Inca Heartland & Galapagos 24 days

Peru has fuelled the imagination of adventure travellers from all over the world. It offers immense physical and cultural variety and a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Inca Empire. From Lima we fly to Cusco, the imperial Inca capital, with many enticing sights within easy reach. We visit the Sacred Valley and then trek along ancient Inca trails to magnificent Machu Picchu. A free day at the end of our trek allows us time to further explore Cusco. Quechua Indians, with their colourful hats and costumes, make up the bulk of the population. A spectacular bus journey then takes us across the barren, windswept plains of the Altiplano to Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest lake, and a total contrast to the bustling human activity in Cusco. Here, on Amantani Island, we stay with a local family and enjoy a unique insight into life of the local Indians. Legend has it that the first Inca noble emerged from this lake and journeyed to Cusco to found the Inca Empire. Our final excursion is to the ancient burial chambers at Sillustani before we join our flight back to Lima.

Flying from Quito to the Galapagos we continue on to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz. Here we’ll see the giant Galapagos at the Charles Darwin Station. In the afternoon we board the San Jose and cruise to Leon Domido and the large island of San Cristobal where we visit the new interpretation centre and the rugged volcanic peaks of Cerro Brujo. Next stop is isolated Espanola Island where we find waved albatrosses plus blue-footed and masked boobies, Galapagos hawks, Darwin finches, sea lions and marine iguanas. On the ‘Buccaneer’ hideaway island of Floreana we'll visit Post Office Bay and the island’s volcanic cone, a great spot for snorkelling, full of sea lions and colourful fish. You’ll also encounter the stately, pink flamingos as they wade in the shallow waters of inland lagoons. Arriving back at Santa Cruz Island we'll visit Black Turtle Cove and cruise amongst the mangroves, where the array of wildlife kicks into overdrive! The lagoons are a nursery for many sharks and rays. Amongst all this activity you will also find time to relax sunbath, swim, snorkel and enjoy new friendships.