Highlights of Peru and the Galapagos

Upon arrival to Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, pass through Customs, collect your baggage and proceed through the Arrivals exit. Here you will find a local representative holding a sign with your name on it. After meeting this representative, you will be directed to an awaiting vehicle and transferred to your hotel. Approximate transfer time is one hour.

Today you will learn about the two characters of Lima: the modern one, reflected in the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro, and the historic one, encapsulated in the city center, which was declared a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Along the tour through these different areas of the city you will see how the old and the modern coexist in buildings such as the Museum of Italian Art, the Palace of Justice, the Museum of Lima, and Plaza San Martín, among others. With your tour guide leading the way and like-minded travellers alongside, you'll explore the center of Lima on foot, with the Main Square as the focal point: a beautiful colonial square worthy of photographs, surrounded by emblematic buildings such as the Government Palace, the Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace. You will also have the opportunity to enter one of the most iconic ecclesiastical spaces in Lima, the Convent of Santo Domingo, also declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and where the relics of three Peruvian saints are found: Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martín de Porres and San Juan Macías. Leaving the historic center, return to modern Lima, meeting the Pacific Ocean for a wonderful view best enjoyed from the iconic Park of Love and its famous sculpture created by national artist Víctor Delfín. After exploring modern and colonial Lima, you will be returned to your hotel. 

Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Jorge Chávez International Airport ahead of your domestic flight to Cusco (not included; available for purchase). Upon arrival to Cusco you will be met by a local representative who will direct you to an awaiting vehicle. You will then be privately transferred from Cusco to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. Transferring into the Sacred Valley will help you to more easily adjust to the high altitude, and the afternoon is at leisure to ensure that you're acclimatized by tomorrow and able to fully enjoy the adventures ahead. 

Today, set out to learn about the tradition and history of the Sacred Valley, the traces left by its ancient inhabitants, and the culture of its current towns. Your day’s adventure begins with stop some 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) above sea level at the Taray viewpoint, from which you can take in the stunning panoramic view of the valley. Soon you will reach the top of the Apu Inti Huatana hill where you will discover the archaeological complex of Pisac, host to dazzling stone platforms and affording visitors a privileged view of the traditional town that bears the same name. Walking through its buildings, you will see first-hand why it is one of the most relevant in the valley, both for its urban planning (very advanced for its time) and for the variety of sectors dedicated to religious ceremonies, rooms, and temples. Next, you will visit Pisac town, characterized by its quiet streets and impressive market, proudly showcasing its millenary heritage represented in its textile art, ceramics, jewelry pieces and other handicrafts. The Pisac Market is open daily, however, is in full swing on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Settle in for a delicious typical lunch in a local restaurant before continuing the tour to Ollantaytambo, an ancient military, religious, and agricultural center of the Incas. Strategically located on a mountain, its imposing fortress is a sample of all the Inca power. Here you will visit the main temple, terraces, and fountains while enjoying an unbeatable view of the town, the only one that maintains the original Inca urban design. After touring Ollantaytambo fortress, you will begin the return transfer back to your hotel.

Following breakfast, you will be picked up by a private driver and transfer to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, you will board the Expedition Train with service to Aguas Calientes, the penultimate stop on your way to Machu Picchu. The train cars of the Expedition Train are steeped in the designs of Incan culture, and along the winding route to Aguas Calientes, you will take in spectacular scenery; be sure to have your camera ready as there are seemingly endless opportunities for gorgeous panoramic pictures. As you travel to Aguas Calientes, you are able to purchase a range of food and beverages from the on-board service (additional cost).

Upon arrival, you will meet your local guide as porters bring your small travel bag to your hotel. With your guide at your side, board a local bus heading up the mountain where one of the most important landmarks in the world awaits: Machu Picchu! After a short bus ride from Aguas Calientes you will find yourself in front of one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Here you will explore the ancient ruins with a private guide leading the way, learning about the fascinating history and enduring mysteries of this mystical and impressive mountain citadel. Surrounded by incomparable landscapes, there will be no shortage of spectacular photo opportunities! After exploring Machu Picchu, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes with your guide, and then settle in for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

This morning begins with a heart-pounding adventure; exploring Huayna Picchu. Beginning near the entrance of Machu Picchu, this hike offers a challenging ascent through steep stone steps and narrow pathways, showcasing the impressive engineering of the ancient Incas. The trail becomes progressively more demanding, with handrails assisting you through rocky sections. Upon reaching the summit, the panoramic views of Machu Picchu, the Urubamba River, and the surrounding mountains are immensely rewarding. The descent requires careful navigation of the steep and sometimes slippery trail, and those averse to heights or with mobility issues should not undertake this activity. The entire hike takes approximately two hours, and it is recommended to start early in the morning to avoid crowds and take advantage of cooler temperatures. Undoubtedly, the hike up Huayna Picchu provides a unique and immersive experience, complementing the visit to Machu Picchu and rewarding you with uniquely fantastic views.

Following the hike, you'll return to Aguas Calientes by bus, then board the Vistadome Train with service to Cusco. The Vistadome is the ideal train for those who want to see as much of the natural surroundings as possible. Each of the cars feature impressive panoramic windows, offering incomparable scenic views and innumerous opportunities to capture amazing pictures. The Vistadome has air conditioning and heating, adjustable leather seats, and you will also receive a light snack during the journey. In addition to the exceptional views, ambient music plays, and informative audio-narratives occassionally air, and a fashion show featuring baby alcpaca wool will take place (with apparel available for purchase at additional cost), en route to Cusco. Upon arrival to Cusco, meet your driver and settle in for the private transfer to your hotel. 

This charming half-day tour of Cusco offers history, living culture and art. You will be able to appreciate how the Andean and Spanish cultures, as well as the past and the present, coexist in harmony in the Imperial City. Begin the day exploring the halls of the San Pedro Market, the oldest in the city. Designed in 1925 by Gustave Eiffel, today it brings together hundreds of merchants selling local products. You will also visit the Koricancha Temple, which during the Inca empire was a center of worship of the Sun, and upon which the Santo Domingo Convent was later built as part of the evangelization process. Its baroque style façade built on solid Inca walls perfectly summarizes the syncretism of cultures in the city of Cusco. To appreciate the greatness of the Incas, ascend to the monumental fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which - with its enormous carved stone walls -constitutes one of the best examples of Inca military architecture. Later, you will tour the archaeological center of Kenko, a ceremonial place where the sun, the moon and the stars were worshiped. The final stop of the day is one of the most impressive; the Cathedral, widely considered the most important temple in the city. It was built by the Spanish on top of the palace of the Inca Huiracoha. Its interior houses a wonderful collection of colonial art composed of goldsmith pieces and representative canvases of the Cusco School of Art.

Tonight, set out to discover some of the best gastronomy that Cusco has on offer. Arranged to coincide with your preferred dining time, reservations will be made with the restaurant of your choice (subject to availability). To take you to and from the restaurant, private transfers will be arranged. Host to some of the world's finest dining options, as well as an incredible range of exceptional venues ranging from extravagant to humble, Lima has no shortage of great dining options. Our top recommendations include Cicciolina, Mauka, Qespi, and Aycha E & E. If you have a specific dining option in mind, please speak with your Destination Specialist. Please note, your food and drinks are not included and are to be paid for on-site.

After breakfast, pack your belongings and get set for the private transfer to Cusco Airport which will be arranged to coincide with your international flight to Quito (not included; available for purchase). Upon arrival to Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, please clear Customs and proceed to the Arrivals hall where you will be met by a local representative holding a placard displaying your name on it. The representative will then direct you to your vehicle waiting outside the airport for your transfer to your hotel.

Accommodation: GO Quito Hotel

Ecuador is history, fascinating indigenous cultures, slow winding rivers and lush tropical forests, spectacular snow capped volcanoes and some of the most exciting wildlife on earth. Today's private-guided tour of the Middle of the Earth begins just 30 minutes north of Quito. Your guide will first take you on a brief journey to visit the Pululahua volcanic crater for a peek into the crater floor where patchwork fields gleam far below. Later you will visit the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, a group of buildings designed to explain the significance of the Ecuadorian equator, as well as the Intiñan Museum, located directly on the Equator. Here you will have the chance to plant your feet in two hemispheres at the same time, try to balance an egg on the head of a nail, and see the unique water dynamics that occur! Back in Quito and after lunch, you will visit the city's impressive colonial center. Quito was the first city to be named a World Heritage Site by the United Nations (alongside Krakow, Poland in 1978), and touring the historic core highlights why it is so widely lauded. First on the agenda is a walk through the Main Plaza, the Plaza de la Independencia, where you will see the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and some of the most important churches built around the XVI and XVII centuries, including the San Francisco Monastery, a building begun only five days after the founding of the city. Winding down, you'll enjoy a chocolate tasting experience in the old town at Yumbos; a small artisanal chocolate factory that uses fine Ecuadorian cocoa. During the visit, you will be able to learn the secrets behind making fine chocolate, and soon after, you will be returned to your hotel.

Leaving Quito after an early breakfast at your hotel, your guide will take you to the Pululahua volcanic crater for a peek into the crater floor where patchwork fields gleam far below. You will then drive to Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve, ascending to the top of a mountain and enjoying fabulous views along the way, to arrive at this natural paradise. Greeted by a flurry of hummingbirds, you'll also be welcomed to the reserve by local guide staff, and shortly after set out on a light hike into the forest on one of the reserve's variety of trails. An incredible 170 species of birds have been recorded at Bellavista, and the list continues to grow: Golden Tanager, Masked Trogon, Giant Antpittas, Swallow-tailed Nightjars, Plush-capped Finches, Beautiful Jays, and the White-face Nunbird have all been recorded within the Reserve's limits. Make sure to bring your binoculars! After lunch at the resort lodge, you will be invited to take another hike into the forest. During this walk, your local guide will acquaint you with the cloud forest's exuberant vegetation, its bird life, and the fascinating adaptations to life in this special environment. Soon after returning to the reserve lodge, you will begin the transfer back to your hotel in Quito.

Today you will arrive on Baltra Island, the gateway to the Galapagos. This tiny island was a military base during the Second World War and hosts the Islands’ 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 walk through the facility. Before long, you'll dive into the adventure, entering the airport through a special VIP lounge where you will have a chance to change clothes, put on some sunscreen and get a cool drink before transferring to the nearby Itabaca Channel to explore its spectacular turquoise waters. Here you will have a chance to kayak, snorkel or use a stand-up paddleboard, and also to encounter some of the most famous Galapagos wildlife such as blue-footed boobies, sea lions, brown pelicans, a variety of herons and white-tipped reef sharks. There’s no better introduction to the Galapagos than to get on the water as soon as possible! Glide through beautiful red mangrove forests and along lava rock cliffs on water so clear you can see marine life in the shallows below. The ocean (sit on top) kayaks come in doubles or singles, and life jackets are provided. A support boat will escort you and the group throughout these water activities to ensure safety and to provide water, snacks and towels between activities. From the Itabaca Channel, head up to the Santa Cruz highlands to a private reserve that borders the National Park, where you can see the famous Giant Tortoises roaming in the wild. After lunch, drive to Puerto Ayora town where you and the group will check-in to your hotel.  

Set out to sea on the motor boat with an ex-fisherman, his welcoming crew and a knowledgeable naturalist guide for a full-day excursion to experience the waters near one of the Galapagos' more remote islands. Recent history has transformed the Galapagos Islands, reshaping the local economy from one of subsistence fishing and small-scale agriculture to one where tourism employs some 40% of locals. Tourism programs aligned local fishermen have helped to transform their careers from harvesting sea life to introducing the Galapagos' rich marine ecosystem to visitors while also helping to preserve them. Their livings are now made from sustainable tourism rather than fishing. Heading out toward Santa Fe Island and its special marine reserve, you will have the chance to admire and experience the biodiversity unique to this area. You'll enjoy a variety of marine activities including swimming with sharks as well as snorkelling where you can observe an impressive range colourful fish as well as sea cucumbers. The journey takes place amid extraordinary landscapes that combine sparkling turquoise waters and white sand. All the while, kick back and enjoy watching wildlife in its natural state, including the chance to see one of the most important sea lion colonies in the entire reserve. As with all navigations, this sailing is subject to local weather conditions and park authorities, and may change without prior notification.  

After breakfast, you and the group will depart for Floreana Island. Leaving in the early hours, you board a speedboat and begin a two-hour crossing. Upon arrival to the peaceful island of Floreana, home to the Galapagos’ smallest human population (only 150 people call Floreana home), you'll find the least developed and most natural of the four inhabited islands. It was the first inhabited islands in the Galapagos, and descendants of the original population still live here. Once a pirates lair, the island’s history is full of mystery and legends about its first inhabitants. During your stay, there will be hiking, learning about the fascinating local history and also plenty of chances to observe some of the Galapagos’ special wildlife. With luck, you may see giant tortoises, frigate birds, sea lions, Darwin’s finches, petrels and marine iguanas, among other species. On the mainland of Floreana, you will board an open-air ‘chiva bus’ to Floreana Lava Lodge, which overlooks one of the Galapagos’ most beautiful and secluded bays. The lodge is operated by Claudio Cruz, a descendant of one of the Island’s original inhabitants. Under the care of Claudio and his deep knowledge of the island and its history, you will meet several of his family members during the stay, giving you special insight into life on Floreana. Once settled in, the group can walk or kayak to nearby Black Beach for some snorkelling. After time in the water to whet your appetite, walk to a restaurant in the nearby village for lunch. The restaurant is part of a community tourism initiative that local partners have helped to develop since 2012. In the afternoon, you'll set out once again to walk to La Loberia, a sea lion breeding ground. Once there, enjoy another snorkelling and swimming dip in the calm, bright water with sea turtles, sea lions, stunning rays and an abundance of tropical fish. Later, return to the lodge (a 30-minute walk) for a warm shower. In the early evening, watch the spectacular sunset and then head to the village for dinner with fellow travellers to celebrate another incredible day in the Galapagos.  

After breakfast, you'll leave to explore the Floreana Highlands on the open-air chiva bus; an unbeatable, historic, and comfortable way to see the island. On the way, a naturalist guide will share the colorful history of some of Floreana's first inhabitants, such as the Wittmers (whose descendants still live on the Island), the 'Baroness', and the pirates that once visited here. They will also tell of the "Enigma of Floreana", involving the mysterious deaths of several of the Island's inhabitants. The enigma is a riddle from the 1930's that has never been solved, and was featured in the film “The Galapagos Affair". After driving into the highlands, you'll reach Asilo de la Paz (Peace Haven) where your group hike begins. From here, you'll walk up to this historic site, explore the pirate caves, and visit the freshwater spring that provides water for the entire Island, with the guide sharing stories and history along the way. Traversing the hillside, you are likely to spot giant tortoises lumbering around in the vegetation or even on the trail. Depart Asilo de Paz walking down through a rural area where the local people grow produce for their own produce. This is a fascinating example of how the island people survived in this remote place, and - over the years - were able to develop an understanding of the local environment, and also demonstrated how they now work to preserve their unique agricultural knowledge. On the way back to the coast, make a stop at Claudio’s farm - La Primavera - where you will watch the extraordinary behavior of the frigate birds who ‘dance’ as they wash their salty wings in the fresh water lake on the farm. With a little bit of luck, you may be able to see males puffing up the red pouches on their chess in an attempt to attract females. You'll also see where some of the delicious fruit and vegetables that you've been eating at the lodge comes from. Settle in and help prepare a very special barbecue lunch, featuring delicious Cruz family recipes! In the afternoon return to the hotel. 

Today you and the group will take an early morning speed boat and transfer to Isabela Island, disembark, then check-in to the hotel. Your Isabela adventure begins with a tour to the local giant tortoise-breeding center and on the way you may catch a glimpse of pink flamingos feeding in a lake. Once at the Centre, guides will explain the process of breeding and then releasing into the wild these giant, slow moving creatures whose Spanish name (meaning saddle) gave the Islands their present title. The breeding centre is an important conservation tool and it is here that the islands’ giant tortoise population is presently recovering. In the afternoon, continue with the tour to the Tintoreras, a group of small islands near the village of Puerto Villamil, that are named after the white tipped ‘Tintoreras’ reef sharks that swim in these calm waters. A Galapagos in miniature, on the Tintoreras you will see almost all of the archipelago’s iconic wildlife: white tipped sharks, sea lions, turtles, rays, penguins, and of course pelicans and blue footed boobies. You will have a chance to snorkel in the bay – and don’t be surprised if some of the penguins or sea lions jump in to play alongside you in the water! 

Volcanic eruptions created all the Galapagos Islands, and you will have a chance to see this geologic process first-hand while exploring Isabela, one of the archipelago’s youngest and most volcanically active islands. The whole day will be spent traversing the Isabela Highlands, and the adventure starts by hiking up to the crater of the massive Sierra Negra Volcano, and then onward to the rim of Volcan Chico. This fascinating walk usually begins with some morning fog and drizzle, which sometimes persists in the shadow of the volcano, adding to its mysterious character. Despite the drizzle, you may see Galapagos Hawks, finches, flycatchers and Short Eared Owls en route. When the group reaches the rim of the Sierra Negra crater, the second largest in the world after the Ngorongoro in Tanzania, you will quickly see the reward for your efforts. The crater is so large, and the views so expansive, photos can’t do it justice, but bring your binoculars and camera anyway! Later, heading towards Volcan Chico, you may get the feeling that you are walking on a Martian landscape due to the almost alien appearance. And while the land appears to be utterly desolate, a closer look will reveal small lizards scurrying about among the rocks. From the crater’s rim, enjoy more amazing views along with lava tubes and fumaroles. After Volcan Chico and its extreme landscape, it is time to relax in the shade of a lovely "jaboncillo" tree, and enjoy a box lunch while taking in the spectacular and expansive views over the central and northern parts of the Island. In the distance, you will be able to see Fernandina, Pinzon and Santa Cruz Islands. Soon after, it will be time to head back down to complete the day of hiking (which covers approximately 16 kilometers or 10 miles in total) and relax on the beaches of Puerto Villamil.  

Today, board an early morning speed boat back to Santa Cruz and then transfer by land to Baltra for the onward journey or flight back home. After six rewarding days exploring this unique archipelago, you return with countless memories and a new appreciation for the remarkable corner of the world.