations. The Collette Foundation does not accept in-kind donations directly, however, if you would like to bring items the children are in need of, below is a list of suggestions: • children’s books (in Spanish) • crayons, pens, pencils • shampoo, soap, toothpaste • children’s vitamins For more information about the Collette Foundation please visit www.collettefoundation.org. |
| Elevation |
| Highest elevation included on tour is approx 11,000 feet above sea level, in Cusco. Quito is 9,350 feet above sea level. Seven days of this tour are spent at 7,500 feet above sea level. If you have particular health concerns, we recommend you check with your doctor before departure for recommendations on how to alleviate the possible effects of altitude sickness. |
| Helpful Hints |
| Bring a copy of your passport/identification and pack it separately from the original. Leave a copy of your tour itinerary at home with your emergency contact and a copy of your passport. Remember when flying you can only take one quart size bag with no more than 3 ounces of any one liquid. Liquids that do not fit in the one quart size bag and are larger than 3 ounces will be discarded by security. Remember to hydrate and get up and stretch while flying. If you are considering using your cell phone while traveling internationally, you should check with your cell provider concerning their access and charges for overseas calls, texting and emailing for the specific destination you are traveling to. |
| Included Features |
| The following are included in your tour package: transportation via motorcoach, accommodations, hotel luggage handling, meals, sightseeing, admission charges (as outlined in your itinerary), and applicable gratuities for bellmen, doormen and dining room wait staff. Customary gratuities for cruise ship personnel, hotel housekeeping staff, local sightseeing guides, drivers and tour managers have not been included. |
| Local Guides |
| In order to further enhance your experience of this destination, a naturalist guide (on the ship) and 2 local guides (on land) have been arranged. Customary gratuities for guides are not included in the cost of the tour. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary and individual basis at a suggested amount of 8 USD per day for the naturalist guide on the ship and 12 USD per person per day for the crew members. Please note that there will be two boxes onboard the ship where tips can be deposited - one for the naturalist guide(s) and one for all other crew members. Tips may also be paid by credit card. A gratuity of 2-3 USD is suggested per day, per local guide on land. Your tour manager will review customary tipping amounts and timing with you when you are on your tour. |
| Luggage |
| For your flight to or from the Galapagos Islands, there is a maximum of 20 kilos (approximately 44 lbs) for your checked bag. |
| Due to the limited motorcoach capacity, one carry-on (36 inches in length, height and width; not to exceed 11 lbs. /5.2 kg.) and one checked luggage (62 inches in length, height and width; weight not to exceed 23kg/50lbs) are allowed. Please consult with your scheduled airline as luggage fees and restrictions vary by carrier and destination. Wheeled carry-ons are not suitable for coach tours. If you exceed the limit of 2 bags, we cannot guarantee that your additional luggage will be able to fit in the touring vehicle. Storage or shipment of additional luggage will be at your own expense. If we are able to accommodate your additional luggage, we will assess a fee of 4 USD per bag per hotel. Please remember to label your luggage and important items with your name, home address and telephone number. We recommend labeling your luggage on both outside and inside of the bag. Please attach only the plastic luggage tag included in this mailing to your checked luggage before checking in for your flight. Your paper luggage tag is to be attached at the first hotel. We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is in your best interest to have adequate insurance (such as our comprehensive "No Worries Travel Protection") to cover these eventualities. |
| Meals |
| Most meals are included as indicated in your document itinerary. Guests with special dietary requirements must advise their travel counselor at the time of booking and also the tour manager upon joining the tour. When information is provided, every effort will be made to accommodate these requests. Please be advised that the average cost of meals (not inclusive of tax and gratuity) that are not included in your tour are as follows: breakfast 5 to 10 USD, lunch 10 to 15 USD and dinner 15 to 20 USD. While onboard ship, all meals are included. Beverages included with your meals onboard ship are coffee, tea and water. It is recommended to drink distilled or bottled water at all times in Ecuador and Peru and be cautious if choosing to consume raw produce without peels/skin. Your Tour Manager will review other recommendations at the beginning of your tour. |
| Miscellaneous |
| Climate Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands are located on the Equator. The tropical heat, however, is tempered by Pacific breezes. There are two seasons in the islands: the rainy, hot season from December to June when humidity is high and average temperatures are in the 80s F (26°-30° C). There may be occasional showers, but the days are generally hot and sunny. From June to November, you can expect cool winds, occasionally bringing with them a light misty-type drizzle called "garúa." Temperatures average in the 70s F (20°-24° C) during the day and lower at night. SHIP INFORMATION Ship Type: Motor Vessel Category: Deluxe Capacity: 110 passengers Tonnage: 2700 tons Passenger decks: 5 Length: 300 feet Staff and Crew: 50 crew members plus 6 bilingual naturalist guides and one physician Width: 47 feet Cruising Speed: 14 - 19 knots All safety and fire prevention measures have been implemented on the M/V GALAPAGOS LEGEND. There is a resident physician aboard, and life jackets are mandatory for all "panga" rides (outboard motorized Zodiacs). Pace and Physical Demands It is your responsibility to advise Explorations, prior to the tour departure, of any medical condition that might limit your participation in group activities or of any special dietary requirements. Please note that not all dietary requirements can be accommodated on tour. In order to enjoy your vacation to the fullest, please be prepared for the following: Walking tours of towns and national parks. Stairways encountered do not always have handrails. Shore excursions during the cruise will require getting in and out of Zodiac watercraft. You must be capable of stepping down into the floor of the Zodiac, which will be moving in the water. To leave the Zodiac, once you arrive on shore, you must be capable of swinging your legs over the side of the Zodiac and sliding down from the boat. Most landings will require walking through a couple feet of water, known as a water landing. (A certain amount of balance and agility is necessary.) Shore excursions may involve standing for up to two hours at outdoor sites while listening to a guide. Excursions may also involve several hours away from restroom facilities. Those prone to seasickness should ask their doctor about prescription and non-prescription treatments that are available. |
| Name Badges |
| Name Badges Explorations provides name badges to our travelers in order to facilitate conversation among fellow travelers. The name badge also ensures that an Explorations representative can easily recognize you, especially at airports upon arrival. |
| Reading List |
| Interested in reading about your destination before you depart? Explorations has pre-selected travel guides, novels and books on history, nature and art to help enhance your total vacation experience. You can access the complete list by typing the following into your web browser. Select the region of the world to find your tour: http://www.collettevacations.com/travel-books.cfm |
| Smoking |
| Smoking Restrictions: Our tours are non-smoking throughout. If you require a smoking room, please alert your agent upon tour booking. Please be mindful of locations where smoking is prohibited: the motorcoach, at dining venues and other restricted areas on tour including most hotels. Customers are responsible for any fines incurred for failure to comply with smoking restrictions. |
| Time Zone |
| Ecuador is on Eastern Standard Time and the Galapagos Islands are 1 hour behind Eastern Standard Time. Peru is one hour behind EST. |
| Transportation |
| Flight Information, Departure Taxes & Fees Land Only Vacations: If you chose to purchase a land only vacation, pay particular attention to flight segments that occur during the tour which are not included in your land only rate. You must purchase these internal flight segments and the schedule must match the flights that we utilize on the group tour. Please provide us with your flight schedules for the entire tour six weeks prior to departure so we may secure services if you purchased transfers from us, as well as maintain emergency contact. Air Inclusive Vacations Air inclusive vacations cover air transport to and from your origin gateway as well as all internal air segments on tour. In order to comply with Homeland Security’s “Secure Flight” mandate, all passengers must provide full name, date of birth and gender at time of reservation. Your airline ticket must match the name on your valid, non-expired, government issued photo ID to be shown at the airport (including middle name, first or middle initial). If you are a member of a participating frequent flyer program, provide the number upon booking and retain the passenger copy of your ticket and boarding pass to ensure that you receive proper credit of your mileage. Some air tickets are not eligible for mileage accrual. Whenever possible, we will add charges for air departure taxes to your invoice. Some international arrival and departure fees are not included in your air ticket and must be paid by you on tour in local currency. |
| Transfers We are pleased to provide you with complimentary airport to hotel, and hotel to airport transfers at the beginning and end of an escorted tour when you purchase an air-inclusive vacation. Land-only clients who have purchased round trip transfers will be accommodated at the same times as air inclusive clients. Arrival meeting locations and transfer departure times are provided on your document booklets. On some programs there may be a waiting period at the airport due to varying flight schedules of other arriving passengers. If you have secured your own transfer, you may meet your tour manager at the hotel. Motorcoach Information: We do not own or operate vehicles. We charter quality coaches that are temperature controlled vehicles. Coach size may vary based upon the number of tour patrons. In certain countries, lavatory equipped motorcoaches are not available or the lavatory is for emergency use only. Frequent stops will be made en route for comfort and convenience. Seat Rotation: Seats are rotated for the benefit of our tour guests, fosters communication, and enables our guests to enjoy a variety of vantage points on the motorcoach. Guests will rotate seats at least once a day, as directed by the tour manager. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy. |