Road Scholar : Home
Discovering Machu Picchu and the Galapagos

Program Number: 20974RJ
Start and End Dates:
10/6/2013 - 10/20/2013; 11/3/2013 - 11/17/2013; 12/1/2013 - 12/14/2013;
Duration: 13 nights
Location: Galapagos Islands/Ecuador/Peru
Price starting at: $7,199.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Small Ship Cruising Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 35; 12 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 11 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

In this amazing South American adventure, walk in the footsteps of the ancient Inca as you experience the history of Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and other notable Incan sites in Cuzco. Then, board the National Geographic Endeavour for a journey that introduces the virtually pristine habitats and incredible wildlife of the Galapagos Islands.




Activity Particulars

Shore excursions involve a good deal of walking on rocky trails, often on uneven and slippery terrain. Consider the effect elevation may have on your ability.



Please note that the following itinerary is a representative sample of the islands that you may visit during your week on board. The exact routing depends on the Galapagos Islands National Park Service.



Itinerary At-a-Glance

Urubamba (Peru) Sacred Valley, 2 nights; Cuzco, 2 nights; Guayaquil (Ecuador), 1 night; embark National Geographic Endeavour, 7 nights.



Days 1-3: Arrival Cuzco (Peru) / coach to the Sacred Valley:

Enjoy a lecture by Professor Jean Jacques Decoster followed by a private half-day exploration of the town of Ollantaytambo. Visit the fortress of Ollantaytambo, one of the few Incan sites not built over by the Spanish. Lodging: Four-star hotel.



Days 4-5: Train to Machu Picchu and Cuzco:

Spend a day exploring the ancient ceremonial city of Machu Picchu, rediscovered by the outside world just 100 years ago. Walk along the city ruins of Sacsayhuaman and the Plaza de Armas of Cuzco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lodging: Comfortable hotel.



Day 6: Flight to Guayaquil (Ecuador):

Arrive in Guayaquil and enjoy an afternoon off to rest and explore on your own. Lodging: Resort hotel near airport.



Days 7: Flight to Galapagos Islands / San Cristobal / embark National Geographic Endeavour:

San Cristobal is a wonderful introduction to the Galápagos. Wet landing on a green, olivine beach for a hike and spectacular scenery - tuff stone cliffs created by sea and wind. Zodiac rides along the coastline reveal blue-footed and red-footed boobies



Day 8: Española:

Explore Española, home to Darwin’s finches, Hood Mockingbirds, and Blue-footed Boobies. See marine iguanas, which develop vivid green and red coloration from their food, coastal seaweed that blooms in iguana mating season.



Day 9: Floreana Island:

Snorkel in Champion Islet, a wonderful snorkeling site home to a large colony of sea lions, and walk on Floreana’s pristine white-sand beach, a favorite nesting site for sea turtles.



Day 10: Santa Cruz Island:

See the local culture and learn about the conservation efforts made by the scientists of the Charles Darwin Research Station. Explore completely different highland ecosystems, where giant tortoises and various Darwin finch species forage among the greenery.



Day 11: Dragon Hill and Guy Fawkes/El Eden and Daphne Major (Santa Cruz Island):

Today you will hike through giant cactus and incense tree forests to reach Dragon Hill, the habitat of the colorful Santa Cruz land iguanas that have been brought back from the brink of extinction. Later you will have the opportunity to snorkel along the steep, invertebrate-coated walls of the islets of Guy Fawkes.



Day 12: Bartolomé and Santiago Islands:

On Bartolomé, discover enchanting landscape where lava, mangroves and golden sand converge. Search the pools and caverns of Santiago for Galápagos Fur Seals, sea lions, and Sally Lightfoot crabs.



Day 13: Genovesa Island:

On our last full day in the enchanted islands we visit Genovesa Island, the crown jewel of the archipelago. The island has the largest populations of red-footed boobies in the world. We’ll also encounter Frigate birds and nesting Nazca boobies. Enjoy nature hikes, deep-water snorkeling and kayaking at Darwin’s Bay and Prince Philips.



Days 14-15:

Disembark Baltra Island / flight to Guayaquil / departure:



National Geographic Endeavour

This premier expedition ship is operated by a company dedicated to environmental conservation. It is fully stabilized, ensuring its 96 passengers smooth passage from one island to the next. Complimentary wetsuits and snorkeling gear are provided for your use and a fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks and a glass-bottom boat bring you closer to shore. Public areas include a lounge, library, fitness center, sauna and pool.
Meals and Lodgings
   Inkallpa Valle Sagrado
  The Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru 2 nights
   Casa Andina Classic-Cusco Plaza
  Aguas Calientes, Peru
Cuzco, Peru		 2 nights
   Hilton Colon Guayaquil
  Guayaquil, Ecuador 1 night
   National Geographic Endeavour
  Galapagos Islands, Ecuador 7 nights
 Inkallpa Valle Sagrado
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: Hotel Inkallpa is surrounded by mountains and silence; it gives you the feeling of being very far away from civilization. Running through the green fields is a small river with fountains and waterfalls. If you come at the right time the fruit trees are in bloom and you can pick your very own fresh peaches, raspberries and few other fruit that grow on the property. At the end of your day you can return to the hotel and we recommended you request a message before returning to your room and enjoying the beautiful sunset that falls over Sacred Valley with a glass of wine. Situated only 20 minutes from the Ollantaytambo train station, from here you can take the train that leaves to Machupicchu.
  Ship Information: n/a
  Contact info: Cuarto Paradero del Centro Poblado
Cuarto Paradero del Centro Poblado
Urubamba,   Peru
phone: +5112754103
web: www.hotel-inkallpa.com
  Room amenities: Balcony, Electric Razor Plug-in, Hair dryer - in room, Room Safe, Sofa/Lounge Chairs, Table Lamp, Telephone - Local Only, Toiletries, Wardrobe, Welcome Drink, Bathroom-Private: Shower only Description: All rooms are spacious and are equipped with a king-size bed or two twin beds. The rooms on the second floor have a wooden floor and a balcony, where the rooms on the first floor are carpeted and have a terrace
  Facility amenities: Facilities: * Internet available onsite * Laundry Service available * Meeting Room * Indoor Spa Facilites * Meditation centre Services: * Arrival/departure point transfers (Extra charge) * Daily Housekeeping * Cultural Orientation Recreation: * Board/Leisure Games * Cultural Visits/Tours * Massage Languages Spoken: * English * Spanish
  Smoking allowed: Yes

 Casa Andina Classic-Cusco Plaza
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Perfectly convenient: under the colonial arcades of stately Plaza Regocijo & around the corner from Cusco’s beautiful Plaza de Armas. Guests of this hotel can’t get much closer to the restaurants, bars, and shops that mark the Plaza de Armas of Cusco. The hotel is a 10-minute taxi ride from the Cusco airport and 5-minute taxi from Cusco’s train & bus stations.
  Contact info: Portal E Spinar 142
Cusco,   Peru
phone: +51 84 23 1733
web: www.casa-andina.com/peru/hotels/cusco-hotels/classic-cusco-plaza/hotel.php
  Room amenities: In room safe, cable TV, Free high speed wi-fi internet access, direct dial telephone, hairdryer
  Facility amenities: Restaurant, oxygen available upon request at the reception desk, free high-speed Wi-Fi Internet access throughout hotel,small Internet Centers with free high-speed Internet access, ATM machine, laundry service, foreign currency exchange,
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Hilton Colon Guayaquil
Type: Hotel
  Description: Elegance, comfort, security and personalized service are just some of the characteristics that make Hilton Colón Guayaquil, a real five-star city resort hotel. The splendid building is located only five minutes away from José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport and dominates the city's new booming commercial and financial zone in Ecuador. Our hotel is surrounded by the main shopping centers and offers easy access to the downtown district area.
  Contact info: Av. Francisco de Orellana Mz. 111,
Guayaquil,   Ecuador
phone: +593-4-2689000
  Room amenities: All of our rooms have A/C with individual control, plasma TVs with cable system, modern work area with three phone sets, answer machine, broadband and wireless internet, hair dryer, mini bar, safe, soundproof windows, sprinklers and smoke detectors.
  Facility amenities: 294 fully renovated rooms Five restaurants and two bars Room service available 24-hours Business center Refurbished meeting rooms, congress, and convention facilities with capacity up to 1800 people Renovated outdoor pool and fitness area with a health spa
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 National Geographic Endeavour
Type: Cruise Ship
  Description: Don’t let her accommodating public and private spaces, the posh quiet and rich collection of books in her Library, or the lavish observation space on her decks fool you — the National Geographic Endeavour is an expedition ship, designed for discovery and active exploration, not just passing-by. The National Geographic Endeavour heads out equipped with a fleet of Zodiacs, enabling us to make landfall in all the remote and riveting locations that beckon! We offer kayaking opportunities wherever possible and frequent walks or hikes. We can set a pace for more demanding walkers and simultaneously provide a rewarding experience for strollers, too. There’s no age limit to our adventurous opportunities — anyone who feels fit and is interested is welcome to participate. And because navigation is an underlying theme, our “Open Bridge” policy will provide you with one of the more gratifying memories of the many you’ll make. The spontaneity and flexibility that characterizes our expedition style means there is literally something new to experience and enjoy daily.
  Ship Information: Registry: Ecuador Public Areas: Ship is fully air-conditioned. Covered deck with chairs and tables; Doctor's Office; Fitness Center; Global Gallery; LEXspa; Library; Lounge with full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows and presentations; Sauna and small Swimming Pool. Capacity: 96 guests Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with Ecuadorian flair. Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes. Each has private facilities and climate controls. Expedition Equipment: Glass-bottom boat, hydrophone, kayaks, snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, and Zodiac landing craft. Special Features: Guest internet access and laundry service. A ship's doctor, Undersea Specialist, and Video Chronicler are also onboard. Wellness: The vessel is staffed by a Wellness Specialist and features an outdoor stretching area and a floating massage platform.
  Contact info: N/A
N/a,   Ecuador
phone: + n/a
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
This program begins in the early evening with the program orientation followed by dinner at the hotel. You will be staying at Inkallpa Valle Sagrado that night.
  End of Program:
This program ends after breakfast on board the Endeavor with departures to the airport in the early afternoon. You will be staying at National Geographic Endeavour the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, please consult the Ecuadorian consulate or embassy nearest you for visa requirments to enter Ecuador. If a visa is required, you are responsable for obtaining it.
  Parking availability:
We do not recommned driving to this program.
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
To Start of Program
  Location:  The Sacred Valley of the Incas
  Nearest city or town:  Cuzco
  Nearest airport:  CUZ
  Transportation to site: Hotel Inkallpa is situated in a village called Yanahuara, about 20 minutes from either Urubamba or Ollantaytambo and about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Cusco. All participants who arrange their air through Road Scholar and are traveling on the program dates will be transfered to the hotel in the Sacred Valley. This transfer is currently scheduled to depart the airport at approximately 12:00 noon (the exact time will be confirmed in the final program mailing, 5 weeks prior to departure). If you did not purchase your air through Road Scholar, you may join this group transfer as long as your flights arrive no later than 11:00am. You may have to wait at the airport for the group flight to arrive. The transfer to the Sacred Valley is approximately 1.5 hours from the airport. Program Only Participants (POP) who are unable to make the group transfer will be responsible for making their own way to the hotel.
  From End of Program
  Location:  Galapagos Islands
  Transportation from site: All participants will be transferred from the ship to the airport in Baltra for flights to mainland Ecuador, continuing on to the United States. When departing Ecuador, all guests will be required to pay an Ecuadorian Departure Tax. Those departing from Guayaquil will be charged $25.00 (subject to change). All fees are in U.S. dollars and must be paid at the airport prior to clearing immigration .
Elevation Note: Cusco Peru is located at 11,152 ft (3,399 meters) above sea level.

Equipment Requirements: Binoculars are highly recommended. Snorkeling equipment will be provided, but participants may want to bring their own.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: US Departures
(Sunday, December 1)
   
 Depart From: Flights depart the US for Cusco, Peru

Day 2: Arrive in Cuzco, Peru
(Monday, December 2)
   
 Morning: Flights arrive in Cuzco, via Lima, Peru. Transfer 1.5 hours to the Sacred Valley.
 Lunch: Lunch will be served upon arrival
 Afternoon: Unpack your belongings and relax before meeting your Study Leader for the program orientation
 Dinner: Welcome dinner at the hotel
   
Accommodations: Inkallpa Valle Sagrado
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Sacred Valley
(Tuesday, December 3)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Lecture at the hotel with Professor Jean Jacque Decoster: The Rise and Fall of the Incan Empire.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant
 Afternoon: Visit Ollantaytambo fortress, one of the few Incan sites that was not built over by the Spanish, maintaining it's original layout. Learn about the history of Ollantaytambo as the site of one of the greatest Inca victories against the Spanish. The site, which overlooks the historic community of Ollantaytambo itself, was predominately a temple.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel
   
Accommodations: Inkallpa Valle Sagrado
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Sacred Valley / Train to Aguas Calientes
(Wednesday, December 4)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: This morning board the train for Machu Picchu. Visit Machu Picchu, the most iconic site of the Inca World, and a great renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. With your guide, visit this ancient ceremonial city, explore the agricultural and urban sides of Machu Picchu and learn the history of the Incan abandonment of the city and its construction during Spanish conquest in the sixteenth century.
 Lunch: Lunch at Sanctuary Lodge
 Afternoon: Take the afternoon train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco. Transfer to the hotel in Cusco.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel
   
Accommodations: Casa Andina Classic-Cusco Plaza
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Machu Picchu
(Thursday, December 5)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Walk the Plaza de Armas of Cusco- the capital city of the Incas and now itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Observe the layers of history where colonial architecture rests atop Incan foundations.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant
 Afternoon: Visit above the city the ruins of Sacsayhuaman (a steep 15 minute walk from the Plaza- taxis are available). Large stones seamlessly built into walls and terraces provide views of the valley to the Southeast and once formed a protective fortress guarding the city.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel
   
Accommodations: Casa Andina Classic-Cusco Plaza
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Cusco / Fly to Guayaquil, Ecuador
(Friday, December 6)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Early morning transfer to the airport for flights to Guayaquil, Ecuador
 Lunch: Lunch at the hotel.
 Afternoon: Free afternoon to relax.
   
Accommodations: Hilton Colon Guayaquil
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Fly Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands / Board the National Geographic Endeavour
(Saturday, December 7)

Note: The exact routing for this cruise will depend upon the National Park Service of the Galapagos and local conditions. The published itinerary is a representation of a typical Galapagos itinerary, however the order of the islands visited may vary.
   
 Breakfast: Early breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: After breakfast at the hotel this morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Upon your arrival, you will immediately embark the National Geographic Endeavour. Your airline tickets for the flights between Ecuador and the Galápagos are issued in Ecuador. PLEASE NOTE: Please remember that on the flight between Guayaquil and Galápagos, your checked luggage may be weighed and cannot exceed 40 pounds (per person). This regulation is not always enforced, but you should be prepared. You may leave behind excess luggage at the Hotel Hilton Colon in Guayaquil. You can collect this luggage when you return to Guayaquil at the end of the voyage
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: You will have time for lunch and to settle into your cabins before arriving at your first stop, Cerro Brujo. You may choose to swim or snorkel from the lovely white sand beach, enjoy the first kayaking opportunity of the expedition or just stroll along the shore looking for marine iguanas and sea lions.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: National Geographic Endeavour
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Galapagos Islands: Espanola
(Sunday, December 8)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Although the itinerary is fixed, the activities in the Galapagos will be kept flexible, allowing you to take the best advantage of your time in the region. The following stops are planned for your voyage: Today you are scheduled to stop and Explore ESPANOLA: Española is home to Darwin’s finches, Hood mockingbirds, and blue-footed boobies. You’ll also see Española marine iguanas, which develop vivid green and red coloration from their food, coastal seaweed that blooms in iguana-mating season.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Galapagos Islands exploration continues.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: National Geographic Endeavour
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Galapagos Islands: Floreana
(Monday, December 9)
   
 Breakfast: Brakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Although the itinerary is fixed, the activities in the Galapagos will be kept flexible, allowing you to take the best advantage of your time in the region. The following stops are planned for your voyage: Today you are scheduled to explore FLOREANA: Floreana's Champion Islet, just off the eastern shore of Floreana, is a wonderful snorkeling site and home to a large colony of sea lions. You may hike to a pristine white-sand beach, a favorite nesting site for sea turtles. You can take a zodiac ride to Post Office Bay – tradition states that if you find a letter there addressed to your hometown, you must take it home with you and hand-deliver it to its recipien
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Galapagos Islands exploration continues.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: National Geographic Endeavour
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Galapagos Islands: Santa Cruz
(Tuesday, December 10)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Although the itinerary is fixed, the activities in the Galapagos will be kept flexible, allowing you to take the best advantage of your time in the region. The following stops are planned for your voyage: Today you are scheduled to explore FLOREANA: Floreana's Champion Islet, just off the eastern shore of Floreana, is a wonderful snorkeling site and home to a large colony of sea lions. You may hike to a pristine white-sand beach, a favorite nesting site for sea turtles. You can take a zodiac ride to Post Office Bay – tradition states that if you find a letter there addressed to your hometown, you must take it home with you and hand-deliver it to its recipien
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Galapagos Islands exploration continues.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: National Geographic Endeavour
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Galapagos Islands:Dragon Hill and Guy Fawkes/El Eden and Daphne Major
(Wednesday, December 11)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Although the itinerary is fixed, the activities in the Galapagos will be kept flexible, allowing you to take the best advantage of your time in the region. The following stops are planned for your voyage: Today you are scheduled to explore SANTA CRUZ: Today you will hike through giant cactus and incense tree forests to reach Dragon Hill, the habitat of the colorful Santa Cruz land iguanas that have been brought back from the brink of extinction. Later you will have the opportunity to snorkel along the steep, invertebrate-coated walls of the islets of Guy Fawkes. You will learn about the ground-breaking research of scientists Peter and Rosemary Grant into Natural Selection among the finches of Daphne Major as the ship circumnavigates the famous islet.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Continue Santa Cruz exploration.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: National Geographic Endeavour
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Galapagos Islands: Bartolome and Santiago
(Thursday, December 12)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: Although the itinerary is fixed, the activities in the Galapagos will be kept flexible, allowing you to take the best advantage of our time in the region. The following stops are planned for your voyage: In the morning you are scheduled to stop in BARTOLOME: This morning you will visit Bartolomé, an enchanting landscape where lava, mangroves and golden sand converge. You will have the opportunity for an early morning hike to the summit of the cone, with stunning views of the famous Pinnacle Rock and the surrounding volcanic landscape. Later in the morning, you will enjoy some wonderful snorkeling from the beach, where you might encounter sea lions, small reef sharks and even Galápagos penguins
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: In the afternoon you will continue to explore some of the small islets just off the coast of Santiago Island, this time a small volcano called “Sombrero Chino”, due to its resemblance to a Chinese hat. The stark lava flows form tubes and caves that are an important nesting area for Galápagos penguins, and the waters bathing the shore are rich in fish life. Options include time ashore, deep-water snorkeling and Zodiac rides to take in the other-worldly landscapes
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: National Geographic Endeavour
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Galapagos Islands: Genovesa
(Friday, December 13)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: In the afternoon you will continue to explore some of the small islets just off the coast of Santiago Island, this time a small volcano called “Sombrero Chino”, due to its resemblance to a Chinese hat. The stark lava flows form tubes and caves that are an important nesting area for Galápagos penguins, and the waters bathing the shore are rich in fish life. Options include time ashore, deep-water snorkeling and Zodiac rides to take in the other-worldly landscapes
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: This afternoon continue your Galapagos Islands exploration of Genovesa Island
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: National Geographic Endeavour
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Galapagos/ Departures
(Saturday, December 14)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Morning transfer from the ship to the airport in Baltra for return flights to North America
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 15: Flights arrive in the U.S.
(Sunday, December 15)
   
 Morning: Flights from Ecuador arrive in the U.S.
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Peru


Author: Clive Byers


Description: A handy shirt pocket guide.



Art of the Andes, from Chavin to Inca


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Description: This authoritative and concise illustrated survey of Andean art and architecture covers not only Machu Picchu and additional Inca monuments, but also Chan Chan, Nasca and other archaeological sites and cultures.



Birds, Mammals and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands


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Description: This strikingly compact, comprehensive field guide features 500 color photographs, distribution maps and information on status, habitat and behavior.



Cloud Forest, A Chronicle of the South American Wilderness


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Description: Matthiessen recounts with wit, insight and style his odyssey to the Amazon and Andes, including Machu Picchu and Tierra del Fuego.



Conquest of the Incas


Author: John Hemming


Description: This classic prize-winning history of the Inca struggle against the Spanish invasion weaves wide-ranging, scholarly material in to a gripping narrative.



Evolution's Workshop


Author: Edward J. Larson


Description: A vivid history of the Galapagos and the role of the islands as a crucible of evolutionary ideas, written by a Pulitzer Prize winner. Along with Darwin, it covers the discovery of the islands, the visits of Hancock and Beebe, the influence of the United States during WWII and the establishment of the national park.



Galapagos Islands Map


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Galapagos Wildlife


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Galapagos Wildlife, A Visitor's Guide


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Galapagos, A Natural History


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Galapagos, A Natural History


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Description: A lively, compact natural history of the islands and their role in evolutionary thought. It's a wide-ranging overview that features chapters on human history, geology, setting, Darwin, tortoises, reptiles, birds, and sea creatures.



Galapagos, A Novel


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Galapagos, Exploring Darwin's Tapestry


Author: John Hess


Description: Professor Hess pulls off the rare trick of being both scientifically accurate and inviting in this illustrated coffee-table primer on Galapagos, its geology, evolution and magnificent wildlife.



Galapagos, Islands Born of Fire


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Description: Author, naturalist, photographer and friend Tui de Roy's original stunning celebration of the landscapes, wildlife and habitats of the archipelago, out in a 10th anniversary edition.



Galapagos, World's End


Author: William Beebe


Description: This wry, wonderfully evocative account of a 1924 scientific expedition includes an excellent chapter on the human history of the Galapagos.



Inca Trail: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cusco Map


Author: Lima 2000


Description: This fact-filed map shows the whole of the Sacred Valley from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu on one side and, on the reverse, the area surrounding the sanctuary in splendid, topographic detail (1:50,000) . It's the best map for those making the trek from kilometer 88 to the site and an excellent choice for those exploring by bus or train.



Insight Guide Peru


Author: Insight Guides


Description: Panoramic in scope, this illustrated overview brings Peru to life in hundreds of color photographs and vivid essays by a team of experts writing on history, archaeology and culture.



Lost City of the Incas


Author: Hiram Bingham


Description: This first-rate adventure story by the man who brought Machu Picchu to the attention of the world 100 years ago is not just a gripping tale of exploration and archaeology, it also sets the scene for any visitor to the site. Hugh Thomson (A Sacred Landscape, The Search for Ancient Peru) provides the introduction to this Centenary Edition.



Machu Picchu, Unveiling the Mystery of the Incas


Author: Richard L. Burger (Editor), Lucy C. Salazar (Editor)


Description: Burger and Salazar vividly evoke the art, architecture, culture and society of Machu Picchu in this illustrated, up-to-date survey. With Hiram Bingham's original report, archival and modern photographs -- and excellent chapters on recent archaeology at the site.



Peruvian Wildlife


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Description: Written by resident bird legend Barry Walker and two colleagues, this compact photo guide introduces the habitats, plants, birds and animals of the Central Andes.



Stone Offerings


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Description: Torrey captures the dramatic setting, solitude and intricate construction of the Inca site of Machu Picchu in 100 striking color photographs, taken over a few days at summer and winter solstice.



The Beak of the Finch


Author: Jonathan Weiner


Description: This Pulitzer Prize-winning work is an accessible look at the modern debate on the mode and rhythm of evolution, using the story of Peter and Rosemary Grant and their field work on Daphne Major as an example.



The Heights of Machu Picchu


Author: Pablo Neruda, Nathaniel Tarn (Translator)


Description: Machu Picchu and the Inca civilization inspired this celebrated epic hymn to the Americas by the great Pablo Neruda. Bilingual edition.



The Inca Trail, Cuzco & Machu Picchu


Author: Alexander Stewart


Description: With an excellent overview of culture and history, and chapters on exploring Cuzco, Lima and Machu Picchu.



The Incas


Author: Carmen Bernard, Paul Bahn (Translator)


Description: Featuring hundreds of archival drawings and photographs, a chronology and chapters on Atahualpa, the Conquistadors and Hiram Bingham, this handy book (previously published as "People of the Sun") illuminates the daily life, monuments and history of the Inca.



The Machu Picchu Guidebook


Author: Ruth M. Wright, Alfredo Valencia Zegarra


Description: With maps and site plans, a section on new discoveries, a wildlife section and a fold-out full color painting of the city as it may have looked during a solstice celebration in 1530.



Voyage of the Beagle


Author: Charles Darwin


Description: The wide-eyed tale of a young man on a five-year voyage that changed his life -- and our way of thinking about the world. First published in 1839, it's still a marvelous introduction to the wildlife, nature and allure of South America.





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