Evolution
Peru / Ecuador / Galapagos Islands
July 3 – 17, 2003
MAGICAL PLACES
There are a few truly magical places in the world which cause other
idyllic vacation spots to pale in comparison. These are enchanted
sites invested with the magic of legend and lore, of mystery and
mysticism. Some are the stuff of dreams and fables, such as the legendary
cities of Atlantis and Camelot. Others reveal signs of baffling human
achievement, such as Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids. Still others
are awesome repositories of concentrated majesty of nature, such
as the Grand Canyon. These are sites truly worthy of the designation: “Magical.”
On this exciting adventure Toto Tours takes you to South
America where the two halves of the world come together and elements have conjoined
to create three of the most magical places on earth. High in the Andes Mountains
of Peru is Machu Picchu, a lost city so wondrous that
it almost defies description. In Ecuador that imaginary
line separating the northern and southern hemispheres has been given form at
the Equatorial Monument. Here, in the shadow of ancient volcanoes, we mere mortals
experience the godlike thrill of spanning the world in a single stride. In the
Galapagos
Islands, nature has created a remote refuge for
many rare, exotic creatures found nowhere else on the planet. Toto Tours is the
nexus linking you to these three “Magical Places.”
Machu Picchu: Among the most impressive features
of the once-vast Incan civilization were enormous temples, palaces,
fortresses and public works, skillfully erected with a minimum of
engineering equipment. Machu Picchu, a sacred site of the
Incas, is now acknowledged as South America’s most spectacular site
on the continent. Its location, on a remote road in nearly impassable
terrain high above the Urubamba River canyon cloud forest, virtually
guaranteed it would become the “Lost City of the Incas.” It remained
lost and forgotten for 400 years, and to this day it retains an air
of grandeur and mystery.
Ecuador: In September 1999 this magical country
greeted arriving Toto Tourists with the eruption of a major volcano
near Quito—further evidence (as if any were needed) of the awesome
power of nature. Here we revel in the colorful displays of markets,
villages and valleys, visit magnificent Colonial architecture in
Quito, straddle two hemispheres at the Equator, ride horses through
lush pastures in view of majestic volcanoes, and kayak the waters
of a high mountain lake.
The Galapagos Islands: Lying about 650 miles
off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos are
noted for many animals indigenous only to this archipelago. The islands
contain six species of giant galapagos (Spanish for turtle, hence
the islands’ name) and as many as 85 different species of unusual
birds. Sea lions are numerous, as are many different shore fish.
In 1835 Charles Darwin spent six weeks studying the fauna here, which
furnished considerable data for his Origin of Species.
Take the opportunity to enter into an enchanted world of time out
of mind, where the obvious physical beauty only begins to hint at
the wonders of these magical places. Come, let your spirit soar and
your soul dance as you walk among the silent ruins of Machu Picchu, taste
the vibrant culture of Ecuador, and step into prehistoric
time among the remarkably fearless wildlife of the Galapagos Islands.
ITINERARY
Thursday, July 3, 2003
Depart US for South America / Arrival in Lima, Peru
Today you will need to depart from your home city on an international
flight to Lima, Peru. Some departures late in the day will
not actually arrive in Lima until tomorrow (7/4), but your hotel
room will be available for you tonight if you arrive this evening.
If you arrive in the evening on July 2nd / early morning
of July 3rd (i.e., after midnight), you will need to book an additional hotel
night (the price is very reasonable). Let us know if you would like an airfare
quotation from our consolidators.
Since everyone will be arriving on different flights
we have not arranged for a group transfer from the airport to the hotel. You
can taxi to the hotel on your own, or you can have us arrange for a private transfer
at an additional charge.
Friday, July 4, 2003
Lima to Cuzco
After buffet breakfast at the hotel, we return to Lima's domestic
airport for our 9:30am flight to Cuzco, arriving an hour later.
After checking in at our Cuzco hotel the entire day is free to relax,
get acclimated to the high altitude, and sleep! Lunch at the hotel.
This evening Toto Tours hosts a festive Welcome Dinner with folk
entertainment. Overnight at the Hotel Novotel. (All
Meals)
Saturday, July 5, 2003
Cuzco Sightseeing
After breakfast, enjoy a tour of Cuzco including Plaza del
Regocijo, Plaza de Armas, Cathedral, and the Koricancha Palace. Visit
the Archaeological Incan remains of Tambo-machay, Kencho, Puca Pucara,
and the impressive fortress of Sacsay-huaman overlooking Cuzco. (All
Meals)
Sunday, July 6, 2003
Machu Picchu
Morning transfer to the train station for a three hour train ride
to Machu Picchu, followed by a 25 minute motorcoach ascent
to the “Lost City of the Incas.” Take a guided tour of this inspiring
citadel. Overnight at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. (All
Meals)
Monday, July 7, 2003
Machu Picchu to Cuzco
Rise early to admire Machu Picchu at sunrise, strolling through
the Incan ruins or hiking up to the Huayna Picchu. By virtue
of the fact that we are staying at the only hotel beside the site,
we have this magical place almost to ourselves during the early morning
hours. After lunch we retrace our journey via motorcoach and train
to Cuzco. Returning to the Hotel Novotel, the evening
is free. (Breakfast / Lunch)
Tuesday, July 8, 2003
Peru to Ecuador
Early this morning we fly to Lima and connect with an international
flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador, arriving mid-afternoon. After
hotel check-in, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the city. The
evening is free to explore on your own, or just relax. Overnight
at the Hampton Inn. (Breakfast)
Wednesday, July 9, 2003
Board M/Y Coral II
Fly to Baltra Island on the western edge of the Galapagos
archipelago to board the M/Y Coral II and begin a five-day
/ four-night cruise of these enchanted Islands. Please note: We
reserve the right to alter or omit any part of the Galapagos Islands
portion of the itinerary, to reverse the order of places to be visited,
or change any space reservation without prior notice due to readjustment
of National Park policies, seasonal changes, safety reasons, weather
conditions or any other cause which may dictate these changes. All
such decisions will consider, first and foremost, passenger safety
and also the best interests of the islands' conservation.
We will have a briefing on the yacht by the ship’s captain
and conduct safety drills with the crew before setting off on our cruise. After
lunch we land on Bartolome Island, with its eerie moonscape of volcanic
formations, lava bombs, spatter and cinder cones. A short, steep hike aided by
wooden steps takes us to the island summit, affording us panoramic views of the
island and Pinnacle Rock. There will be time to swim, snorkel and enjoy
the marine birds and animals. (Both wet and dry landings today. "Wet" means
you jump off the dinghy into the water; "dry" means you disembark onto
a pier or dry land.)
Back on board, enjoy a cocktail and briefing on the
next day's excursions presented by the ship's naturalist guides (a nightly event).
The Captain hosts a "Welcome Aboard" dinner. (All
Meals)
Thursday, July 10, 2003
Isabela Island
After cruising through Bolivar Channel for possible sightings
of whales and dolphins, today’s first stop is Urbina Bay (wet
landing) on Isabela Island, the largest in the Galapagos.
It was created by the eruption of five volcanoes that flowed together.
Take a walk in search of giant tortoises and orange-colored iguana.
Great possibilities for swimming and snorkeling to spot marine iguanas,
sea turtles, manta rays, hammerhead sharks, white tipped sharks,
galapagos sharks, eels, groupers, and snappers.
After lunch on the ship, visit Tagus Cove on
the island’s western coast (dry landing). Graffiti dating back to 1800’s
is written on the rocky cliff, believed to be done by pirates and bucaneers.
The trail leads to Darwin’s salt water lagoon and an excellent view of
the lava fields, volcanic formations and the ocean. A dinghy ride offers views
of marine life, including Galapagos penguins and flightless cormorants. Visit
the largest population of giant tortoises (about 4,000), penguins, hawks and
frigate birds. (All Meals)
Friday, July 11, 2003
Fernandina Island
Today's destination is Fernandina Island. Our first stop
is Punta Espinoza (dry landing) where we see the largest
colony of marine iguanas sharing space with sally-lightfoot crabs,
as well as flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, sea hawks,
and sea lions.
After lunch, dry landing at Point Vicente Roca with
a hike to the summit of an extinct volcano for great views of the islands. You
will be able to observe boobies, gulls and sea lions. Snorkeling is possible
although water will be cold. Back to the ship for a warm-up beverage and dinner. (All
Meals)
Saturday, July 12, 2003
San Salvador Island / Rabida Island
This morning cruise to San Salvador Island, with a wet landing
on the dark sand beach at Puerto Egas. Most of the landscape
is tuff-stone layers and lava flows. We walk to a great spot for
observing hunting herons, great blue herons, lava herons, oyster
catchers and a yellow crowned night heron. Enjoy the sight of Marine
iguanas grazing upon algae beds at low tide, sharing space with Red
Sally light-foot Crabs. There is a colony of fur sea lions swimming
in deep pools of cool water called grottos.
This is an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling
in search of octopus, sea horses, star fish and other sea life caught in the
small pools at low tide. You will also find yourself among moray eels, hammerhead
sharks, white tip and Galapagos sharks, Darwin finches, doves, Galapagos hawks,
golden and white spotted eagle rays, jacks, wahoos, tuna fish, groupers, red-tailed
and dog snappers, black and yellow-black Galapagos coral reefs, sea fans, and
sea lions. Return to the ship for lunch.
Disembarkation by groups to visit Rabida,
located off San Salvador Island. Dry landing at the dark red colored
volcanic sand beach frequented by sea lions. This spot is often considered the
geographic centre of Galapagos because it has the most diversified volcanic rocks
in all of the Islands. Here a short trail leads to a saltwater lagoon where we
find small colonies of flamingos feeding. The brown pelican nests in the mangroves
found at the far side of the lagoon. Also to be found are boobies and 9 species
of Darwin’s finches. A dinghy ride by the reefs provides an excellent opportunity
for snorkeling. (All Meals)
Sunday, July 13, 2003
Santa Cruz Island
Arrive at Santa Cruz Island where we visit the Charles Darwin
Research Station in Puerto Ayora. Staffed with international
scientists doing biological research and conservation projects, here
you will be able to admire the giant tortoises which give these Islands
their name, and observe their offspring resulting from a breeding
program. Also view an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest
and many land birds. The visit to the station lasts around 40 minutes
followed by free time to walk around town and shop for souvenirs.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
This afternoon board a flight bound for Quito. Upon
arrival, check-in at our hotel and the rest of the day is free to relax or enjoy
the city’s vibrant gay nightlife. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Monday, July 14, 2003
Quito / Equatorial Monument
After breakfast enjoy a city tour of Quito, a UNESCO World
Heritage site, with remarkable colonial architecture and early churches.
Take a tour of the Equatorial Monument where you can stand
with one foot in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres simultaneously.
You will have another free evening to enjoy Quito’s nightlife. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Tuesday, July 15, 2003
Horseback Riding in the Highlands
Today pack an overnight bag and leave the rest of your luggage at
our Quito hotel. Drive north on the Pan American Highway to
the Highlands of Ecuador. Enroute, visit the artisan towns of Calderon,
Peguche,
and Cotacachi, renowned for bread dough figurines, woven cloths
and leather products respectively. The bargain prices and quality
of these items make them ideal for holiday gifts, so get your shopping
done early!
Enjoy lunch at a local hacienda, then go horseback riding
among mountains, majestic volcanoes and peaceful river valleys. Overnight at
the Hosteria Puerto Lago—lovely chalets at the edge of a lake with a view
of a volcano. (All Meals)
Wednesday, July 16, 2003
Market in Otavalo
After breakfast return to Quito via the colorful market
in Otavalo, where you will have plenty of time for souvenir
shopping and sightseeing. Upon arrival in Quito, check-in
to our hotel and the rest of the afternoon is free. Tonight Toto
Tours hosts a Farewell Dinner in a private dining room at Fundacion
Humanizarte. Overnight at the Alameda Hotel. (All
Meals)
Thursday, July 17, 2003
Departure
After breakfast we provide one group transfer to the Quito airport
for those who are flying home today. We will be happy to assist you
with arrangements for tour extensions if desired. (Breakfast)
ACCOMMODATIONS
Lima: Jose
Antonio Hotel is located about 30 minutes from the airport
in the nice residential district of Miraflores. The hotel has
the convenience of its own restaurant, snack bar, cocktail lounge
and pool. Rooms have private baths, cable TV, minibar, and A/C.
Cuzco: Hotel
Novotel is located in the Archaeological Center of one
of America’s oldest cities. The hotel has a restaurant and bar,
while all rooms have private bath, TV and minibar.
Machu Picchu: Sanctuary
Lodge is ideally situated at the entrance to the archeological
site. As the only property near the site, this allows for private
exploration before tour buses arrive mid-morning. The hotel has
32 rooms, equipped with private bath, cable TV, minibar and telephone.
Guayaquil: Hampton
Inn lies in the heart of the city, close to all the best
sites. Hotel amenities include a gym, jacuzzi, sauna, indoor
pool, business center, restaurant, and bar. Rooms have private
baths, cable TV, minibar, and coffee maker.
Quito: Hotel
Alameda has a nearly ideal location close to everything
downtown and with views of the Ecuadorian Andes. The hotel has
a full-service restaurant and a nightclub bar. All rooms have
cable TV, private baths, and computer modem hook-up.
Ecuador Highlands: Hosteria
Puerto Lago has restaurant and bar. Rooms in chalets
overlooking the lake, with private baths, cable TV, telephone,
and chimney fireplace. A staff member will light the fire while
you have dinner so your room is toasty warm when you are ready
to retire.
Galapagos: M/Y
Coral II, a 108 ft. yacht, with 11 cabins for 22 passengers.
The electric current aboard is 220 volts and 110 volts. The interiors
are beautifully decorated in dark teakwood and bronze. Passengers
stay in all outside cabins, with twin, double or upper/lower
beds, all with A/C and private bath with shower, sink and toilet.
(Preference in cabin selection will be honored in the order that
bookings are received.) The yacht has comfortable lounges and
dining parlours with TV and VCR, a well-stocked bar, large picture
windows, and expansive observation decks with sun/shade areas.
TOUR PREPARATION
Entry Requirements—For citizens of the United States
and Canada, no visas are necessary for travel to Ecuador and the
Galapagos Islands. Only a valid passport is needed.
Immunizations—No vaccinations are required, but
you may want to consider obtaining the immunizations recommended
by the Center for Disease Control. We will send this information
to you upon booking the tour. Also, make sure your tetanus booster
is current.
Exit Requirements—All tourists must pay a departure
tax at the airport of $25 U.S. This amount will be collected twice—once
when leaving Peru and again when leaving Ecuador. (This amount is
subject to change.)
WHAT TO BRING
Because it is on the equator, Ecuador experiences oscillating
wet and dry periods, rather than rotating through four seasons. July
is winter in the southern hemisphere. Daily temperatures are warmest
in Guayaquil (between 70 and 85 degrees F.), cooler in Lima (60
- 70 degrees F) and Quito (50 - 65 degrees F), and coldest
in Cuzco/Machu Picchu (35 - 60 degrees F). The Galapagos remain
fairly constant throughout the year, ranging between 65 - 78 degrees
during the month of July. Attire on the ship is casual, with nice
shorts and T-shirts fine at dinner. Try to bring no more than two
pieces of luggage. Pack any medications you need in a carry-on bag.
Leave any expensive jewelry at home!
Electric voltage in Peru is 220 volts, 60 cycles
and the electrical outlets require a connector with 2 small round
prongs. Voltage in Ecuador is 110, same as in the US.
Suggested List of Useful items:
___ Passport valid for 6 months after tour.
___ Day-pack or fanny pack / Money belt or neck pouch.
___ Sandals / sneakers / water socks (for boat, shore, and
wet landings).
___ Light plastic raincoat / umbrella.
___ Mosquito repellent.
___ T-shirts (4- 5) / Shorts (2 or 3 pairs).
___ Long-sleeved shirts (2 - 3) for sun protection / cool
evenings.
___ Lightweight long pants (2 - 3 pair).
___ Cool sleepwear / Swimsuits.
___ Sunscreen / lip balm.
___ Sunglasses / sun hat with tie-on.
___ Rainjacket, sweater or sweatshirt.
___ Flashlight and batteries.
___ Travel alarm clock.
___ Personal toiletries / wet wipes.
___ Ziploc bags (small for documents, large for wet things).
___ Binoculars, camera, film, extra batteries or digital memory.
___ Wetsuit, if planning on snorkeling as the ocean currents
are very cold at this time of year.
___ A good book for the plane or beach.
MONEY MATTERS
Avoid changing money into local currency prior to leaving the U.S,
as you will get the worst exchange rate possible. Plan to change
$100 into local currency upon arrival at the Lima airport, or to
use an ATM machine (available in both Peru and Ecuador).
The currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol. Bills are
for 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Nuevos Soles. Coins are for 5, 10, 20
and 50 cents of a Nuevo Sol. As of January 24, 2003, $1US was equal
to 3.634 Peruvian Nuevo Sol (at interbank rate).
Ecuador completed its dollarization process a few
years ago; the sucre was eliminated, and the country's currency was
legally changed to the US dollar. Despite dollarization, the sucre
will likely persist in rural areas for several years. Our local guide
will help us prepare monetarily for shopping in villages and markets.
Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club are widely accepted
in Ecuador and Peru. It is a good idea to bring at least $50 in one
dollar bills for tipping porters, maids and waiters aboard the ship
and in hotels.
LIABILITIES & DISCLAIMERS
Making a reservation with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent
to these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in
whole or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury,
sickness, medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault
of any person from whatever cause. All participants are required
to sign a standard liability form.
The tour operators reserve the right to accept or decline
any person as a member of the tour at any time and to make whatever changes become
necessary with or without notice. Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 10 participants.
To reserve a place on this tour, click on the "Reservations" link
above. Print the form, fill out the information requested,
sign and mail it to Toto Tours with your $500 deposit check. The
balance of $3,495 (double) or $4,595 (single) is due 80 days prior
to departure (by April 14, 2003). Tour registration is not complete
until we have received both the form and your deposit check.
Toto Tours does not accept credit cards as a form
of payment. An installment plan is possible. Our mailing address is: Toto
Tours, 1326 W. Albion Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60626-4753. Make checks payable
to: Toto Tours, Ltd.
THE TOTO SPIRIT
Toto Tours provides Adventure Travel Experiences as differentiated
from tours in the traditional sense. Adventure Travel allows (even
encourages) you to be an active participant. Adventurers can be identified
by certain traits. They are:
