The Best of Peru and the Galapagos

An Incredible Journey Through Peru & the Galapagos

Discover the highlights of Peru including the world-famed Machu Picchu before embarking on a wonderful tour of the precious archipelago of the Galapagos. The first week of this incredible itinerary is spent in Peru, beginning in Lima before heading off to the Sacred Valley for an exploration of the Inca Empire. Travel by train to Machu Picchu before a night in the historic city of Cusco. Continue to Ecuador for a night in the capital Quito before the following morning flight to the Galapagos Islands, where you’ll board the Archipel I for an unforgettable 4-day Galapagos island-hopping voyage. 

Highlights

• Two nights in Peru’s charming capital Lima
• Discover the world of the Inca Empire in the Sacred Valley
• Explore one of South America’s most iconic destinations – Machu Picchu
• See the renowned sites of the historic city of Cusco
• Three nights exploration of the Galapagos onboard the Archipel I

Quick Itinerary

Day 1 - Lima

Days 2 & 3 – Sacred Valley

Day 4 – Machu Picchu

Days 5 & 6 – Cusco

Day 7 - Lima

Day 8 – Quito 

Days 9 - 11 - Galapagos

Day 12 - Quito

Day 13 - Depart Ecuador

Day 14 - Arrive back in the UK

Truly Individual Holiday

Any element of this holiday can be made truly individual to your requirements, including the places you want to see and the things that are important to you. Just contact one of our Travel Specialists today.

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Day 1 - Lima

Arrive in Peru’s captivating capital. A guided tour will help capture the imagination and immerse yourself in Peruvian culture, both modern and historic akin. Explore the traditional district of Pueblo Libra, where the Larco Museum is the renowned highlight; appreciate the grandiose architecture of Lima’s main square and visit the imposing 16th-century cathedral, amongst many other sites.

Days 2 & 3 – Sacred Valley

Fly to Cusco and transfer to the wonderful region of the Sacred Valley. The valley is widely believed to have been the agricultural heart of the Incan Empire and the next couple of days are spent discovering the secrets of this ancient and fascinating civilization. Visit the town of Chinchero where the local inhabitants preserve Incan artisan traditions through their dress and customs; observe demonstrations of craftwork at the Living Museum of Yucay and visit Ollantaytambo, the valley’s only town that has been continuously occupied since the Inca era. 

Day 4 – Machu Picchu

After transferring to Ollanta Station, board a train to Aguas Calientes for a scenic train ride through the dramatic Andean landscapes in the direction of Peru’s most iconic destination – Machu Picchu! The image of the ancient citadel will be familiar to all but it is difficult to comprehend its beauty and spiritual ambience until you stand before it in person. Your guide will be able to demystify some of the secrets of Machu Picchu and present most of its prominent landmarks such as the Main Square, the Royal Quarters, the Sacred Sun Dial and the Temple of the Three Windows. 

Days 5 & 6 - Cusco

After a leisurely morning with further opportunity to explore Machu Picchu, head to Cusco, a charming city and former capital of the Inca Empire. Its cobbled streets are a gold mine for architecturally spectacular landmarks and a guided tour will showcase the most prominent sites. Explore the Renaissance-baroque complex of the Santo Domingo Convent and the imposing cathedral of the historic main square and then head to the hills to visit the remains of the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, its beauty elevated by its accompanying panoramic views of the city. 

Day 7 - Lima

Return to Lima for a final night in the capital.

Day 8 - Quito

Fly to Quito, the Ecuadorian capital and your springboard to the Galapagos. Spend the night in Quito before your morning flight the next day. 

Days 9 - 11 - Galapagos

After a short flight from the mainland, arrive at the Galapagos National Park and board the comfortable catamaran of the Archipel I (other vessels available on request). Over the next four days, embark on a wonderful exploration of the wildlife-rich archipelago, island hopping and coming into close contact with some of the mesmerising species that the islands are world-renowned for. As well as plenty of opportunities to observe the wildlife, a range of activities will also be available to enhance your experiences such as hiking, snorkelling and sea-kayaking. 

Day 12 - Quito

Fly back to the Ecuadorian mainland where the rest of the day is free to do some final sightseeing.

Day 13 - Depart Quito

Depart Ecuador on your international flight.

Day 14 - Arrive back in the UK

Today you will land back in the UK from Ecuador.

Price from £7,149 per person

(2024 departures, based on 2 people sharing a room)

Includes:

• International flights

• 10 nights’ hotel accommodation 

• 3 nights’ onboard the Archipel

• 20 meals; 12 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 dinners

• Services of a guide from days 1 - 6

• Snorkelling equipment

• Bath and beach towels while onboard the Archipel 

• Transfers and domestic flights as per itinerary

Excludes:

• Meals not indicated in your itinerary

• Local departure taxes payable locally

• Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks etc

• Tips for guides and drivers (discretionary)

• Camera or video fees at any sites