Galapagos and Machu Picchu Peru

18 Days/17 Nights April - September Moderate

EXPEDITION OVERVIEW

Ecuador is a country that stretches across the equator on the west coast of South America. Its diverse landscapes include the Amazon rainforest, the high Andean areas and the Galapagos Islands of abundant fauna. On the slopes of the Andes, at an elevation of 2,850 m, Quito, its capital, is famous for its Spanish colonial center that has been preserved intact for a long time, with decorated palaces of the 16th and 17th century and religious sites, such as the ornate Church of the Society of Jesus.

The Galapagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago of the Pacific Ocean. It is known as one of the most famous destinations in the world for wildlife observation. It is a province of Ecuador and is located about 1,000 km from its coasts. Its isolated terrain houses a diversity of animal and plant species, many of them exclusive. Charles Darwin visited him in 1835 and his observation of the Galapagos species subsequently inspired his theory of evolution.

Peru is the country that can completely satisfy all human tastes, preferences and energy! The people there are extremely earthy, humble and kind - a mentality too close to the senses of much of humanity. It is unique to Peru - Nature, mysticism and unparalleled world cultural and historical heritage!

Lima is the capital: of Peru located on the arid Pacific coast of the country. Although its colonial center is preserved, it is an overflowing metropolis and one of the largest cities in South America. The Larco Museum houses a collection of pre-Columbian art and the Museum of the Nation traces the history of the ancient civilizations of Peru. The Plaza de Armas and the 16th century cathedral are the core of the old center of Lima.

Discover the natural wonders of the Galápagos: and the magnificent cultural treasures of Peru. Explore the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, hike to ruins in the Urubamba Valley, examine pre-Columbian artifacts at Lima's renowned Larco Herrera Museum, and witness the sunrise on magical Machu Picchu.

The highlights:

Walk and snorkel among the abundant and fearless wildlife of the Galápagos Islands.
See day break over the ruins at Machu Picchu from the fabled Sun Gate.
Discover the monumental ancient fortresses of the Sacred Valley of the Inca.
Take in the splendor of Cusco's architecture, a rich mix of Inca and Spanish colonial styles.

Discover the natural wonders of the Galápagos and the magnificent cultural treasures of Peru. Explore the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, hike to ruins in the Urubamba Valley, examine pre-Columbian artifacts at Lima's renowned Larco Herrera Museum, and witness the sunrise on magical Machu Picchu.
Join an unforgettable trip with us "Peru Expeditions Tours"

Travel Program

Itinerary:

Day 1: U.S./GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR
Day 2: GUAYAQUIL/GALÁPAGOS
Day 3-8: EXPLORING GALÁPAGOS
Day 9: GALÁPAGOS/GUAYAQUIL/LIMA, PERU
Day 10: CUSCO/SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCA
Day 11: SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCA
Day 12: SACRED VALLEY/MACHU PICCHU
Day 13: MACHU PICCHU/CUSCO
Day 14: CUSCO
Day 15: CUSCO/LIMA
Day 16: Transfer to airport of Arequipa - Flight to Lima capital
Day 17: Transfer to airport in Lima - Flight back to home
Day 18: Return flight - Arrival home

Detailed Program

Day 1: U.S./GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR
Depart for Guayaquil and upon arrival, transfer to our hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Hilton Colón or Hotel del Parque or similar
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (-/-/-)

Day 2: GUAYAQUIL/GALÁPAGOS
This morning, fly to the Galápagos Islands and board our comfortable expedition ship. During lunch, we begin our exploration of the islands.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3-8: EXPLORING GALÁPAGOS
Our expeditions travel between Baltra and San Cristóbal and include Santa Cruz and a selection of the other islands listed below. You will have the opportunity to go on nature walks with local naturalists; swim; snorkel; or explore the waters by kayak, glass-bottom boat (Endeavour II only), or Zodiac.

ISLA BARTOLOMÉ: Walk to the top of Bartolomé's volcanic cone for a stunning view of Pinnacle Rock and the surrounding white-sand beaches. You may also have the opportunity to swim with Galápagos penguins.

ISLA SANTIAGO: Follow a path along a series of tide pools and underwater caverns in search of Galápagos fur seals, marine iguanas, sea lions, and Sally Lightfoot crabs.

ISLA SANTA CRUZ: Visit the town of Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station. See endangered Galápagos giant tortoises at the captive breeding center run by the Galápagos National Park—and supported by the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund. Travel into the highlands to observe giant tortoises in the wild.

ISLA ISABELA: Spend time on the lookout for dolphins; whales; sea turtles; and the unusual sunfish, the mola. Explore caves and hidden lagoons by Zodiac, and snorkel among sea turtles.

ISLA FLOREANA: At Champion Islet, snorkel among sea lions, or peer into an underwater world in a glass-bottom boat (Endeavour II only) while keeping an eye out for the endangered Floreana mockingbird. Those interested can visit Post Office Bay—if you see a letter addressed to someone who lives near you, the tradition is to deliver it by hand.

ISLA FERNANDINA: Discover the marine iguana haven of Punta Espinoza as we hike over lava flows. Galápagos hawks and sea lion nurseries may also be also found as we explore this island.

ISLA ESPAÑOLA: See Darwin's finches, boobies, and waved albatross in this birder's paradise. Walk among vivid green and red marine iguanas, and observe sea lions up close on a pristine white-sand beach.

ISLA GENOVESA: Sail across the equator to this far-flung island in the northern realm of the Galápagos, and snorkel among parrotfish in warmer tropical waters. Climb Prince Philip’s steps, ride Zodiacs in search of fur seals, and kayak along the horseshoe-shaped caldera.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Daily

Day 9: GALÁPAGOS/GUAYAQUIL/LIMA, PERU
Depart the Galápagos this morning and fly to Lima, Peru via Guayaquil, arriving in the early evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel

Day 10: CUSCO/SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCA
Fly from Lima to Cusco this morning and drive to the Inca site of Moray—believed to have been an agricultural laboratory where priests would test soils and crops. After a private lunch near the site, stop at the colorful local market in Urubamba.
Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Sol y Luna

Day 11: SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCA
After breakfast,region of Vilcabamba, Peru, finding and exploring the previously unknown Inca and pre-Inca site of travel further into the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo and explore the massive stone fortress where the Inca won their greatest victory against the conquistadors. Visit the family-owned hacienda Casa Orihuela for lunch, then see the family's private museum filled with colonial artwork, and witness the delicate dance of paso horses during a presentation of traditional horsemanship. Back at the lodge. Learn about her ancient craft and watch a weaving demonstration. Gather for a captivating performance of folkloric stilt dancing tonight.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Sol y Luna

Day 12: SACRED VALLEY/MACHU PICCHU
This morning, board a train for a breathtaking ride between Andean slopes, and enjoy panoramic views of ancient ruins and everyday life. Our destination is Aguas Calientes, gateway to Machu Picchu—the Inca royal retreat famously introduced to the world by Hiram Bingham in the April 1913 issue of National Geographic magazine. Check in at our hotel, adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy the rest of the day to explore with our guides, lingering after the day visitors have left.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Belmond Sanctuary Lodge

Day 13: MACHU PICCHU/CUSCO
Perched on a hilltop at about 8,000 feet, the sanctuary of Machu Picchu is set amid cloud forests and steep peaks. Before sunrise, hike up to the Sun Gate, the final checkpoint of the Inca Trail, and watch day break over the timeless ruins of Machu Picchu. After lunch, board the train back to the Sacred Valley. Continue to Cusco, a city of astonishing charm and beauty that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Our home here is an exquisite 16th-century monastery just steps from the city square. Take a stroll in the elegant arcaded courtyard and admire the 16th-century antiques and paintings decorating the halls before a special dinner with opera singers in the vaulted dining room.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Belmond Monasterio Hotel

Day 14: CUSCO
Delve into the legacy of the Inca and the Spanish during a full day of exploration in Cusco. Examine the massive stone boulders that make up the 15th-century Sacsayhuaman fortress, site of one of the bloodiest battles in the Spanish conquest. See the Coricancha, a 17th-century cathedral and convent built atop the ruins of an opulent Inca temple. Then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to stroll around this beautiful city or relax at our historic hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Belmond Monasterio Hotel

Day 15: CUSCO/LIMA
Return to Lima this morning. Browse pre-Columbian artifacts at the renowned Larco Museum, and wander across the Plaza Mayor. Following a traditional Peruvian lunch, the afternoon is free to enjoy the beautiful Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel and surrounding area.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel

Day 16: Transfer to airport of Arequipa - Flight to Lima capital
Arrival by plane in the morning in the lively capital of Peru on the coast. Here you embark on a journey of discovery in Peru's capital with a English-speaking guide during a half-day sightseeing program. The Plaza de Armas in the historic center is now a World Heritage Site, here in 1535 the conqueror Francisco Pizarro drew the plan of his capital with the sword in the sand. Episcopal palace, cathedral, catacombs - these are the testimonies of Spanish rule. The tour ends at the Larco Musuem, where over 4000 years of Peruvian history can be admired in an impressive exhibition. The afternoon is at leisure. Your city guide will be happy to give you tips for a farewell dinner together.
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)

Day 17: Transfer to airport in Lima - Flight back to home
Morning city tour of the historic center with cathedral, government square and catacombs. Afternoon free at the hotel or a stroll through Miraflores. In the evening transfer from the hotel to the airport. Return. Departure return flight to Switzerland, USA, Canada, Europa, etc.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 18: Return flight - Arrival home
Go back home - end tour in Peru / South America. Overnight fligh (-/-/-)

Included meals: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner

What’s included

What's included

Services included in the prices:

Transfers upon arrival/departure for guests booked on recommended group flights
Accommodation aboard the world-class expedition ships luxury chartered ship
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Alcoholic beverages (excluding some premium brands) on the Galápagos portion of the trip
Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary
Wifi (on Galapagos portion of trip)

Not Included: