Start your journey with an exploration of the center of the world, Quito. After, enjoy your 8-day trip on the Sea Man Cruise and discover the beauty of the Galapagos Islands!
Day
Description
Overnight
Day 1
Welcome To Ecuador
Quito
Day 2
Private Quito City Tour (Including The Middle Of The World)
Quito
Day 3
Flight From Quito To Galapagos Santa Cruz Island (Seaman )
Galapagos
Day 4
Saturday Galapagos Cruise Fernandina Island
Galapagos
Day 5
Sunday Galapagos Cruise Isabela Island
Galapagos
Day 6
Monday Galapagos Cruise Fernandina Island / Isabella Island
Galapagos
Day 7
Tuesday Galapagos Cruise Santiago Island
Galapagos
Day 8
Wednesday Galapagos Cruise Rabida / Chinese Hat
Galapagos
Day 9
Thursday Galapagos Cruise Santiago Island
Galapagos
Day 10
Friday Galapagos Cruise Santa Cruz Island (Final Day)
The Cultural Immersion Concept:
At Cultural Immersion we believe, that what makes you journey special and authentic is much more than visiting the most important tourist sites of our country. The real experiences count more, this is the reason why we have created our programs thinking of the real traveler, who wants to immerse in the local culture. Our itineraries whenever possible will take you to very authentic off the beaten track locations not overcrowded with tourists, where you will really understand our culture, traditions, way of life and get to know the local people. Experience the real Peru and South America with Cultural Immersion!
Fast Booking Process:
From the moment we receive your request, we will provide fast responses and personalized service. Within hours, you will receive a reply with a preliminary itinerary, which you will be able to review and modify as you wish. After you have decided on an itinerary and the selected hotels have confirmed availability, we will send you our Booking Form, invoice and payment instructions. Once we receive your first payment, your trip is totally confirmed. 45 days prior to your trip, we will also send you a final itinerary, which contains all the detailed information such as: schedules, train times, flight times, etc.
100% Flexibility:
All our packages can start on any date and can be modified as you wish to better fit your needs (activities, length of the tours, schedules, sites, accommodation, etc.), just let us know your desires and we will be happy to put together the journey of your dreams. For instance, if you want a more adventurous trip, you may add biking, hiking, horseback riding or kayaking activities to make your itinerary fit your personal taste. As most of our packages are fully private, you will be able to make the changes you wish.
Safe and easy payment:
Once you are set on an itinerary, we will send you the invoice for your trip. At the moment of booking, we will request a 30% deposit from you. The whole amount is due 45 days prior to your arrival. For payments, we accept all credit cards through PayPal (subject to a 5% surcharge). You can also make a wire transfer to our account in USA, which is free of any charges.
Top-Notch Service:
Experience our top-notch service from the moment you arrive in Peru until the moment you have to say goodbye. Travel in one of our modern and comfortable vans, accompanied by one of our professional, carefully selected tour guides and feel at home at the our best selected hotels in each destination.
Expert tour guides:
Explore Peru with a completely knowledgeable local tour guide, perfectly fluent in English and Spanish. Instead of having a different guide on each day, we will appoint one guide to you for each region you visit. Our guides, native to this land, know the country like the back of their hands and will give you an inside view of the Peruvian culture. Start sharing their passion for Peru and have not only an educational experience, but also a new friend in Peru.
Private transportation:
Most of our excursions include a private van and professional driver. This give you the flexibility to be able to make stops at scenic points to take photos or just admire the landscape, stay longer at any place you want or start the tour a little earlier for instance. Take advantage of your private transportation.
Carefully selected responsible accommodation:
All accommodations are included at carefully selected hotels. We work with local responsible hotels, and we try to avoid big international chains. As part of our sustainability policy we have carefully select hotels with a lot of character and the best possible comfort and amenities, but with a sense for social commitment and with an ecofriendly concept.
Carefully selected restaurants and authentic food:
Peru is a well know culinary destination and food is very important in our culture. Even if you are not visiting Peru just for its food; this will be definitely a highlight of your stay. All meals we include are carefully chosen using the best local restaurant where you can try very authentic and delicious food. Most of our itineraries as well include a culinary experience at Cusco Culinary, where you will learn about the local cuisine guided by an expert Peruvian chef.
Peru behind the scenes:
It is important to mention that we have a unique authentic program. From the day you arrive, we will not take you through the crowded tourist routes; instead we have carefully organized our itineraries going to off the beaten track locations and visiting the most interesting and authentic sites. For sure there will be some visits to the most popular places such as Machu Picchu or Ollantaytambo; however, even when visiting these places, we will try to arrive at less crowded times and accommodate the visit using different circuits so you have the feeling that the place is just for you. We also believe that part of your visit should include contact with the locals to understand their way of life – therefore whenever possible we include visits to native Andean communities, a homestay or agricultural activities where you will able to not only watch but participate hand by hand with the locals.
We really hope you choose us to organize your once in a lifetime Cultural Immersion experience!
This morning you will be picked up at your hotel and have a transfer to the Lima airport in time to board your plane to Quito (flight not included).Upon arrival into Quito, be assured that a private transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Your driver and English-speaking representative will welcome you to Ecuador, ensuring that you have a safe and comfortable reception* Let us know your flight information so our driver can pick you up in time for your flight to Quito.
In the morning, your private guide and driver will meet you at your hotel for your city tour of Quito. You will wander through the beautiful historical streets to learn about the history and stories of this marvelous capital city. Some places that you will visit are the Independence Plaza, which is lined by the Archbishop´s Palace, the Municipal Palace, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. You will also visit La Compañía Church, a stunningly beautiful and rich church designed with the style of the Spanish Baroque Architecture and decorated using intricate gold leaf designs and wood carvings. Another impressive church is the San Francisco Church, which consists of a temple, a series of chapels, and a convent. This church covers a significant area of land that was used as a market center and a place of significant strategic and historical importance for the indigenous population of Quito. You will also visit Mitad del Mundo, the Middle of the World, a monument and museum park dedicated to the equator. The site depicts the equatorial line and contains a monument commemorating the first Geodesic mission of the French Academy of Science, a museum about the indigenous ethnography of Ecuador, a planetarium, and a model of Quito City. In the afternoon, you will return to your hotel where you will have the rest of the evening to spend at your leisure.
Today we will take you from your hotel to the Quito airport for your flight to Galapagos. Before taking the flight you must pay 20 USD at the Galapagos Government Council counter that is the fee for the migration control card. Afterwards, you will be able to take a flight that takes 2 1/2 hours. Once in Baltra, the passengers must go through an inspection point from the airport to make sure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the Galapagos Archipelago. Also, this inspection point is where passengers have to pay for the entrance to the Galapagos National Park under the following parameters: 100 USD. Our guide will pick you up and will carry your luggage to the bus that transports the tourists to the ferries to cross the Itabaca Channel, after this passengers will be taken by another bus to the first visit to Ranch Manzanillo where visitors must wear comfortable walking shoes, light clothing and to carry a waterproof jacket, sun-block lotion, a camera and repellent for the first activity. The visit to Ranch Manzanillo includes a picnic lunch and a short walk before going on board the Motor Catamaran. It is important to follow these instructions in order to accomplish this itinerary properly. Also, please be aware that passenger´s luggage will be sent directly to the Seaman Journey yacht.
PM: Santa Cruz HighlandsJourneying across Santa Cruz into the highlands visitors are delighted by the island's variety of life and geology. Beginning at the coast and traveling across Santa Cruz the road departs from Puerto Ayora climbing through the agricultural lands and into the mist covered forests. Santa Cruz possesses all of the various life zones present in the archipelago. As you travel through these zones birders are enchanted. Whether it's the bright red feathers of a vermillion flycatcher or one of Darwin's Finch almost every bird present in the islands can be found here.Journeying across Santa Cruz into the highlands visitors are delighted by the island's variety of life and geology. Beginning at the coast and traveling across Santa Cruz the road departs from Puerto Ayora climbing through the agricultural lands and into the mist covered forests. Santa Cruz possesses all of the various life zones present in the archipelago. As you travel through these zones birders are enchanted. Whether it's the bright red feathers of a verm illion flycatcher or one of Darwin's Finch almost every bird present in the islands can be found here.
AM: Mangle Point
Off the eastern coast of Fernandina is Mangle Point a superior snorkeling site and a beautiful location for riding in a panga or zodiac through a grove of mangrove trees. A hike of about 1/2 miles is possible. Whether you hike, snorkel, or stay in your panga for a ride through the red mangrove trees, this second site of Fernandina Island is equally memorable. While you are on your ride, you are likely to see sea lions, tortoises, pelicans, rays and birds too numerous to name them all.
PM: Punta Moreno
Punta Moreno is located on the north coast of Isabela Island between the volcano Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcano. The trail runs along a lava flow Pahohoe (solidified lava in the form of corrugated or an accordion) into a complex of coastal lagoons, its main attraction are several species of birds which can be found around this lakes and mangroves
AM: Urbina Bay
Urbina Bay is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano on the west coast, between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay. This area experienced a major uplift in 1954, causing the land to rise over 16 feet. The coast expanded half a mile out, leaving marine life stranded on the new shore. This area is also a great place for snorkeling. Urbina Bay is a path that starts at the beach where a landing is made wet, the course is approximately 3200m, and substrates through the sand, pumice, lava, coral, and vegetation in a coastal area suffered an uprising and the listener can appreciate iguana burrows. It is an ideal place to see red and blue lobster.In Bahia Urbina, you can see a lot of Darwin's finches. Its main attraction is the land iguanas, larger than in places like South Plaza Island, Galapagos tortoises also in the wild, sometimes even out of season, they are on the bottom of the islands. Also in this area stands a large amount of vegetation, chamomile, and Rosewood, but among all these plants stand out the beautiful flowers of cotton Darwin, endemic to the Galapagos Islands.
PM: Tagus Cove
Tagus Cove is located west of Darwin Volcano on Isabela Island. This was a favorite spot for pirates and whalers, a tradition is still observed that has continued since that time: the inscription of the names of boats. At the start of the walk, going up and passing the staircase, is a small cave where you will find inscriptions dating to the 1800s. Its name originated from a British warship that went through the islands in 1814 looking for Galapagos Tortoise for food.Due to explosive eruptions must have occurred at the site, the substrate has a large number of volcanic rocks of different sizes, among the most common are little balls of the nearly spherical shape known as the "lapilli" or petrified rain.
AM: Espinoza Point
Espinoza Point is a place famous for its large colonies of marine iguanas and as the habitat of unique species like the flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguin, Galapagos hawk, and Galapagos snake.
PM: Isabela: Vicente Roca Point
One of the most impressive and spectacular places of the enchanted Galapagos Islands; with high cliffs and tuffstone, ash and lava formations give this area a majestic touch. Located in the north-western coast of the island; comprises two distinct inlets. This large bay has a spectacular marine life.Here, you can see seahorses, sea turtles and the strange yet fascinating Mola-mola or sunfish. This bay is a great place to practice Panga Ride and Snorkeling.We also found: Penguins, Blue-footed boobies, Terns, Boobies, Sea lions. Also you can snorkel and observe sea turtles, stingrays and puffer fishes.
AM: Playa Espumilla / Bucanero
Espumilla beach is located on northern coast of Santiago Island in James Bay. During the last presence the El Niño phenomenon, one of the two lagoons in this site, underwent a process of sedimentation, thus causing the disappearance of a representative colony of flamingos. The main attractions are the palosanto forest and the marvelous. The beach is an important site for nesting marine turtles.
PM: Puerto Egas, Santiago Island
Its black beach is located at the west side of the island and is the main attraction of the island. Their volcanic tuff deposits have favored the formation of this special black sand beach.This site is called Puerto Egas, because there was an attempt of company of Hector Egas, to start the exploitation of salt, which failed because the price of salt in the continent was very cheap, and did not justify its exploitation in Galapagos. The project was abandoned and they left their infrastructure.
AM: Rabida
Rábida Island is unique because of the red color of the rocks and sand. The volcanic material on this island is very porous and external factors as rain, salt water, and sea breeze have acted as an oxidizing agent.A short walk along a trail leads you to a coastal lagoon behind the beach which permits you to observe the land birds such as finches, doves, yellow warblers, and mockingbirds. At the lagoon, there is a colony of flamingos.
PM: Chinese hat
This is a small islet (1 sq km) located just off the southeastern tip of Santiago Island. It is a recent volcanic cone, shaped like a Chinese hat when seen from the north side. On the west you can see lava formations, formed under the sea and raised upward, this is why coral heads are found on the lava. This is an excellent visit for interpretation of geological features such as lava tubes and lava flows. The landscape is covered by sea lions colonies, marine iguanas, and Galapagos penguins.
AM: Sullivan Bay
Santiago, also called James, or San Salvador Island is located in the west-central part of the Galapagos archipelago. It is the fourth largest island in the archipelago (following Isabela, Fernandina, and Santa Cruz). Along with some of the large western volcanoes of Isabela and Fernandina, Santiago is also volcanically active, with many young flows and cones to be seen, particularly along the south, west, and east coasts. These may even be seen from the summit of Darwin Volcano and from space. A number of historic eruptions have been reported over the last 2 centuries. Santiago actually consists of two coalesced volcanoes: a typical shield volcano on the northwest end and a low, linear fissure volcano on the southeast end.
PM: Bartolome
Bartolome Island is situated across Sullivan Bay. It has an altitude of 114 meters, from where we can observe one of the most beautiful sceneries of the Galapagos Islands such as: Volcanic cones, lunar- like craters, lava fields, and the famous Toba formed pinnacle eroded by the sea. There is very little vegetation on this island. It has two breathtaking beaches where marine turtles exist and at the base of the pinnacle, as well as a very small colony of Galapagos penguins.
AM: Bachas Beach
These two small beaches are found to the West of Turtle Cove. Their sand is made of decomposed coral, which makes it white and soft, making it a favorite nesting site for sea turtles. Behind one of the beaches, there is a small brackish water lagoon, where occasionally is possible to observe flamingos and other coastal birds, such as black-necked stilts and whimbrels. The other beach is longer, but it has two old barges that were abandoned during the Second World War when the USA used Baltra Island as a strategically point to protect the Panama Channel.
After the morning excursion, you will be taken to the airport for your flight to Quito. End of our services
Quito
The comfortable Vieja Cuba Hotel is located in Ecuador's capital city. Settled in Quito's best commercial zone in a majestic colonial house, it has 26 rooms with all the services that modern life requires. Each room (simple, matrimonial, twin, triple, quadruple, suite) will make you feel like at home. Without additional charges, use the services that are there for you: private bathroom with hot water 24 hours and hair dryer, access to all the TV channels that "TV Cable" offers in our country, connection to internet with wide band and security box. If you wish you can use the telephone for national and international calls.
Galapagos
M/C Galapagos Seaman Journey is a first class catamaran that began sailing the Galapagos Islands in January 2008. She is a Boutique Yacht catamaran offering superior comfort, size, style, and stability. The Galapagos Seaman Journey makes it possible to enjoy several cruises in the Galapagos with different itineraries that include amazing land tours on most of the Galapagos Islands.
Galapagos
M/C Galapagos Seaman Journey is a first class catamaran that began sailing the Galapagos Islands in January 2008. She is a Boutique Yacht catamaran offering superior comfort, size, style, and stability. The Galapagos Seaman Journey makes it possible to enjoy several cruises in the Galapagos with different itineraries that include amazing land tours on most of the Galapagos Islands.
With Our Comfort Tours, You Will Enjoy A Mix Of Private And Small Group Experiences At The Best Available Price. You Will Stay In Small, Family-Owned Bed; Breakfast Or 3* Hotels; A Comfortable Option, Including Personalized Service.
This Is Our Recommended Option Where You Will Have A Totally Private Tour To Ensure A Real Cultural Immersion, Staying At And Visiting The Most Authentic Places In Peru. You Will Stay In Carefully Selected Eco-Friendly Hotels, With Local Character And Outstanding Service. The Choice For Real Travellers.
With Our Luxury Tours, You Will Enjoy Private Excursions With An Outstanding Service. You Will Stay In A Selection Of The Most Luxurious Hotels In Peru, But Still Experience The Cultural Immersion Visiting Authentic Places.
| Comfort | Exclusive | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour Highlights | |||
Transport from airport to hotel |
Transport from airport to hotel |
Transport from airport to hotel |
|
City tour of Quito |
City tour of Quito + lunch |
City tour of Quito + lunch |
|
Cruise - All meals included |
Cruise - All meals included |
Cruise - All meals included |
|
Stay in Standard Ocean View Room |
Stay in Standard Ocean View Room |
Stay in Upper Deck Suite |
|
Snorkeling + Kayak equipment |
Snorkeling + Kayak equipment |
Snorkeling + Kayak equipment |
|
| Our Accommodations | |||
| Seaman Journey | Seaman Journey | ||
| Quito | Vieja Cuba Hotel Quito | ||
|
Price per person (based on double occupancy) |
$ 247 | $ 4623 | $ 5708 |
The booking is accepted when Cultural Immersion receives the first deposit from its clients. At this point in time the contract between client and Cultural Immersion is effective and legally binding.
In order to secure the trip, we will require a 30% deposit of the total package price by the time of your booking.
First Payment: 30% deposit by the time of booking
Second Payment: Full Amount, to be paid 45 days prior to your arrival
In the case the booking will be proceeded 45 or less days to the arrival, the whole amount will be required in once.
If the booking is made 45 days or less from the arrival time then the whole amount will be required at the time of booking.
The first and second payment can be made using credit card via PayPal, Payments made through credit card / paypal are subject to a 5% surcharge.
We accept Visa, Master Card and American Express
The first and second payment can be made using wire money transfer.
Wire money transfer should be made directly to our bank account
Payments made via deposit to our USA bank account are free of any extra charges
Payments made via wire mnoney transfer to our bank account in Peru is subject to a 100 usd surcharge
Country: Peru
City: Cusco
Bank: Banco de Credito del Peru
Account Name: Cultural Immersion Travel Peru
Account Number: 285-1950624-1-68
SWIFT CODE: BCPLPEPL
Payments made by direct deposit are subject to your local bank charge.
Any cancellations or changes made by the client must be submitted in writing by the client at their earliest convenience
Client is responsible for any fees or charges incurred by the cancellation
Period before departure when written notification is received Cancellation fee (Percentage of the total package price)
90 days or more 10%
89 to 45 30%
44 to 30 40%
29 to 15 50%
14 to 6 75%
5 or less 100%
Change of dates after the deposit has been made: 5% plus any other additional fees that might occur.
Substitution of clients: If any person of of the group is not able to travel, it may be possible to transfer the reserved services to another person. An administration fee of USD plus all incurred costs charged by the service providers will be required.
All appropriate refunds will be made directly to your credit card or bank account, minus any fees indicated
AIR/FLIGHT Cancellations: All air packages and air tickets are subject to cancellation policies imposed by the airlines
We do our best to operate your tour as sold. However, we reserve the right to curtail or modify the itinerary, or to substitute activities, hotels, meals or transportation as we deem necessary
None of these modifications or changes will affect the land package price
We reserve the right to cancel a trip at any time for a reason that would compromise the quality of the trip or the safety of the passengers or any other circumstances beyond our control . In this case, we will either refund this part of your trip or aplly this cost to other services (eventual additional cost)
In case we need to cancel the tour (not related to situations beyond our control), we will refund your fully paid pre-payments or work with you to apply those payments to another tour
All prices shown on this web site are per person and expressed in US Dollars.
For children aged 4 - 9, the package price is based on sharing a room with adults. Prices will be confirmed or advised at the time you book
Once we receive your deposit, your tour package price is guaranteed and any subsequent price increases will be at our expense
We are acting as your agent only and have no liability or responsibility for the performance of services by the airlines including, but not limited to, accident, death, personal injury, property damage or flight delay
Flight bookings are totally non refundable or transferable.
The accommodations are specified in the accomodation section of our website
All prices shown for accommodations are expressed in US dollars and per person
We reserve the right to offer an alternative accommodation of a similar standard in the case the accommodation specified in our web site is overbooked or for any reason beyond our control. No changes will be made after payment
Important note: All accommodations within Peru will require you to show your passport and let them make a photocopy of it in order to check you in. This is a requirement for government and taxes purposes
We highly recommend you have adequate travel insurance for your trip. In order to obtain a quote please click HERE
Certain itineraries may include activities that present challenges that are not suitable for passengers with special needs
We strongly recommend that guests requiring assistance be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for, providing assistance
Please let us know if special assistance is required
We will make every effort to accommodate special requests, such as smoking, adjacent or connecting rooms, bed size, dietary needs or any other special request
These terms and conditions, those contained in the Cultural Immersion S.R.L. website and the pre-departure materials constitute an agreement between all parties involved.
Send us an E-mail: info@culturalimmersion.org, info@citravelperu.com
Call us: PERU +51 (084) 225183 - USA +1 801 386 7277
477 San Andres Street Cusco
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