Wonders of the Galapagos & Peru 04 Feb, 2025

Escorted Touring / Ecuador

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Amazing Experience

Overview

Trip Overview

This 11-day South American vacation takes you to Guayaquil and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador before exploring Lima and the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru. It features first-class and moderate accommodations, shared tours, and is an ideal pairing of some of South America’s most popular destinations.

Your journey begins with a breif stop in mainland Ecuador, before boarding a flight to the Galapagos Islands. After landing on Baltra, you’ll connect to your camp in the Santa Cruz highlands, where you’ll share the hillside with giant tortoises and enjoy stunning views of the colourful sunsets off the island. While in the Galapagos Islands, you’ll spend a few days following in Darwin's footsteps and exploring the biodiverse playground full of blue-footed boobies, inquisitive sea lions, and centuries old giant tortoises. One day, go sightseeing on a motor yacht, snorkelling through the waters and visiting Santa Fe Island, home to land iguanas that feed off the island’s prickly pear cactuses. The next day, explore La Loberia, named after its sea lion colony, and venture through the Untel del Amor, where you can share the waters with white-tipped reef sharks. You’ll also have time to hang out in the village of Puerto Ayora, visit Tortuga Bay, or learn about animal conservation at the Charles Darwin Research Station.

From Baltra, fly back to the mainland and connect to Lima, the capital of Peru and South America’s gastronomical capital. You’ll have a day to explore the city, starting in the cosmopolitan districts of Miraflores and San Isidro, where you’ll see a pre-Inca pyramid and enjoy the views off the coastal cliffs. Continue to Lima District, where you’ll explore Peru’s colonial history at the Presidential Palace and Archbishop’s Palace.

From Lima, fly to Cusco in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you’ll have the rest of the day at leisure to acclimate to the high altitude. The next day, descend into the valley to visit the PARWA Center in Chinchero, explore the town’s Inca ruins, admire the views from Racchi Viewpoint, and summit the fortress of Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, you’ll ride the train to Aguas Calientes, located at the foot of Machu Picchu Mountain. Spend the night and rise early the next day to ride the bus up the mountain to visit Macchu Picchu, the Lost Citadel of the Incas for yourself. Tour the mountaintop Incan ruins and learn about the history of this lost settlement that wasn’t discovered by the broader world until 1911. After soaking in the magic of this historic location, you’ll descend the mountain, ride the train to Ollantaytambo, and then connect back to Cusco. In Cusco, you’ll have another day to explore the former capital of the Inca Empire. Visit some of the colonial churches around the Plaza de Armas and hike up the fortress ruins of Sacsayhuaman, which overlook the entire city.

At the end of your stay, you’ll head to the airport to connect to your onward destination.

Highlights

Departures

From: Quito:
2025: January 7; February 4; March 4; April 1 & 29; May 20; June 3 & 24; July 8 & 29;
August 26; September 30; November 4; December 2

 

Trip Includes

  • 10 nights in first-class accommodations
  • Local English-speaking guides in each locality
  • Visit to Giant Tortoise Reserve
  • Small group tour to la Loberia Island (max 16 guests)
  • Small group yacht excursion (max 16 guests)
  • Small group tour of Modern & Colonial Lima (max 16 guests)
  • Small group tour to Maras, Raqchi viewpoint, Misminay community, and Moray (max 16 guests)
  • Small group tour of Machu Picchu (max 16 guests)
  • Train service between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes
  • Transfers between Cusco and the Sacred Valley
  • Breakfast daily (excluding day 1), 3 lunches, 1 dinner

 

Trip Excludes

  • Travel insurance
  • International, domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
  • Gratuities
  • Optional excursions
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Visa fees, if applicable

Summary

Terms and Conditions

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please enquire.,

Upon arrival to Quito, you will be picked up and transferred to the nearby airport hotel. Here, a trip representative will present you with a documentation kit including detailed program information, help with your luggage, and assist with hotel registration.

Wyndham Quito Airport

Offering a terrace and spa centre, Wyndham Quito Airport is located in the Quito airport and 23 miles from downtown. The perfect choice when connecting to the Galapagos, the Amazon, the coast or Cuenca.

Wyndham Quito Airport

Following breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport and board a flight to the Galapagos Islands (included), landing at Baltra Airport. Baltra Island, the gateway to the Galapagos, was a military base during World War II and hosts the archipelago's principal airport. The airport was built using the most advanced environmental techniques to reduce emissions and energy use, some of which you'll notice as you transit through the facility. After leaving the airport, you'll board a ferry and dash over to nearby Santa Cruz Island, then transfer to the highlands, where you will tour a reserve that is host to giant tortoises and lava tunnels. Marvel at the celebrated Giant Galapagos Tortoise, and optionally visit a natural lava tunnel or the twin pit craters known as “The Gemelos”. These twin craters are found in the Scalezia zone of the Island, which is a great place for bird watching, especially for those aiming to spot Darwin Finches, Galapagos Doves and Cattle egrets. After touring the highlands, you will be transferred to your hotel in Puerto Ayora.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner

 

Ikala Hotel

The brand new Ikala Hotel was built with a focus on sustainability and protecting the environment. The hotel is protected from the strong Galapagos sun by the surrounding beautiful trees and gardens giving to the whole ambiance a natural freshness. The hot water for the showers is entirely heated by solar energy and the garden's lighting is also provided by photovoltaic solar panels. The hotel features a lovely swimming pool, bar area, and a beautiful terrace located on top of the main building, where you can find the restaurant and resting area. The terrace has an incredible view to the Puerto Ayora harbor.

Ikala Hotel

After enjoying breakfast, get set to join a shared half-day exploration of the bay of Puerto Ayora. Beginning at the main dock, the tour begins with a quick 10-minute navigation to La Loberia Island, which is named after a local colony of sea lions. This small island is a great place to snorkel among sea turtles, an impressive array of colorful fish, and the ever friendly and naturally inquisitive sea lions. After snorkeling, your next stop comes after a hike that brings you to the Tunnel del Amor (Lover's Tunnel). If lucky, you may spot resting white-tip sharks from the nearby viewpoint. On the way back to the boat, you'll visit Punta Estrada's dock with an aim to spot the resident marine iguanas.

Meal

Breakfast

 

Ikala Hotel

The brand new Ikala Hotel was built with a focus on sustainability and protecting the environment. The hotel is protected from the strong Galapagos sun by the surrounding beautiful trees and gardens giving to the whole ambiance a natural freshness. The hot water for the showers is entirely heated by solar energy and the garden's lighting is also provided by photovoltaic solar panels. The hotel features a lovely swimming pool, bar area, and a beautiful terrace located on top of the main building, where you can find the restaurant and resting area. The terrace has an incredible view to the Puerto Ayora harbor.

Ikala Hotel

Following breakfast at your hotel, you'll be transferred to the pier to board a yacht and set out on an excursion with like-minded travelers. Following embarkation and a warm welcome from the crew and naturalist guide, kick back and experience a few remote islands in style. A safe and comfortable ride, the route changes based on local conditions and national park regulations, though you will likely visit one or more of the following islands: North Seymour and Bachas, South Plazas, Santa Fe, or Bartolome and Sullivan Bay. Later, after returning to land, you will return to Puerto Ayora to spend the night.

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

 

Ikala Hotel

The brand new Ikala Hotel was built with a focus on sustainability and protecting the environment. The hotel is protected from the strong Galapagos sun by the surrounding beautiful trees and gardens giving to the whole ambiance a natural freshness. The hot water for the showers is entirely heated by solar energy and the garden's lighting is also provided by photovoltaic solar panels. The hotel features a lovely swimming pool, bar area, and a beautiful terrace located on top of the main building, where you can find the restaurant and resting area. The terrace has an incredible view to the Puerto Ayora harbor.

Ikala Hotel

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Baltra Airport to begin your onward travels to Peru. You will first fly from the Galapagos to Guayaquil (included), then connect onto a separate flight with service to Lima (flight not included). Upon arrival to Lima, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel. Here, an awaiting trip representative will help with your luggage, and assist with hotel registration.

Meal

Breakfast

 

Iberostar Selection Miraflores

In the Miraflores neighborhood, one of the most fascinating and dynamic areas of the city, you can walk along the promenade that passes along the edge of a cliff like no other. From this extraordinary vantage point, the 5-star Iberostar Selection Miraflores hotel offers you a rooftop terrace with a pool and a glass-enclosed lounge bar, allowing you to enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean from the first hotel in Lima to be free of single-use plastic. In addition to the fitness center and spa with a sauna, you can visit our Ortega & Huamán and 27 Tapas restaurants, which offer a fusion of Peruvian and Spanish gastronomy created by renowned chef Carlos Testino.

Iberostar Selection Miraflores

Today, set out to learn about the two characters of Lima: the modern one, reflected in the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro; and this historic one, encapsulated in the historic center that was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Along the way, you will see how the old and modern coexist in buildings such as the Museum of Italian Art, Palace of Justice, the Museum of Lima and Plaza San Martin, among others. Discover the heart of Lima on foot, with the Main Square taking centerstage: this beautiful colonial square is certain worthy of photographs and is surrounded by emblematic buildings including the Government Palace, Cathedral and the Archbishops Palace. You will also have the opportunity to enter one of the most iconic ecclesiastical spaces in Lima, the Convent of Santo Domingo, which was declared to be the Cultural Heritage of Humanity and is host to the relics of three Peruvian saints: Santa Rosa de Lima, San Marin de Porres and San Juan Macias. An exploration of Lima is not complete without a visit to the outstanding Rafael Larco Herrera Museum, one of the most important in the country, and where you can explore a collection of nearly 45,000 pre-Hispanic pieces, especially those designed by the Moche. Standing out as one of the first the world to provide visitable storerooms and virtual access to its entire collection, you’re sure to be dazzled by the collection which includes jewelry, textiles, ceramics and the ‘erotic room’ which features pieces alluding to fertility.

Meal

Breakfast

 

Iberostar Selection Miraflores

In the Miraflores neighborhood, one of the most fascinating and dynamic areas of the city, you can walk along the promenade that passes along the edge of a cliff like no other. From this extraordinary vantage point, the 5-star Iberostar Selection Miraflores hotel offers you a rooftop terrace with a pool and a glass-enclosed lounge bar, allowing you to enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean from the first hotel in Lima to be free of single-use plastic. In addition to the fitness center and spa with a sauna, you can visit our Ortega & Huamán and 27 Tapas restaurants, which offer a fusion of Peruvian and Spanish gastronomy created by renowned chef Carlos Testino.

Iberostar Selection Miraflores

After breakfast and coinciding with your flight to Cusco, you will be transferred to Lima airport. Please note that domestic flights are not included in the program price, however, they can be added; please speak to your Destination Specialist. Once in Cusco, enjoy the charm of this beautiful colonial city that was built upon the remains of amazing Inca buildings. Not to miss: Temple of the Sun (Koricancha), the Cathedral, and the Inca Fortress of Sacsayhuaman. But please remember this afternoon is left at leisure to help you adjust to the elevation. Though an optional evening activity to visit the San Pedro Market and ruins can be arranged, consider a gentle pace today so that you are fully acclimatized by tomorrow when the adventure resumes in earnest. Please speak to your Destination Specialist for more information.

Meal

Breakfast

 

Casa Andina Premium Collection Cusco

Casa Andina Premium Collection Cusco is a beautifully renovated 18th-century manor house, just 3 blocks from Cusco's Plaza de Armas, replete with authentic colonial character. It offers the intimacy of a boutique hotel but the comforts and services of a much larger property. Several rooms in the original structure of the hotel feature surviving colonial frescoes unearthed during renovation.

Casa Andina Premium Collection Cusco

Today is dedicated to exploring three jewels of the Sacred Valley of the Incas: Maras, Moray and Misminay. From the top of Maras, you’ll enjoy a fantastic view of the salt mines, where the coveted Maras salt – some of the finest in the world – is collected. Here you will find nearly 3,000 pools that in Inca times were an important center for the imperial economy. Today, it continues to be a valuable source of income for hundreds of families. With stunning panoramic vistas of the mosaic of terraces and ponds, Maras offers the perfect setting for budding or experienced photography enthusiasts alike. Soon after, you’ll continue onward to the Moray archeological site, which resembles a natural amphitheater. During the Tahuantinsuyo, it functioned as a sort of laboratory and agricultural research center, according to several studies. Its enormous concentric terraces and the variety of microclimates they create allowed the growth of a variety of crops. Later in the day, you’ll visit the traditional community of Misminay, where you will enjoy a cultural exchange and get to know the traditional Andean lifestyle. The warm and inviting locals will welcome you with their music and dance, and then encourage you to participate in a few daily activities, typically surrounding planting, harvesting and textile work.

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

 

Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel y Villas

Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel y Villas is a mountain chalet-styled retreat with panoramic Andes views from every room and every angle; it breathes an air of tranquillity and relaxation. Unique among Sacred Valley hotels, it contains a full-service spa, a domed planetarium and observatory, and a gourmet restaurant and bar. The 85 inviting, spacious rooms overlook the property and extensive gardens, and feature either private balconies or sunny sitting areas. Located between Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, the hotel is perfectly positioned for easy access to the valley's abundant attractions and Machu Picchu.

Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel y Villas

Following another hearty breakfast at your hotel, attention turns toward the day's adventure, reaching iconic Machu Picchu. The journey begins with a transfer to nearby Ollantaytambo, where you will board a train with service to Aguas Calientes, found in the foothills of Machu Picchu (timetables are subject to confirmation). The train ride itself is quite picturesque and showcases much of the region's natural beauty. Upon arrival, you will make your way up to the mountain citadel via bus, then enjoy a guided tour of one of the most striking wonders of the world. Learn the history that surrounds this mysterious and enchanting place and hear stories of the incredible customs and impressive Incan architecture. Once the guided tour is over, you will descend the mountain and enjoy some free time in Aguas Calientes before settling in for lunch. After lunch, you will board the train once again to begin the return trip to Ollantaytambo, then transfer back to Cusco.

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

 

Casa Andina Premium Collection Cusco

Casa Andina Premium Collection Cusco is a beautifully renovated 18th-century manor house, just 3 blocks from Cusco's Plaza de Armas, replete with authentic colonial character. It offers the intimacy of a boutique hotel but the comforts and services of a much larger property. Several rooms in the original structure of the hotel feature surviving colonial frescoes unearthed during renovation.

Casa Andina Premium Collection Cusco

Settle in for breakfast at your hotel, while discussing plans for the day. Now that you are fully adjusted to the altitude, perhaps today you will wish to stroll at leisure through the historic and charming streets of Cusco, looking for handicrafts and souvenirs to bring home. Alternatively, consider joining an optional activity to tour the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, a challenging hike that requires an early start to the day, rewarding you will incredible multi-colored vistas as part of an 8-kilometer (5 mile) hike. Please speak to your Destination Specialist for more information.

Meal

Breakfast

 

Casa Andina Premium Collection Cusco

Casa Andina Premium Collection Cusco is a beautifully renovated 18th-century manor house, just 3 blocks from Cusco's Plaza de Armas, replete with authentic colonial character. It offers the intimacy of a boutique hotel but the comforts and services of a much larger property. Several rooms in the original structure of the hotel feature surviving colonial frescoes unearthed during renovation.

Casa Andina Premium Collection Cusco

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. At the scheduled time, and coinciding with your onward travel plans, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Lima. Kindly note that there are diverse flight options available to connect to your international flight.

Meal

Breakfast

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