Day 2 Lima-Cuzco
A morning flight of one hour from Lima takes us up the arid western slopes and over spectacular snow-capped Andean peaks. Our destination is Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Inca empire, tucked into the head of a manicured valley at 11,300' above sea level. We are transferred to our hotel, the Hacienda Incatambo, where we are briefed on the events of the following days. We then have the remainder of the morning free. We will take it very easy this morning, to help our bodies adjust to the altitude. There is ample time later to explore Cuzco’s streets and plazas.

In the afternoon we tour the Inca and colonial monuments in the city, including the Cathedral, the Inca Temple of the Sun, San Blas artisans’ district, and the impressive Plaza de Armas. We also visit exquisite Inca shrines in the hills above the city, and Sacsayhuaman, the Incan temple-fortress with its massive ramparts of hewn stone, for a condor’s-eye view over the red tiled rooftops of Cuzco. Breakfast is included this day, lunch and dinner on your own.

Day 3 Cuzco-Machu Picchu
We take an exciting train ride down the gorge of the Urubamba River to the ruins of the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu. Because of the natural splendor ofthe jungle-clad mountains surrounding the ruins and the artistry of the buildings perched on a ridge high above the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu is one of the archeological wonders of the world. We have a guided tour of the site, after which there is free time  to explore the extensive site in more depth at your own pace. Overnight in Hotel Ruinas Machu Picchu. All meals included today.

Day 4 Machu Picchu-Yucay
On our second day at this famous site, you may opt to explore trails leading to the steep peak of Huayna Picchu, or the recently discovered Cave of the Moon. A longer hike along an Inca highway over the Gate of the Sun takes you to Winya Wayna ruins. You may prefer simply to return to a favorite spot within the main city to sketch, to write in your journal, or simply to contemplate the beauty and the mysteries of this extraordinary site. Rendezvous with our guide in the afternoon for assistance with our return to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of the Incas by train in late afternoon. Overnight in Hotel Posada del Libertador in Yucay. All meals included today.

Day 5 Sacred Valley of the Incas-Cuzco
We visit Ollantaytambo with its impressive sun temple, then travel to the eastern end of the valley to join the lively scene at the market in Pisaq. We also visit the temple site on the ridge above Pisaq, famous for its sinuous terracing. The scenery around us is spellbinding. Return to Cuzco and the  Hotel Hacienda Incatambo. Breakfast and lunch included, dinner on your own.

Day 6 Cuzco-Lima-Quito
We fly in the morning from Cuzco to Lima. We tour the colonial heart of the city and visit the Gold Museum, then return to the airport for the flight to Quito, capital city of Ecuador (Avianca 78, departing 3:05 p.m., arriving at 5:15 p.m.). At 9,350' altitude and only 12 miles south of the Equator, Quito’s weather is spring-like year-round. Transfer north to the Hacienda Cusin, 90 minutes from the airport. Cusin’s reputation as a delightful country retreat is well-deserved. The extensive gardens are full of birds, the rooms are tastefully decorated, and the service is friendly. Breakfast and dinner included today, lunch on your own. You'll have time at the Lima airport for a light lunch.

Day 7 Village Visits
We spend the morning visiting several nearby craft villages where weavers, hatters, guitar-makers, doll-makers, and many others pursue their trades. The core of this valley is the lively market in Otavalo. Our visit today goes behind the scenes to introduce to you the industrious and friendly country people. All meals included today.

Day 8 Cuicocha Lake
You have a morning on your own for optional excursions, horsebacking, mountain bicycling, or simply relaxing in the pleasant gardens. After lunch we visit scenic Cuicocha Lake. All meals included today.

Day 9 Quito-Galápagos-M/V Corinthian
Fly from Quito via Guayaquil to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno in the Galapagos Islands, departing at 9:45 a.m., arriving 11:45 a.m. Our guide and crew of the M/V Corinthian meets us at the airport and transfers us to the cruise ship. Begin our cruise in the Galápagos this afternoon, visiting beautiful  Playa Ochoa beach on San Cristobal island. Breakfast in the hotel, all meals on board ship.

Day 10 Tower Island
We spend the entire day at Tower Island, one of the most remote and spectacular islands in the Galápagos. Morning at Darwin Bay, where we hike through a nesting colony of Frigatebirds and enjoy some snorkeling. Afternoon at Prince Phillip’s Steps, where we visit a nesting colony of red-footed boobies.

Day 11 Bartolomé Island
We hike amid bizarre volcanic formations to the summit of a small extinct volcano for classic views of the Galápagos scenery. We swim at a white sand beach where penguins are frequently seen. In the afternoon we visit the western side of James Island and explore tidal pools. Our walk takes us to some grottos where we can swim with fur seals.

Day 12 Santa Fé and Puerto Ayora
We spend the morning at another island of classic beauty. Santa Fé has a crystalline anchorage, sea lion colonies, and giant land iguanas. In the afternoon we reach Puerto Ayora and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Day 13 Kicker Rock-Quito
In the morning, we visit Kicker Rock. This vertical tuff formation rises 500 feet vertically out of the ocean. We return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno for our afternoon flight back to the mainland. Transfer to Hostal de la Rabida. Breakfast on the ship, light lunch on the flight, dinner on your own.

Day 14 Quito
We tour the colonial heart of Quito, designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. We also visit the Equatorial Line monument a short distance north of the city. Overnight at Hostal de la Rabida. Breakfast is included, lunch and dinner on your own.

Day 15 (Wed., April 21) Quito-Miami
We are transferred to the airport for the return flight home. Leave Quito on American 966 at 8:45 a.m., arriving Miami at 1:53 p.m. Breakfast on the flight.

Optional Amazon Extension

Day 15 Quito-Sacha Lodge
You are transferred to the airport for the mid-morning flight to Coca, a bustling town on the Rio Napo. Transfer then to the port for a two-hour trip by motorized canoe down the Napo River to the Sacha Lodge terminus. Walk along a 1 km boardwalk to reach an oxbow lake where staff from Sacha Lodge await with canoes. You are paddled across the lake to the lodge. After orientation, you'll take a short walk into the rainforest.

Days 16-17 Sacha Lodge and vicinity
Most of your days will be spent in the forest. Mornings start early. Groups are usually on the trail by 6:00 a.m.. Not only is it cooler at this hour, but animal and bird activity is at its peak. Return to the lodge for lunch with ample time after for a swim and an afternoon siesta before hitting the trails again. In the evening, a night walk through the rain forest is an experience not to be missed--a sensual delight filled with new scents, sounds and shapes. The trails vary in length from an hour to a full day, and there is enough variety for all abilities and interests. All walks are accompanied by a staff person.

Day 18 Sacha Lodge-Quito.
Transfer to Coca in time to catch the noon flight to Quito. Transfer to Hostal de La Rabida. Breakfast at the lodge, lunch and dinner on your own.

Day 19 (Sunday, April 25) Quito-Miami
Transfer to the airport for the flight home. Depart Quito on American 966 at 8:45 a.m., arriving Miami at 1:53 p.m. Breakfast on the flight.

COSTS

15 day tour: $3,593 each/double occupancy
Optional Amazon extension: $730 each/d.o.

ALERT! DEADLINE!

We must release unused reservations on the Galápagos boat, the M/V Corinthian, on December 14, 1998. We can still sign up new members after that date if space is available on the boat, but that would be chancy at best. If you plan to sign on, please do so soon. If you don't, you'll miss the boat. (Sorry)

At this writing, there are two guaranteed spaces left on the tour. Honest. If space can still be obtained, I can add others.

INSURANCE

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance is strongly recommended. A trip insurance brochure  will be sent to the member on receipt of a tour application and deposit. Andean Treks does not sell trip insurance and provides information  only as a service to the tour member. The traveler of course is free to take out trip insurance from any travel insurance company.

Note: insurance companies that cover pre-existing conditions usually require that the insurance be taken out within 7 days of making your initial trip deposit. Investigate if you are concerned about coverage for a pre-existing condition.

NOTES

The Hacienda Cusin, a Spanish colonial country house founded in 1602, is located  at an elevation of 8500' in the Ecuadorian Sierra. Its forty acres of lush gardens includes walking paths where one can see dozens of species of birds and plants.

The M/V Corinthian is a deluxe 48-passenger cruise ship with 24 air-conditioned staterooms, all with exterior views. There is opportunity for snorkeling and swimming every day during our Galápagos cruise. To try to anticipate the desires of tour members, we have reserved five standard cabins and six upper deck cabins. Standard cabins have portholes, upper deck have picture windows, and standard cabins are larger than upper deck cabins. Early registrants will have a choice between cabin types. Those who occupy upper deck cabins will be assessed a $125 supplement.

The tour will be escorted by Harlan Hague, Ph.D., writer and retired history professor. For information on my background and experience in organizing and escorting tours, please see my home page.

All arrangements are handled by Andean Treks Inc., 32 Russell Avenue, Watertown MA 02172-3466, telephone 800/683-8148, email patusa@ziplink.net

QUESTIONS?

If you have questions, please write to me. If you want to contact Andean Treks directly, telephone or write to Peter Robertson at the above Watertown, MA address or by email.

READY TO SIGN ON?

If you are ready to register, read the Booking Conditions, and print the Booking Form. Complete it, enclose your check for U.S. $200, and send to the Andean Treks address above.

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