Lima to La Paz & Galapagos (31 Days)

This trip combines an epic Lima to La Paz journey with a comprehensive cruise around the fabled Galapagos Islands. Leaving behind the fine colonial buildings and museums of Lima we head towards the Chilean border to the desert town of Nasca, home to the mysterious Nasca Lines. Our next stop is Arequipa, arguably Peru's most beautiful and charming city with the towering Misti Volcano in the background. We visit the Convent of Santa Catalina and the city's cathedral before an overnight stay in Colca Canyon - the world's deepest canyon. We continue to the old Inca capital of Cusco and visit Sacsayhuaman and the beautiful Urubamba Valley. Some of the best mountain scenery is enjoyed on an amazing 4-day trek to Machu Picchu. From Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca we visit the floating islands of the Uros Indians and enjoy an overnight homestay on Amantani Island. Our final stop in Peru is Sillustani, an ancient burial ground containing spectacular pre-Columbian burial towers. Following the lake to the other side we cross to Bolivia and visit the ruins of the Tiahuanaco civilisation, which dates back to 400BC. At La Paz, we explore the sights and wander the steep cobblestone streets of this unusual Andean city.

Our next stop is Ecuador to embark on the ultimate Galapagos exploration on board our vessel, the M.Y. San Jose. The Galapagos Islands, 1000 kilometres off the coast, are a World Heritage-listed nature reserve. As a result of extreme isolation, nearly a quarter of all species are endemic and much of the wildlife have no instinctive fear of man. Blue-footed, red-footed and masked boobies are found alongside pelicans and frigate birds. There are Galapagos giant tortoises, land and marine iguanas, sea lions, fur seals, dolphins, whales and sea turtles - a myriad of fascinating wildlife to be discovered. Our voyage here is designed to offer the best opportunities to experience the magnificent flora and fauna that make the Galapagos unique.