The 'white city' of Arequipa, with its beautiful colonial-era architecture and a vista dominated by the spectacular El Misti Volcano, is a wonderful place to wander. From here, we visit the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world. After taking in the sights of the former Inca capital of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, we embark by train to the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu. Across the Bolivian border, La Paz awaits. The city's famous Witches Market is a great place to shop for all kinds of weird and wonderful treasures. Concluding our journey, the Galapagos archipelago is a nature lover's paradise. We'll cruise through spectacular scenery and spot whales, sea turtles and marine iguanas in the crystal-clear waters. We'll also explore the islands to discover the unique animals and birds that have made the region so famous.
Itinerary
| Days 1-2 |
(Wed) Arrive in Lima and transfer to hotel. Tour of colonial Lima. |
| Days 3-4 |
Fly to Arequipa. Optional activities. |
| Days 5-6 |
Overnight visit to the Colca Canyon. Return to Arequipa. |
| Days 7-8 |
Afternoon flight to Cusco. Walking tour of Cusco. |
| Days 9-11 |
Sacred Valley tour, train to Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu. |
| Day 12 |
Morning free in Cusco. Afternoon visit to Pumamarca ruins and Peru's Challenge. |
| Days 13-14 |
Drive to Puno. Full-day excursion on Lake Titicaca. |
| Days 15-17 |
Cross into Bolivia and head to La Paz via the ruins of Tiahuanaco. Explore La Paz city. |
| Days 18-20 |
Fly to Quito. Free time to explore. |
| Day 21 |
Morning flight to Baltra, transfer to San Jose. Visit Las Bachas. |
| Days 22-23 |
Visit Rabida and Santiago Islands, Sullivan Bay and Bartolome Island. |
| Day 24 |
Santa Cruz Island, including the Highlands and Darwin Research Station. |
| Day 25 |
San Cristobal Island via Leon Dormido and Cerro Brujo. Visit the Interpretation Centre. |
| Day 26 |
Espanola Island, including Bahia Gardner, Punta Suarez and Devil's Crown. |
| Day 27 |
Cruise to Floreana Island, visiting Post Office Bay and Punta Cormorant. |
| Days 28-29 |
Final excursion to Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz Island before returning to Baltra. Fly to Quito. Trip ends after breakfast (Wed). |