Legendary Machu Picchu & the Galápagos Islands - 2021

PACING:

• While we have made every effort to make this South America travel experience as comfortable as possible, please be prepared for intensive physical activity
• This includes extensive walking, uneven terrain, and high altitudes and an active pace.
• Visit 6 destinations in 15 nights: 1 night in Lima, 2 nights in the Sacred Valley, 1 night in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu), 2 nights in Cusco, 3 nights in Quito, 1 night in Guayaquil, and 4 nights on a Galapagos cruise. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Physical activity is very intensive in this South America travel program.
• The visit to the Inca ruins in Cusco and Machu Picchu in Peru includes heavy walking, which may be affected by the cobblestone streets and high altitude in Cusco (approx. 11,200 ft).
• There will also be steps and walking on uneven natural terrain in Machu Picchu and other ruins.
• On the Galapagos cruise there is heavy walking on natural, uneven terrain, including beaches with sand and rocks and trails up small hills.
• There will be Zodiac rides of about 15 minutes each to reach the shore. Galapagos tours include both wet and dry landings.
• On wet landings travelers may expect to wade in warm and calm waters below knee depth.
• The sun may be quite warm at times, and some walks in the Galapagos may exceed 2 miles.
• There are generally two walks offered each day.
• This is an expedition‐type cruise, and you should be active and in good physical condition before you reserve it.

TERRAIN & TRANSPORTATION:

• Tours run on modern coaches, but in some areas air‐conditioned coaches are not available.
• Be prepared for high altitudes in Cusco (11,200 feet) and Machu Picchu (approx. 8,000 feet). The Sacred Valley and Quito are not as high, but some travelers may be affected.
• You will have many suggestions for handling the altitude.
• The Peruvian portion begins at the lowest altitude of the Sacred Valley area so that acclimatization is easier. 
• There will also be cobblestone streets, high altitude, steps, walking on uneven natural terrain — including beaches with sand and rocks and trails up small hills.

CLIMATE:

• Remember that seasons are at different times of the year in the Southern Hemisphere.
• You may find temperatures that are hot and humid in South America.  
• Since the weather is unpredictable, please check weather sites online for 10-day forecasts closer to your departure date to plan your packing accordingly.