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Ecuador's Volcano Triple CrownEcuador's Volcano Triple Crown
If you would like to book additional nights before or after your holiday please contact the office.
The Galapagos Islands, located on the equator 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, are a natural paradise where the plant and animal species have evolved in isolation from the outside world. A cruise around these islands with landings to get up close to the wildlife is a highlight of any visit to this region. If your chosen Ecuador holiday does not include a visit to the Galapagos we can easily arrange a cruise including flights from Quito as an extension to your main holiday. With a long-haul destination such as South America, it makes sense if you have the time, to extend your visit to another country in Latin America. Peru is a short flight away from Ecuador and has much to offer from the high Andes and Inca ruins of Machu Picchu to the tribes and wildlife of the Amazon basin. Since extensions may affect your international flight schedule you should consider booking these at the same time as your main holiday. We can assist with any arrangements such as extra hotel nights, transfers or flights that you may require. All extensions can be reserved during the online booking process.
The Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are said to be the crown jewels of the natural world. These paradise islands have a mythological status with their unique wildlife and stories and theories from Charles Darwin in 1835. Blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, albatross, giant tortoises, swimming with seals and turtles, dinosaurs like marine... More
The Galapagos Islands are said to be the crown jewels of the natural world. These paradise islands have a mythological status with their unique wildlife and stories and theories from Charles Darwin in 1835. Blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, albatross, giant tortoises, swimming with seals and turtles, dinosaurs like marine and land iguanas are just a few of the species you will encounter. Part of the magic of the Galapagos is getting up close to the wildlife who have lost their fear of man. The islands can be visited at any time of year and absolutely the best way to see them is onboard a boat.
There are a variety of boat styles from sailing ships to catamarans and you can choose from three levels of on-board comfort - Tourist Class, First Class or Luxury Class. You can also choose how long you want to cruise the islands. We can arrange any length of cruise and we recommend between 4 and 8 days as the optimum length for this tour. During your cruise you will visit several of the islands and there will be the opportunity to land and walk among the wildlife. Sometimes these will be `dry` landings where you step onto a pier and at others you will make `wet` landings where you reach the island by small inflatable boats and step directly onto the beach. Every boat has a slightly different itinerary but all are focused on seeing as much of the amazing Galapagos wildlife as possible. All itineraries will enable you to visit several of the islands and see most of the important wildlife species and all itineraries will include a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Centre to see the relatives of Lonesome George. There is also plenty of time for relaxation and for swimming and snorkelling from the boats. As an example, in the information below we have described a typical 5-day cruise on a Tourist Class boat. We also can include any extra nights you require in Quito to tie in with your international flights. Please contact the office for your personalised quote. These extensions begin and end in Quito.
Available 'All Year' between
Departure Days
Price Guide
What's Included
Airport transfers on arrival and departure, internal flights to/from Baltra and associated airport transfers, 4 nights double or twin berth cabin on full board basis, 5 day cruise on a Tourist Class boat, Galapagos guide.
What's Not Included
Entrance fee Galapagos $100.00 pp & transit control card $10.00 pp (must be paid locally in cash), miscellaneous expenses - tips, drinks, souvenirs
Itinerary
Day: 1
Fly from Quito to Baltra Airport in the Galapagos Islands. On arrival we transfer (10 minutes) to the pier and board our boat. After settling in, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Centre on Santa Cruz and the relatives of Lonesome George at the giant tortoise breeding program. (B,L,D)
Day: 2
Today we visit the volcano Island of Rabida, exploring the lagoons and birdlife. After a wet landing at Chinese Hat we encounter sea lions before spending around an hour hiking, arriving at the top we enjoy the stunning views of the surround islands. There is ample opportunity to see the marina iguanas, the red frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. Second night onboard. (B,L,D)
Day: 3
Our destination today is Genovesa Island, considered one of the wildest and untouched islands within the national park. We go ashore and climb the stone-carved 'Prince Philip´s Steps' to a wide plateau which is the nesting site for several species of birds including red and blue-footed boobies, nazca boobies, great frigate birds, red-billed tropic birds and bahama ducks. (B,L,D)
Day: 4
Arriving at Bartolome Island we ascend to a look out point, and admire the views of Sullivan Bay and the famous needle shaped Pinnacle Rock. The beaches here boast great snorkelling points, allowing exploration of the underwater world. In the afternoon you visit the Black Turtle Cove, a nesting site for marine turtles. Third night onboard (B,L,D)
Day: 5
After a dry landing, we have a short walk along the coast of the northernmost island of Seymour with it's prolific birdlife. We transfer to Baltra Airport for the flight to Quito. (B)
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Lake Titicaca
Forming part of the border between Peru and Bolivia, this sacred lake of the Incas at an elevation of 3830 metres, was were the god Viracocha rose and created the sun, moon, stars and the first people. It is the largest navigable lake in the world and is renown for its azure blue beauty. There are several islands in the lake,... More
Forming part of the border between Peru and Bolivia, this sacred lake of the Incas at an elevation of 3830 metres, was were the god Viracocha rose and created the sun, moon, stars and the first people. It is the largest navigable lake in the world and is renown for its azure blue beauty. There are several islands in the lake, the most important on the Bolivian side being Isla del Sol which was home of the Inca god Inti. In Peru the floating Uros Islands which are man-made from reeds, are home to a pre-Incan people who live a simple traditional life. Lake Titicaca is a must see on a holiday in this region.
We travel on the famous orient express train from Cusco to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. After an overnight in Puno we travel to the reed islands of the Uros people. Here we watch them harvesting and weaving the reeds. We overnight in a traditional village house on the islands being hosted by families. This gives us a great insight into the livelihood of these pre-Incan people. We return the following day by boat to Puno and then transfer to the nearby airport of Juliaca. This extension starts in Cusco and ends in Juliaca. Note: only available on Fridays during high season.
Available 'All Year' between
Departure Days
Price Guide
What's Included
Train from Cusco to Puno, 2 nights 3-star hotel in Puno and 1 night home-stay, meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner), English-speaking local guide, and all transport required by the itinerary.
What's Not Included
Travel insurance, tips, miscellaneous personal expenses, drinks, souvenirs etc.
Note: The extension package ends in Juliaca. There are daily flights to Cusco and to Lima from Juliaca Airport. Please contact the KE office for a quote.
Itinerary
Day: 1
Transfer to Cusco train station 0700hrs for a full day Orient Express train journey (which includes a lunch) to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. We are met by our local guide and transfer to Hotel Casa Andina or similar. (B)
Day: 2
Small boat journey (3 hours) on Lake Titicaca to visit 'floating' totoras reed islands home to the Uros people. We continue to Taquile island where we spend the night in local villagers house (B/L/D).
Day: 3
The following morning we spend more time on the island, famous for its unique weavings. We have lunch on the island and return by small boat to Puno, and stay again in the Hotel Casa Andina or similar. (B/L)
Day: 4
Early morning drive - approximately one hour - to Juliaca airport where KE extension package services end. (B) Flight to Lima not included.
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This classic overland journey starts by way of the famous train ride from Cusco to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Here we have scheduled a day for exploration of the lake, including a boat trip out to the floating reed islands of the Uros people and a guided tour of the pre-Inca ruins at Sillustani. Continuing our journey into Bolivia, we have allowed a free day at the lakeside town of Copacabana, which has a number of important archaeological sites. There is the option here to visit the Isla del sol (at extra cost). Finally, we transfer to La Paz for a 2 night stay. This extension starts in Cusco and ends La Paz. Note: only available on Fridays during high season.
Available 'All Year' between
Departure Days
Price Guide
What's Included
2 nights hotel accommodation in Puno, 2 nights hotel in Copacabana and 2 nights hotel in La Paz, all breakfasts, all transport and transfers required by the itinerary, the services of a local guide in Puno, Copacabana and La Paz
What's Not Included
Meals other than breakfasts, tips, miscellaneous personal expenses - drinks, sovenirs etc.
Note: This extension ends in La Paz. If your international flight departs from Lima, please contact the KE office for a quote for flights from La Paz to Lima.
Itinerary
Day: 1
Transfer to Cusco train station at 0700hrs for a full days train journey to Puno on shores of Lake Titicaca. We are met by our guide and transfered to the Hotel Casa Andina or similar. (B)
Day: 2
Two hour cruise on the lake in small launch. Visit ruins of Sillustani with guide. Overnight at our hotel in Puno. (B)
Day: 3
Transfer by tourist bus (4hrs) to Copacabana (in Bolivia). We are met by the local guide and transfer to the Hotel Gloria or similar. (B)
Day: 4
A free day in Copacabana. There are several sightseeing options including boat trips to the Isla del Sol or Isla del Luna which can be arranged through your local guide at extra cost. Overnight in the hotel in Copacabana. (B)
Day: 5
Transfer by tourist bus (3 hrs) to La Paz. We are met by the local guide and transfer to the Hotel Plaza or similar. (B)
Day: 6
A free day in La Paz with an optional half day city tour. Overnight at the hotel . (B)
Day: 7
After breakfast transfer to airport. (B)
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The Historic Citadel of Machu Picchu
The ruins of Machu Picchu, rediscovered in 1911, after almost 500 years preserved by dense vegetation, are arguably the outstanding highlight amongst the man-made wonders of the entire South American continent. Built at 2450 metres elevation, the main site includes hundreds of buildings, an agricultural production area, irrigation... More
The ruins of Machu Picchu, rediscovered in 1911, after almost 500 years preserved by dense vegetation, are arguably the outstanding highlight amongst the man-made wonders of the entire South American continent. Built at 2450 metres elevation, the main site includes hundreds of buildings, an agricultural production area, irrigation systems and other facilities. The dry stone techniques used for constructing the citadel remain a mystery and only speculations exist about how this could have been done. Exploring this amazing city of the Incas the and the mystical beauty of the place will provide memories for a lifetime.
This itinerary includes time for sightseeing in and around this former Inca capital of Cusco, which is renowned for the wealth of its Inca stonework and for its extravagant Spanish Colonial architecture. We also have time to explore the nearby Sacred Valley of the Incas, with its impressive Inca remains and several pretty Indian villages, famous for their handicrafts and their colourful produce markets. We then take the scenic train to Machu Picchu for a full day guided sightseeing tour of this incredible Inca city before returning to Cusco for a final evening. This extension starts and ends in Cusco.
Available 'All Year' between
Departure Days
Price Guide
What's Included
English speaking local guide, 2 nights hotel accommodation in a centrally located 3-star hotel in Cusco, 1 night hotel in Ollantytambo, all breakfasts, guided sightseeing tours in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, all permits and entrance fees, and all transport required by the itinerary.
What's Not Included
Meals other than breakfast, airport departure taxes, tips to local staff, miscellaneous personal expenses, drinks, souvenirs etc.
Itinerary
Day: 1
Check into hotel in Cusco and overnight. (B)
Day: 2
Morning sightseeing of Cusco. PM: drive to Sacred Valley of Incas to Ollantaytambo. Overnight Hotel El Albergue or similar. (B)
Day: 3
Tourist train to Aguas Calientes and then bus up to visit Machhu Picchu. Mid to late afternoon return by train to Ollantaytambo and transfer by private vehicle to Cusco. Transfer to hotel. (B)
Day: 4
Transfer to airport. (B)
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This itinerary includes a day of trekking on the famous Inca Trail as well as time for sightseeing in and around this former Inca capital of Cusco, which is renowned for the wealth of its Inca stonework and for its extravagant Spanish Colonial architecture. We also have time to explore the nearby Sacred Valley of the Incas, with its impressive Inca remains and several pretty Indian villages, famous for their handicrafts and their colourful produce markets. The highlight of the extension is the 4 - 5 hour trek on the Inca trail from Km104 to the sun gate for the classic birds-eye view of Machu Picchu. Staying at overnight in nearby Aguas Calientes we return the next morning to the Inca Citadel for a guided sightseeing tour before returning by train to Cusco for a final evening. This extension starts and ends in Cusco.
Available 'All Year' between
Departure Days
Price Guide
What's Included
English speaking local guide, 2 nights hotel accommodation in a centrally located 3-star hotel in Cusco, 1 night hotel in Ollantytambo and 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes, all breakfasts and 1 packed lunch, guided sightseeing tours in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, all permits and entrance fees, and all transport required by the itinerary.
What's Not Included
Meals other than breakfast (with the exception of a packed lunch on day 3), airport departure taxes, tips to local staff, miscellaneous personal expenses, drinks, souvenirs etc.
Itinerary
Day: 1
Arrive Cusco and transfer to Hotel Casa Andina Classic or similar. (B)
Day: 2
Morning sightseeing of Cusco. PM: drive to Sacred Valley of Incas to Ollantaytambo. Overnight Hotel El Albergue or similar. (B)
Day: 3
Train to KM104. Trek (4-5hrs) to Machu Picchu with stop for lunch. Bus to Aguas Calientes. Overnight in hotel Inti Inn. (B,L)
Day: 4
First bus back to Machu Picchu and guided sightseeing tour of ruins. Train to Cusco. Overnight at Hotel Casa Andina Classis or similar. (B)
Day: 5
Transfer to airport. (B)
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At a glance
- 12 nights hotels and lodges
- 2 nights camping
- 3 nights mountain hut
- 10 days trekking and climbing. Max altitude - 6310 metres
- Join in Quito
- MEAL PLAN: All breakfasts 12 lunches and 8 dinners included
- Max group size: 12
