Duration of trip: 23 days
Guaranteed year round weekly departures with a minimum of 2 people per
excursion
Recommended day to begin excursion: Saturday
Scheduled activities for the first and last day may be changed
according to the flight schedules of the travelers
“Unlimited” Mashipura Tours are unique packages
that we offer to travelers of the world. They are long and
fascinating itineraries for tourists, who do not set boundaries on
their adventures; who are looking for an unconventional journey to
discover the wealth, traditions and culture of the people who inhabit
the great American continent.
An amazing tour: Quito, Otavalo, Ecuador’s
Highlands with its volcanoes, indigenous markets and lagoons,
Galapagos Islands, Lima, Cuzco, Ballestas Islands, Nazca, Arequipa,
Titicaca with the Uros, Sillustani, Cuzco, el Valle Sagrado and Machu
Picchu.
DAY 1: DEPARTURE FLIGHT – Saturday
Departure and flight to Quito with private transfer to
hotel. 
DAY 2: QUITO – Sunday
Leisure time. Exclusive transportation and
English-speaking
guide upon request.
The atmosphere of the historical center of
Quito takes the visitor back in time to the age of the Spanish Conquest
as stops are made at the magnificent Jesuit and Franciscan churches,
the plazas, and the Government Palace. The colonial center of Quito,
which has been meticulously restored, has been declared a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. For a pleasant early evening experience not far from
downtown, we suggest an excursion to the new scenic cable car, which
can be easily arrived at by taxi. The cable car, which
reaches an
altitude of 4100 m. above sea level, over the Pichincha volcano, offers
a spectacular view of the summits of the many Andean volcanoes that
surround Quito.
DAY 3: OTAVALO – Monday
Departure at 9:00 am in private chauffeur driven
transportation
to the beautiful province of Imbabura. During the trip, weather
permitting, the majestic mountaintops of the Cayambe, Imbabura and the
Cotacachi can be admired. After passing beautiful San Pablo Lake,
visitors arrive at Otavalo. This city is a favorite destination for
visitors due to the fact that here one finds the Plaza de los Ponchos
which is a huge artisans’ market that offers wool clothing,
jewelry, and sculptures all of which are locally produced. Additional
visits can be made to the local fruit and meat markets. In
the
afternoon, an excursion to Cuicocha Lagoon, located 40 minutes from
Otavalo can be taken in a chauffeur driven car. This small
lake
was formed in the crater of a n inactive volcano and offers a marvelous
natural spectacle. Visitors will return to Quito in the late afternoon.
The trip from Quito to Otavalo lasts approximately 2-3 hours not
including stops.
DAY 4: COTOPAXI SAQUISILI BAÑOS - Tuesday
Departure from the hotel with a private chauffeur driven car at
8:00 am. While traveling
along the “Panamericana Sur”
route, visitors are able to view the snowy peak of the Cotopaxi volcano
with its perfect white cone. Arriving at the city of
Saquisilí, travelers can visit the town market, but only on
Thursdays. The time spent in Saquisilí on Thursday allows
visitors to get off the beaten track and experience the reality of the
indigenous people of the Andes. At the many plazas scattered
throughout
the city, the local people carry out their daily activities. Here,
animals and vegetables are bought and sold as well as cooked. Choice
articles of folk art, spices and clothing can also be purchased from
the vendors at the markets in the town. Every Thursday, countless
indigenous people come down off the mountains to the valley where
Saquisilí is located to acquire their necessities or sell
their
goods at the markets. Later on in the afternoon, the tour
arrives
at Baños de Ambato. If there is still time, it will be
possible
to visit the Manto de la Novia waterfall with the chauffeur where a
spectacular excursion on a cable car can be taken. Baños is
a
famous tourist attraction known for its thermal springs which are open
to the public
day and night.
DAY 5: CHIMBORAZO - GUAYAQUIL – Wednesday
Departure for Guayaquil at 9:00 am. This route takes the
traveler through the indigenous region of Bolivar at an altitude of
almost 4000 m. above sea level offering a panorama of the
magnificent scenery of the Andean valleys and cultivated mountainsides.
The outstanding feature of this area is The Chimborazo, the highest
volcano of Ecuador reaching an altitude of 6310 m. above sea level at
its summit. Having crossed over the mountains, the road leads into the
coastal region abounding in tropical scenery. Cocoa fields and banana
and sugar cane plantations can be found everywhere.
After
traveling for almost 5-6 hours, visitors arrive at the thriving city of
Guayaquil, which has undergone a series of regeneration projects
resulting in a new city. The downtown area complete with the winding
Guayas River present the perfect opportunity for an afternoon stroll
through the streets of Guayaquil. A Spanish speaking guide is
available upon request.
DAY 6: THE GALAPAGOS
ISLANDS – Thursday
Transfer to the airport along with our guide and departure
for
The Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival, visitors will be
accompanied
to the hotel. The Galapagos Islands make up a unique natural
paradise unlike any other in the world. The wildlife
wandering
along the paths and beaches of the Enchanted Islands cannot escape.
Here, it is not unusual to swim with a sea lion or a giant sea turtle.
The Galapagos Islands is a national park, therefore visitors must
observe the rules and follow the instructions given by the guides.
Having settled in to the hotel, a visit to the Charles Darwin Research
Station with its Galapagos Giant tortoises is a must.
DAY 7: THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS – Friday
Morning departure and excursion by boat to visit one of
the
islands of the archipelago in the company of a specialized guide from
the National Park Service. These excursions require the
active
participation of the visitors and include navigating the terrain on
hiking trails, relaxing moments on the beach, swimming in the ocean and
for those who are adventurous, masks can be rented for
snorkeling. Encounters with the indigenous wildlife are
continuous and the rocky terrain of the islands is volcanic in
origin. For trekking around the islands, it is necessary to
wear
comfortable footwear. Lunch is included on the boat and the
return to the hotel is scheduled for the afternoon. The planned program
includes Plazas – Punta Carrión or North Seymour
–
Bachas. The program of activities is subject to change due to
situations beyond the control of the tour operators. The final schedule
of activities will be delivered before departure from the
tour’s
point of origin.
DAY 8: THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS – Saturday
Scheduled activities will follow the same plan as the
previous day, instead visiting Bartolome Island.
DAY 9: THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS – Sunday
Leisure time in the Galapagos Islands. Today, it will be
possible to spend the day relaxing on the white sand of the beach at
Tortuga Bay. Visitors can savor the experience of a pristine natural
setting basking in the sun in or enjoying a swim in the sea. As an
alternative to a day at the beach, we offer the possibility of a choice
of excursions to other islands in Puerto Ayora not yet
visited.
For scuba diving enthusiasts, we offer rental service of the necessary
equipment (fees not included in tour prices).
DAY 10: THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS - GUAYAQUIL – Monday
Final hours on the islands; transfer to the airport and
flight
to Quito or Guayaquil where visitors will arrive in the
afternoon.
DAY 11: THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS - GUAYAQUIL – Tuesday
Leisure time in the morning. Private transfer to the
airport,
two hours before departure of intercontinental flight to Lima. At the
arrival, one of our staff will meet you at the airport. Priv ate
transfer to hotel.
DAY 12: LIMA – PARACAS - Wednesday
During the morning, there will be free time to go
sightseeing
around Lima. We recommend that travelers stroll around the historical
district and visit the Plaza de Armas, the San Francisco church and the
Cathedral. Downtown Lima is not too spread out so it is easy
to
get around and see these colonial attractions. Tour of the colonial
district led by a Spanish speaking guide and private transportation
available upon request. At approximately midday, visitors
will be
taken to the bus station where they will board a bus to Paracas. This
is the first leg of the route following the Pa namerican Highway that
passes through the parched desert from Lima to Southern Peru.
Travelers will enjoy the sights as they relax in roomy and comfortable
buses with numbered seats and a reservation-only policy.
Pick-up
and private transfer to hotel upon arrival. The night will be spent in
a hotel in Paracas. The trip from Lima to Paracas is approximately 4
hours.
DAY 13: ISLA BALLESTAS – NAZCA – Thursday
Breakfast then meet at 7:15 am for private transfer to the
port
to go aboard a large launch leaving at 8:00 am for an excursion to the
Ballesta Islands. While boating out to the islands, visitors
will
be able to appreciate the mysterious beauty of the famous Cadnelabro de
Paracas, a giant sand carving in the shape of a candelabrum and
believed to have been created as were the Nazca Lines. The
Ballesta Islands, known as the Galápagos of Peru, are the
home
to various fascinating marine species such as seals, sea lions,
penguins and a multitude of birds native to this habitat. Retu rn to
the port is scheduled for 10:15 am. Arrival at port is followed by
transfer to bus station for the trip to Nazca which lasts approximately
2 hours. Travelers are assured of a seat on the bus as all places are
reserved. Upon arrival to Nazca, visitors picked up and
transferred to hotel by private transportation. There will be
time available to reach small local airport to catch a sightseeing
flight over the famous Nazca Lines. These strange and mysterious lines
formed in the surface of the earth appear to be geometric shapes and
animals. This activity is optional and can be paid for upon arrival at
the Nazca Airport or at the time of registration for the
tour.
Night in Nazca.
DAY 14: AREQUIPA - Friday
After breakfast, travelers transferred to bus station for
the
trip to Arequipa. Travelers are assured of a seat on the bus as all
places are reserved. Although the trip is long (close to 9 hours), the
excellent condition of the highway that runs along the Peruvian coast
makes up for the time spent in the bus. Finally, visitors pass through
the Pre-Andean valley that leads to Arequipa, The comfortable
conditions of the bus and several rest stops along the way help
travelers through the lengthy trip. As night falls, visitors
will
arrive at the beautiful “White City” of
Arequipa.
DAY 15: AREQUIPA - Saturday
A free day dedicated to sightseeing in the city.
Visitors
can go to Carmen Alto for a breathtaking panoramic view of Arequipa, or
tour the churches – Santa Catalina Monastery, the cathedral
or
the Jesuit church – in the city. Spanish speaking
guide
upon request for the tour that extends past noon. Leisure
time in
the afternoon. Arequipa, well-known for its alpaca business,
is a
very pleasant city to visit if you are travelling alone.
DAY 16: PUNO - Sunday
Transfer to bus station for departure to Puno by bus with
reserved seats. This trip takes visitors over a new panoramic
highway toward the high plateau region of Peru. The journey
takes
approximately 5 hours. Upon arrival at Puno, visitors are
picked
up and transferred to hotel situated on the shore of Lake Titicaca, the
highest navigable lake in the world. Night in Puno.
DAY 17: PUNO – UROS – SILLUSTANI -Monday
Boat ride out to the Uros Islands which are floating
islands
made from bulrush, an aquatic plant that grows in the lake and is
representative of the history and oldest culture of this
region.
Return to Puno for lunch. Excursion in the
afternoon to
Sillustani, the religious heart of the Pre-Incan society. The
scenery which is dominated by giant funeral towers is
fascinating. The trip from Puno to Sillustani takes
approximately
1 hour. Both excursions are taken with other groups of
tourists
and are accompanied by bilingual (Spanish/English) guides.
DAY 18: CUZCO –
Tuesday
Transfer to bus station for trip to Cuzco by bus with
reserved
seats. The bus will travel over an excellent road through
absolutely captivating scenery. From the plateau region the
road
leads up to the towering peaks of the Andes where flocks of sheep and
herds of llamas roam freely. The bus will make a stop in
Racqi so
travelers can visit the Incan temples of Viracocha and Andahuaylillas,
the latter being the most beautifully painted temple of the colonial
era in this region. Arrival at Cuzco by nightfall. Pick-up
and
transfer to hotel by private transportation. Lunch included.
DAY 19: CUZCO – Wednesday
Visit Cuzco and its myriad cultural sites surrounding the
city. Travelers will go to the Templo del Sol, the cathedral,
Sacsayhuaman Qengo, Pucapucara, andTambo Machay. This tour begins at
9:00 am and ends at approximately 13:00 (1:00 pm) and will be led by
bilingual (Spanish/English) guides. Visitors will have the afternoon
free to set out on their own to discover the magic of the San Blas
neighborhood known for its pedestrian streets rich in the architectural
style dating back to the time of the Incas. Spanish speaking
guide upon request.
DAY 20: VALLE SAGRADO – CUZCO – Thursday
Departure at 8:00 am for an excursion to the Pisac
cultural site
where it will be possible to explore Incan terraces and
ruins.
There will be a lunch stop at Urubamba included in the
excursion.
In the afternoon, the tour will continue on through the Valle Sagrado
(Sacred Valley) toward Ollantaytambo, the principle ceremonial site and
village of the Chinchero. The cultural site offers remnants of the
colonial structures built over the original walls of the Incan
residences. Return trip to Cuzco in time for dinner.
DAY 21: MACHU PICCHU – Friday 
Departure from the hotel at 6:00 am by private
transportation
for the train station. Arrive at Aguas Calientes at
approximately
10:00 am after an enjoyable train ride through the Peruvian
countryside. From there, a bus will take visitors on a ride
of
about 20 minutes to the final destination of the magnificent Machu
Picchu, where without a doubt, the atmosphere is magical. A
bilingual (Spanish/English) guide will take visitors through The Lost
City, undetected by the Spaniards upon their arrival to the area. After
a guided tour of close to 2 hours, there will be time to explore this
impressive site, walking in and out – up and down –
all
around the ruins sans guide. Return to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon
for the return train ride to Cuzco arriv ing at approximately 21:00
(9:00 pm) bringing a day of unforgettable experiences to an
end.
DAY 22: LIMA - Saturday
Last chance for leisure time in Cuzco. Private
transfer to
airport for flight to Lima. Departure time according to international
flight schedules. End of tour services.
DAY 23: POINT OF ORIGIN – Sunday
Arrival at the point of origin of tour.
RRATES PER PERSON FOR 23
DAYS TOUR OF ECUADOR - THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS AND PERU
USD 3690 per person for a double or matrimonial room in a
Tourist Class Hotel
Offer valid only for those who register through the Mashipura Viajes
website
ADDITIONAL FEES
Superior Tourist Class Hotel: USD 570 per person for
double or single occupancy
Single occupancy Tourist Class Hotel: USD 560 per person
Single occupancy Superior Tourist Class Hotel: USD 870 per person
English speaking guides in Quito, Guayaquil, Lima, Arequipa, Cuzco,
Valle Sacra: USD 440 to be divided among travelers.
Half board (20 dinners – beverages not included): USD 420 per
person
Airfare to Nazca USD 60 per person
PRICE INCLUDES
Accommodation and first breakfast
All planned transfers and excursions for itinerary
Airfare Guayaquil – Galapagos – Guayaquil,
Guayaquil – Lima, Cuzco - Lima
Ollantaytambo train – Machu Picchu
English speaking tour guide in Galapagos, Paracas, Sillustani, Uros and
Cuzco
English speaking private guide in Machu Picchu
4 Lunches
Tour guide assistance and emergency number for our office in
Peru
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
Round trip international flights
Meals not mentioned
Entrance to the Galapagos National Park (approximately USD 110 per
person)
Entrance fees for museums and ruins (approximately USD130 per person)
Mandatory travel insurance
FLIGHTS
Mashipura Viajes does not sell intercontinental airline
tickets.
Tickets may be purchased at the travel agency of your choice or on
specialty websites such as: www.kayak.com
PAYMENT
If you decide to purchase the tour package, it will be
necessary to make two (2) deposits in our foreign account: an advance
deposit of USD 1400 at the time of registration and the balance 30 days
before the tour begins.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
It is mandatory to purchase travel insurance that is
essential in case of misfortune, accident or illness during the tour.
Under no circumstances will Mashipura cover any unforeseen expenditures
of this nature.
TOUR REGISTRATION FEE
There is no required tour registration fee.
HOW TO REGISTER FOR TOUR PACKAGE
Direct registration through this website
The following information is required:
Departure date
Name of tour: All Ecuador Galapagos and Peru
Complete name of each of the travelers
Passport number and expiration date of each of the travelers
Complete address of each of the travelers
Mobile and landline telephone numbers and e-mail address of each of the
travelers
Birthdates of the travelers
Type of accommodation desired
Possible additional costs required
Possible extended stays required
Once this information has been received, a voucher will be mailed
indicating the necessary information related to the tour, costs, and
payment arrangements for the money transfers.
HTOURIST CLASS HOTELS PLANNED FOR
LODGING
Quito: Hotel San Francisco – a colonial style
hotel located in the historical center.
Baños de Ambato: Hotel Posada de Arte – a small
but cozy hotel managed in a friendly way.
Guayaquil: Gran Hotel Guayaquil – a full comfort hotel
situated near the Cathedral and the Iguana Park.
Puerto Ayora: Hotel Fernandina – a hotel with a small pool
located near the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Lima: Hotel San Agustín Exclusive – modern
accommodations set in the heart of Miraflores
Paracas: Resort Paracas – a cozy and comfortable resort
Nazca: Hotel Majoro – hotel with pool characteristic of the
area
Arequipa: Hotel Asturias – located in the historic district
of Arequipa; ideal location for visiting La Plaza de Armas
Puno: Hotel Casona Plaza – a comfortable hotel situated
within walking distance to the central pedestrian street of Puno
Cuzco: Hotel Santa Catalina – a hotel of colonial style
architecture caught up in the magic of downtown Cuzco
SUPERIOR TOURIST CLASS HOTELS PLANNED FOR LODGING
Quito: Hotel Alameda – one of the finest hotels
in Quito which is located on Amazonas Street.
Baños de Ambato: Hotel Sangay – a historic hotel
situated near the thermal springs.
Guayaquil: Hotel Unipark – a full comfort hotel located near
the Cathedral and the Iguana Park.
Puerto Ayora: Hotel Silberstein – a very comfortable hotel
with a pool.
Lima: Hotel San Agustín Exclusive – modern
accommodations set in the heart of Miraflores
Paracas: Hotel Paracas – rooms and bungalows nestled at the
peaceful seaside
Nazca: Hotel Majoro - hotel with pool characteristic of the area
Arequipa: Hotel Casa Andina Private – international quality
accommodations in a modern hotel
Puno: Hotel José Antonio Puno – one of the best
hotels in Puno that offers a spectacular view of Titicaca
Cuzco; Hotel Royal Inca – a hotel possessing large
comfortable rooms within walking distance of downtown
Accommodations may be changed due to situations beyond the control of
the tour operators to others of the same category or better. The hotels
are chosen based on what is offered regardless of category, of the
rates in relation to quality and guaranteed services.
Every
weeks of the year. INFORMATION:
Live Chat directly with an our operator
International Mashipura phone number: 00593 4 6002675
Skype: MashipuraInfo3
Make CLICK in contact and send a mail.
Schedule:: 9.00 - 13.00 14.00 - 17.00. from Monday to Friday. Ecuador's hours