Culture and history contrast with wildlife and wilderness on this epic adventure that combines our 'Inca Adventure' trip with our 'Galapagos In Depth' voyage.
Our adventure starts in Lima, the main gateway to Peru. The city is built around Plaza Major (Plaza de Armas) and is home to an imposing Government Palace as well as an impressive cathedral. Nearby are several museums and San Francisco Monastery, famous for its remarkable catacombs. To the south-east and nestled in the Andes lies the former Inca stronghold of Cusco where we have ample time to wander around the labyrinth of cobblestone streets, taking in the colourful handicraft markets or maybe trying some ‘cuy’ (guinea pig) -a local delicacy available in many of the excellent restaurants! Out in the Sacred Valley is the small market town of Pisac and the magnificent Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo. And then comes the most stunning of Inca sights, Machu Picchu - the ‘Eagle’s Nest' of the Inca Empire. Continuing inland we come to Puno, where we discover beautiful Lake Titicaca. As our adventure draws to an end we travel via the ancient ruins of Tiahuanaco to La Paz, in Bolivia. The capital is located in a canyon on the 'Altiplano' (High Plains), surrounded by snow-capped Mount Illimani. La Paz has a large Indigenous population, as we discover on a visit to the highly unusual Witches Market.
Next we fly to Quito in Ecuador. Having had time to discover the highlights of the city we catch a flight to the Galapagos Islands. Here we board the M.Y. San Jose where we will be treated to a very special experience. The Galapagos Islands, nearly 1000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador, are a World Heritage sanctuary. As a result of the extreme isolation of the islands, nearly a quarter of all species are endemic and much of the wildlife has no instinctive fear of man. On your explorations of the islands, an encounter with the giant Galapagos tortoise will be an amazing highlight. Blue-footed and masked boobies are found alongside pelicans and frigate birds. There are land and marine iguanas, sea lions, fur seals, whales and sea turtles - a myriad of fascinating wildlife to be discovered. Our 'Galapagos In-Depth' program is the ultimate Galapagos exploration and is our most popular voyage. It is designed to offer you the best opportunities to experience the magnificent flora and fauna that make the Galapagos unique.
Itinerary
| Day 1 |
(Mon) Arrive Lima and transfer to hotel. |
| Day 2 |
City tour of Lima's colonial centre. |
| Day 3 |
Fly to Cusco. Afternoon walking tour. |
| Day 4 |
Full day tour of the Sacred Valley, visiting the ruins of Qenko, Puka Pukara and Tambo Machay, Ollantaytambo and the Pisac market. |
| Days 5-6 |
Train to Aguas Calientes. Visit Machu Picchu and take an optional swim in the hot springs. Return to Cusco. |
| Day 7 |
Free morning Cusco. Afternoon visit to Pumamarca Ruins and Peru's Challenge. |
| Days 8-9 |
Drive to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Full day Lake Titicaca excursion including Uros and Amantani Islands. |
| Day 10 |
Cross into Bolivia and head to La Paz via the ancient ruins of Tiahuanaco. |
| Day 11 |
La Paz city sightseeing. |
| Day 12 |
Free day La Paz. |
| Day 13 |
Fly La Paz to Quito. |
| Days 14-15 |
Free time in Quito for own discoveries. |
| Day 16 |
Morning flight to Baltra, transfer to the M.Y. San Jose. Visit Las Bachas. |
| Day 17 |
Visit Rabida and Santiago Islands. |
| Day 18 |
Visit Sullivan Bay and Bartolome Island. |
| Day 19 |
Santa Cruz Island, including Darwin Research Station and the highlands. |
| Day 20 |
San Cristobal Island via Leon Dormido and Cerro Brujo. Visit the Interpretation Centre. |
| Day 21 |
Espanola Island including Bahia Gardner, Punta Suarez and Devil's Crown. |
| Day 22 |
Cruise to Floreana Island visiting Post Office Bay and Punta Cormorant. |
| Day 23 |
Final excursion to Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz Island before returning to Baltra. Fly to Quito. |
| Day 24 |
Trip ends in Quito this morning (Wed). |