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Along with its remarkable ancient cultures and pre-Columbian ruins, Peru has a phenomenal range of natural habitats that extend from the headwaters of the Amazon, across snow-capped Andean peaks, to the hot dry coast that borders the Pacific Ocean. During our journey around this intriguing country, we'll visit some of the most diverse and interesting areas in the world.
We'll explore the rainforest of the Peruvian Amazon using the world-class Sandoval Lake Lodge as our base. The lodge sits on a high bluff overlooking a spectacular oxbow lake where the wildlife includes giant river otter, black caiman, five species of monkey, and dense concentrations of birds and butterflies.
In Paracas National Park on the Peruvian Coast we'll see pelicans, gulls, Humboldt penguins and Chilean flamingos. A boat cruise to the Ballestas Islands, offshore from the arid coastal desert, will afford us close encounters with huge colonies of sea lions and sea birds.
No visit to Peru is complete without seeing the mysterious lost Inca city of Machu Picchu. From the old Inca capital of Cusco, perched high in the Andes, we will make our way through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, where we'll have time to wander amongst the enigmatic stone ruins.
This trip to Peru takes in the great variety of landscapes and the tremendous range of wildlife in their native coastal desert, rainforest and high mountain habitats. |
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| FACTS: |
| • | 15-day trip |
| • | Maximum 14 participants |
| • | Start and finish in Lima, Peru |
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| HIGHLIGHTS: |
| • | The lost Inca city of Machu Picchu |
| • | Inca capital of Cusco |
| • | Exploring the rainforest of the Peruvian Amazon using the world-class Sandoval Lake Lodge as our base |
| • | Looking for giant river otter, black caiman, monkey, and many birds and butterflies |
| • | Boat-cruise to the Ballestas Islands |
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| ACTIVITY LEVEL: |
| • | Moderate. The trails that we use in our explorations of the parks and reserves are usually well marked and easy to follow. Many do, however, follow the contours of the hills, valleys or cliffs and a few have steep inclines. Machu Picchu is around 2600 m high. The trails have to be traversed carefully but are accessible to anyone who has normal walking ability and stamina. Sturdy hiking shoes or boots are strongly advised. We recommend a trekking pole for extra comfort and safety. You should also be able to get in and out of canoes and boats. |
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| ACCOMMODATIONS: |
| El Olivar Hotel, Lima |
| Hotel Las Dunas, Ica |
| Sandoval Lake Lodge |
| Libertador Hotel, Cusco |
| La Casona de Yucay, Ollantaytambo |
| Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel |
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| ITINERARY IN BRIEF: |
| Day 1: |
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Arrive in Lima |
| Day 2: |
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Lima |
| Day 3: |
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Ica |
| Day 4: |
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Nazca Lines, Ica |
| Day 5: |
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Ballestas Islands, Paracas Wildlife Reserve |
| Day 6: |
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Tambopata Reserve, Sandoval Lake Lodge |
| Day 7 - 8: |
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Sandoval Lake Lodge |
| Day 9: |
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Sandoval Lake, Cusco |
| Day 10 - 11: |
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Sacred Valley, Chinchero, Pisac Ruins |
| Day 12: |
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Machu Picchu |
| Day 13: |
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Machu Picchu, Cusco |
| Day 14: |
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Cusco |
| Day 15: |
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Lima and departure |
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 Don is formerly a Secondary School Science Department Head who has had extensive experience as a nature tour leader. During his travels to many parts of the world, he has been able to hone his natural history interpretive skills. He has participated in many studies with the Ministry of Natural Resources, Canadian Wildlife Service and Bird Studies Canada and has also written for a number of publications. Don will be using his knowledge, experience, intuition and humour to ensure that everyone on this trip enjoys it to the fullest.
416-633-5666 / 1-800-387-1483
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Finish: Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Darwin's Enchanted Isles
Length: 11 days
Start: Quito, Ecuador
Finish: Quito, Ecuador
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Our participants say...
...beyond expectations! Food and accommodations were great, tour operators were informative, on-time, friendly, courteous, knowledgeable etc. Too many highlights to single out any but snorkelling with penguins was a treat. Enjoyed it very much, our tour companions were great, and we would and have recommended this tour to others.
Fraser and Armande B.
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