Adventure Life Journeys

Day 1: Arrive Lima
Overnight.

Day 2: Fly Cusco
Called the Navel of the Earth by the local inhabitants, Quechua Indians fill the streets and markets of this once great capital. This afternoon we tour the city and the surrounding ruins, including the enormous citadel of Sacsayhuam n and the most sacred Temple of the Sun.

Day 3: Sacred Valley
The Inca terracing of Pisac rises a thousand feet from the valley below to the ruined temples high in the mountains above. We visit the Pisac market for local tapestries, and take a two-hour walk through the countryside near the village of Moray. Tonight, relax and sip wine in front of a fire beneath the ruins of Ollantaytambo.

Day 4: Train to Machu Picchu
We arrive at Machu Picchu by noon to spend the day exploring the ruins. Our guide will talk about the Temple of the Sun, the Andean cross, and the series of staggered fountains. This evening, dine on local trout and relax in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes.

Day 5: Free Day at Machu Picchu
As the sun rises over the mountains, we have nearly an hour to listen to the spirits of the city's past inhabitant before the hikers from the Inca Trail arrive. Explore the ruins on your own today. Return to Cusco in the late afternoon.

Day 6: Free day to shop and explore Cusco
Bargain over the finest Andean weavings or go river rafting on class III and IV rivers. The choice is yours today! Tonight, dance to the Latin rhythms of Cusco's clubs and toast to our great friends. The Navel of the World offers something for everyone!

Day 7: Fly Lima. Fly Quito.
Overnight.

Day 8: Galapagos (D)
An early morning flight from Quito brings you to the Galapagos Archipelago. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to our yacht # your home for the next four nights. This afternoon we head to our first island and the beginning of a week filled with mysteries of the natural world.

Day 9-11: Galapagos (B, L, D daily)
We visit four to five islands during our unforgettable voyage. Each day we leave the comfort of our yacht and go ashore in our panga (the local word for dinghies, Zodiacs etc.) to remote areas of the islands for natural history walks through the Galapagos#s unique ecology. This is everyone#s chance to photograph strange marine iguanas, snorkel with playful sea lions, and just wonder at the strange landscape of ancient volcanic turmoil. Except for a few settlements, the entire archipelago is national park, and the beaches and meandering footpaths invite relaxation and fanciful dreams.

Day 12: Galapagos to Quito (B)
This morning we visit one last island and say goodbye to Darwin#s inspiration. In the afternoon, transfer back to the airport for your flight back to Quito. Overnight in Quito.

Day 13: Return Home

Freedom and Travel
The freedom of independent travel, with the security of a group is the key to our adventures. We respect our travelers as individuals and don't try to second-guess their tastes and interests. Once we've reached the day's destination, explore the city and country-side however you wish. Rent a bike, go horseback riding, or just wander aound the market. Our guides are available to be with you as much or as little as you want.
Transportation
The assorment of transportation we use is flexible and exciting and makes life much more interesting than a traditional bus tour. Expect to sit next to a campesino on his way to market or a student from Quito on her way to Banos for a weekend of hiking. This grassroots approach to travel means that if a delayed bus or broken down van upsets you, then maybe this isn't the trip for you.
Group Dynamics
To minimize cultural and ecological impact and maintain an intimate experience, tours are usually limited to 12 travelers. Our average group size is 8, and we like it this way as we can give our travelers the very best cultural experience and increase our chances of seeing wildlife. Trip leaders are fluent in English and Spanish and often hold university degrees in anthropology, biology, or another relevant discipline. Your trip leader takes care of transportation and accommodations, and he can suggest the best museums, cafes, clubs and excursions. Trip leaders are there to help as much or as little as needed.

Food
In remote areas we provide the food, but in town meals aren't included. We do, however, know the best places to eat and are here to help satisfy your palate. Adventure Life tours give a person the chance to taste what independent travel is all about!
Accommodations and Travel
Adventure Life Journeys strive to discover local culture, ecology and life. We do this by utilizing an assortment of transportation, such as dugout canoes, vintage buses, jeeps and trains. Sometimes we stay in a charming bed and breakfast, other times it's a family farm or historic hacienda, and then there's the jungle cabanas.