Evolution
Ecuador / Galapagos / Machu Picchu
July 1 - 15, 2006
MAGICAL PLACES
There are a few truly magical places in the world which cause run-of-the-mill
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 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.”
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, pamper
ourselves at the hot springs of Papallacta, and marvel at the great
Cotopaxi Volcano while visiting the Cotopaxi National Park.
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.
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. Spending a night at the entrance to
this place, with the option of a nighttime visit, and the ability to
have the site practically to yourself in the sunrise hours, is the perfect
way to end this visit to some of South America's most Magical Places.
ITINERARY
Saturday, July 1, 2006
Bound for South America
Today you will need to depart from your home city on an international
flight to Quito, Ecuador. Most flights arrive late in the day, so we
will have our Welcome Dinner tomorrow night. You will be welcomed at
the airport and transferred to our hotel for overnight. Those with the
energy will find gay nightlife near the hotel. (No
Meals)
Sunday, July 2, 2006
Quito Sightseeing
After breakfast enjoy a city tour of Quito, whose historical center
is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with remarkable colonial architecture
and early churches. Ascend the El Panecillo Hill to take in the most
beautiful panoramic view of the city. Next tour the Equatorial Monument,
where you can stand with one foot in both the Northern and Southern
Hemispheres simultaneously. Return to the hotel in time to freshen up
for the Welcome Dinner. After dinner those who want to can make an excursion
to enjoy Quito’s nightlife. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Monday, July 3, 2006
Papallacta Hot Springs
As a result of the country rising from the pacific ring of fire that
runs from North America to Asia, and because it is home to some two
dozen volcanoes, Ecuador offers an abundance of hot thermal springs.
Today, we travel 40 miles east of Quito, along the Cinnamon Trail, to
one of the country’s best hot springs, Papallacta. The complex
has 8 separate thermal pools of varying temperatures, 3 cool pools,
and one river pool. You have options to experience revitalizing massage
in the exclusive spa, or to go horseback riding through the green Andean
landscape. Our day of soaking will include lunch at a restaurant here.
In mid-afternoon, we head back to Quito, and the evening is at your
leisure. (Breakfast / Lunch)
Tuesday, July 4, 2006
Otavalo
After breakfast travel to the Ecuadorian Highlands and the province
of Imbabura, which is well-known as the region of lakes. We visit Otavalo
and its famous Indigenous Market, whose multicolored square offers beautiful
textile handicrafts made of wool and cotton, native paintings, straw
hats, handmade imitation jewelry and countless other curiosities that
display the creativity of Ecuador. After shopping we savor lunch at
a Hosteria or a traditional Colonial Hacienda.
In the afternoon visit Cotacachi. Here
you can buy excellent leather goods for very low prices and see the
beautiful Cuicocha Lake. We return to Quito, and the remainder of the
day is free. (Breakfast / Lunch)
Wednesday, July 5, 2006
Cotopaxi National Park
Cotopaxi National Park is the most visited park in Ecuador with the
snow capped Cotopaxi Volcano (over 19,000 feet high) as its main attraction.
It is the highest active volcano in the world! The Park covers 33,393
hectares that are primarily páramo (high altitude grassland),
and it offers excellent hiking, climbing, and mountain biking. While
here, it is highly probable that you will see various fauna such as
condors, deer, fox, and hummingbirds. In addition to hiking around the
park, there is an excellent museum with Inca ruins and llama herds.
We also visit colorful indigenous towns, each
with its own typical market. There you can walk among foods, fragrances,
clothes, crafts and fruits that you probably didn't even know existed.
Overhear conversations in Quichua, the native language, and see how
the local people live. Return to Quito and the evening is free. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Thursday, July 6, 2006
Fly to Galapagos / Board M/V Galapagos Legend / Cruise to Bartolome
Island
Fly to Baltra Island on the western edge of the Galapagos archipelago
to board our ship, the M/V Galapagos Legend. After lunch, our
ship arrives at Bartolome Island, with its eerie moonscape of volcanic
formations, lava bombs, and cinder cones.
This is a dry landing, meaning we step from
our landing craft right onto a pier. A short hike takes us to the island
summit to enjoy panoramic views of the island and Pinnacle Rock. During
the ascent travelers often see large colonies of Marine Iguanas and
Lava Lizards. Red Mangroves, Tiquilla, and various cacti also add to
the experience. There will be time to swim, snorkel and enjoy the marine
birds and animals. Here it is possible to see the Galapagos Penguin,
Sea Turtles, and White Tipped Sharks from a safe distance. Dinner onboard
the ship is followed by a briefing by the ship’s naturalists.
Each night informal talks preview the next day’s activities. (All
Meals)
Friday, July 7, 2006
Fernandina Island (Espinosa Point) / Isabela Island (Tagus Cove)
After a dry landing at Espinosa Point on Fernandina Island, view the
largest colony of Marine Iguanas mingling with Sally-light Foot Crabs.
We also enjoy seeing Flightless Cormorants' nesting sites, Galapagos
Penguins, Galapagos Hawks, and Sea Lions. Among the flora and volcanic
formations observers will note Brachycereus Cactus, “pa-hoe-hoe”
lava, and other unusual lava formations. Catch sight of recent lava
flows from a safe distance. Numerous mangrove beds extend into the sea,
depicting a healthy and thriving eco-system.
After lunch cruise to Isabela Island,
the largest island in the Galapagos. We have a dry landing at Tagus
Cove, then learn more about the eruption of five volcanoes that flowed
together to form this land mass. During a walk we seek out the largest
population of Giant Tortoises (about 4000, but they are difficult to
spot). The marked trail leads to Darwin’s salt water lagoon and
an excellent view of the lava fields, scoured with unique volcanic formations.
Time allows us to observe marine life from the dinghy. Frequently visitors
see Galapagos Penguins at this site. A view of graffiti dating back
to the 1800’s helps passengers better appreciate the relationship
between the islands and tourism. Most of the graffiti is believed to
have been left by pirates and buccaneers. We return to the ship for
the evening meal and shipboard activities. (All
Meals)
Saturday, July 8, 2006
Santiago Island (Egas Port) / Rabida Island (Jervis)
Visit the dark sand beach at Egas Port during a wet landing. The andscape
features tuff-stone layers and lava flows, and the surrounding area
is prime for spotting and observing Hunting Herons, Great Blue Herons,
Lava Herons, Oyster Catchers, and the Yellow Crowned Night Heron. View
Marine Iguanas grazing upon algae beds at low tide, sharing space with
Red Sally Light-Foot Crabs. There is a colony of Fur-Seal 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 tidal pools. From a safe
distance travelers can admire Moray Eels, Hammerhead Sharks, White Tip
and Galapagos Sharks, Golden and White Spotted Eagle Rays, Jacks, Wahoo,
Tuna, Groupers, Red-Tailed and Dog Snappers, Sea Lions, and Sea Turtles.
Cruise to Rabida Island during lunch.
We have a dry landing at Jervis, a dark red beach of volcanic origin
that is frequented by sea lions. It is often considered the geographic
center of the Galapagos because it has the most diversified volcanic
rocks of all the Islands. A short trail leads to a salt water 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 observed are boobies and 9 species of Darwin’s finches. The
day's adventures conclude with a dingy ride by the reefs, and an excellent
opportunity for snorkeling. (All Meals)
Sunday, July 9, 2006
Santa Cruz Island (Charles Darwin Research Station and Highlands)
Our shore excursion at Puerto Ayora takes us to the Charles Darwin
Research Station, staffed with international scientists conducting biological
research and conservation projects. Here you can admire Giant Tortoises
that are part of the breeding program, and see an impressive Giant Prickly-Pear
Cactus forest and many land birds. The visit to the station takes around
40 minutes. After this visit, passengers have some free time to walk
around town and shop for souvenirs.
After lunch we head to the Highlands,
and Dragon Hill. Following a wet landing, walk to a hypersalinic lagoon
behind the beach. Observers report a high number of Pink Flamingos.
Next the trail leads up to Dragon Hill, which offers a beautiful view
of the bay. This area is a nesting site for a big number of reintroduced
Land Iguanas, again thanks to the Charles Darwin Research Station. There
is also a bizarre Scalesia tree forest. Return to the ship for our final
night on board. (All Meals)
Monday, July 10, 2006
Santa Cruz Island (Bachas Beach) / Baltra / Quito / Lima, Peru
This morning, see sea lions bodysurfing, marine iguanas and enjoy the
opportunity to swim or snorkel. Late this morning, fly back to Quito,
connecting onward to Lima, Peru. The evening is free to do some exploring
on your own of the city center. (Breakfast)
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Lima to Cuzco
After breakfast, check out of our hotel and transfer to the Lima Airport
for our morning flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel,
where you will have free time until we meet for lunch in the hotel restaurant.
Dinner and overnight at the Monasterio, a member of the Orient Express
chain of hotels and considered one of the world’s finest. (All
Meals)
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Cuzco Sightseeing
Cuzco was the former capital of the four regions that formed the Inca
Empire. Founded in 1534 over Inca foundations, it is the oldest city
in the hemisphere and the gateway to Machu Picchu. Also known as the
“Imperial City,” it has a charming mixture of Inca and colonial
architecture. After breakfast, our city sightseeing includes the Plaza
de Armas (Main Square), the Cathedral, Santo Domingo Monastery (Korikancha
temple) and the nearby Arqueological remains of Tambomachay, Inca Baths,
Kenko, Amphitheater, Puca Pucara and the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Return
to our hotel for late lunch followed by free time before dinner. (All
Meals)
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Machu Picchu
At long last the day we have all been waiting for has arrived—the
day we first see the world marvel that is Machu Picchu. After a buffet
breakfast at the hotel we leave our luggage behind and take only an
overnight bag with us to the Cuzco train station. During a 3.5 hour
journey we enjoy spectacular scenery from the recently refurbished Vistadome
rail cars as we travel through a changing landscape of mountains and
the beautiful Urubamba River running through the Sacred Valley, deep
in a dramatic canyon. And what a destination awaits: Machu Picchu, the
Lost City of the Incas and one of the wonders of the world. The stunning
ruins of this ancient citadel, perched on a mountain peak high in the
Andes, are perhaps the greatest surviving testament of Inca Civilization.
Machu Picchu is undoubtedly the most spectacular
example of the Inca architecture. Located on the bank of the Urumbamba
River, Machu Picchu rises suddenly on top of the magnificent Vilcabamba
mountain. It is a harsh city of stone built in forbidding rock heights
110kms from Cuzco and thousands of feet above the Urubamba River. It
is the “University of Worship” that is a place built for
magical and religious purposes. At Machu Picchu, man becomes aware of
his insignificance and greatness.
Disembark the train at Aguas Calientes,
then walk through the town to the place where we catch a bus up to the
site. We stay at the only hotel in the viscinity, the Sanctuary Lodge.
Residents of the Lodge have exclusive opportunities to visit the site
at night and at sunrise. After getting organized in our rooms, enjoy
a guided tour through the ancient City of Machu Picchu. Buffet lunch
and dinner are included at the Sanctuary Lodge hotel.
(Breakfast / Lunch)
Friday, July 14, 2006
Machu Picchu to Cuzco
Rise early to admire Machu Picchu at sunrise, strolling through the
Incan remains 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. This
evening Toto Tours hosts a Farewell Dinner at our hotel. Overnight at
the Monasterio. (Breakfast / Lunch)
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Departure
After breakfast transfer to the Cuzco Airport for our morning flight
back to Lima, Peru, where you can connect to your international flights
home or extend your stay. We will be happy to make hotel and transfer
arrangements for you. (Breakfast)
ACCOMMODATIONS
Quito: Mercure
Alameda (5 nights)
Galapagos: M/V
Galapagos Legend (4 nights)
Lima: NM
Lima Hotel (1 night)
Cuzco: Monasterio
(3 nights)
Machu Picchu: Sanctuary
Lodge (1 night) Same website as the Monasterio
since they are part of the same chain.
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
leaving Peru and again when leaving Ecuador.
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 in Lima range between
60 and 70 degrees F, and in Quito between 50 and 65 degrees F. The coldest
is Cuzco/Machu Picchu, where temperatures are likely to be 35 degrees
F at night an up to about 60 degrees F during the daytime. The Galapagos
remain fairly constant throughout the year, ranging between 65 and 78
degrees F during the month of July
High altitudes in Cuzco could cause difficulties
for some people. Be sure to check with your doctor and follow his or
her recommendations. Attire on the ship is casual, with nice slacks
and 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 Packing List of Useful items:
____ Passport valid for 6 months after arrival.
____ 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.
____ 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. Wetsuits and snorkeling gear will be available
for rental aboard the ship.
____ 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. Plan to change $100 into local
currency upon arrival, or 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 October 26, 2006, $1US was equal to 3.38 Peruvian Nuevo Sol.
Ecuador has legally changed their currency to the U.S. dollar, and after
many years their old currency is mostly out of circulation. 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.
To reserve a place on this tour, click on the “Reservations”
link above. Type in the information requested, tabbing between fields,
print the form, then sign and mail it to Toto Tours with your $500 deposit
check. The remaining balance is due 80 days prior to departure (by April
12, 2006). 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.
LIABILITY AND 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.
Toto Tours is not responsible for airline
cancellation or change penalties incurred by individual tour participants
for air tickets purchased prior to notification that the tour is a guaranteed
departure.Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 12 participants.
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:
- fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor and accentuate
the positive;
- good natured realists who are willing to accept situations
as they exist;
- undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad
weather;
- willing to forego some of the amenities we normally take for
granted;
- eager to try new things & test limits;
- punctual;
- not whiners!
Explore the cultural heritage of Ecuador, cruise among natural wonders
of the Galapagos Islands, and ponder the Incan mysteries at Machu Picchuon
during this fantastic adventure. If you have any questions, call us
at: 800-565-1241.
THE BOTTOM LINE
(tour prices per person)
Cost: $5,295 double occupancy
Private Room/Cabin: $2,000 extra if available
Deposit: $500
Remaining Balance (after $500 deposit): $4,795 double
/ $6,795 single
Balance Due: April 12, 2006
Included: Tours and accommodations as indicated in
the detailed itinerary, five flights (Quito-Baltra; Baltra-Quito; Quito-Lima;
Lima-Cuzco; Cuzco-Lima); land touring via air-conditioned motorcoach;
all ground transportation; hotel accommodations in Lima, Cuzco, Machu
Picchu, and Quito, 4 nights accommodations on M/V Galapagos Legend;
hotel taxes & service charges; all meals and activities as listed
in the itinerary; tour guides and naturalists while cruising; $100 Galapagos
Islands entrance fee, fully guided and escorted tour.
Not Included: Round-trip airfare to Quito, Ecuador,
and returning from Lima, Peru; meals & activities not specifically
covered in the itinerary; airport departure taxes ($25 departing Ecuador,
$30 departing Peru); internal flight fees ($10 for each flight within
Peru); snorkel equipment rental ($20); wetsuit rental ($25); ground
transportation for sightseeing on your own (taxis, local guides, etc.);
insurance; alcoholic beverages; beverages with lunch or dinner; laundry;
telephone calls; faxes; or any other expenses of a personal nature.
Tips to drivers, guides and ship's crew not included.
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