Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands

Arrival in Lima, reception and transfer to your hotel. Eg. Ferre 3 star Hotel.

Ferre Hotel

After breakfast, a private guided visit of colonial and modern Lima, including the cathedral, dating from 1654, the main square, which still houses the original bronze fountain built in 1650, and the San Francisco Convent and its catacombs. Known as the city of the kings, Lima was founded in 1535 by Pizarro and rebuilt in 1991, the same year that UNESCO declared it a world heritage site. One of the very few South American cities that preserve the colonial past, Lima was home to the Spanish viceroy during the time of the Spanish colonialists. The tour also includes a visit to the residential areas of San Isidro and Miraflores, stopping at Larco Mar to enjoy a view of the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Free afternoon.

Meals: B

Morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Cuzco. Arrival in Cuzco, reception and transfer to you hotel. Welcome drink of coca tea to help acclimatise to the 3400m setting of Cuzco. Afternoon guided visit of the four ruins nearby; the Sacsayhuaman Fortress overlooking the of Cuzco, a pre Inca architectural masterpiece; Kenko, a rock sanctuary whose main attraction is the monolithic altar representing a puma, the red Fortress of Puca-Pucara and Tambomachay, a beautiful fountain fed by a spring forming a series of basins continue to the city of Cuzco; the Main Square, the Cathedral and the Koricancha or Temple of the Sun. Return to your hotel. Eg. Los Andes 3 star hotel.

Hotel Los Andes  |   Meals: B

Full-day excursion to the beautiful Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Inca situated between Pisac and Ollantaytambo. It is an exceptionally fertile valley that was and still remains the larder of Cuzco. Visit the village of Pisac, founded during colonial times, and set at the foot of a hill crowned by the remains of an ancient Inca city. On Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Indians barter their products in the main square and artisans from around the area sell their woven alpaca wool blankets and ponchos, engraved gourds, antique reproductions, jewellery, etc. On Sundays it is also the meeting place for Mayors from all the villages in the region, dressed in their traditional costumes to attend morning mass. After a buffet lunch, a visit to Ollantaytambo, the only Inca town which was not defeated by the Spanish with an opportunity to explore the ruins which tower above. Late afternoon return to Cuzco whilst visiting en-route the traditional market of Chinchero. Return to your hotel.

Meals: B & B-f

Early transfer to the railway station for the 06.00 departure to Aguas Calientes in Vistadome class train and then a bus ride up to the spectacular Machu Picchu ruins (25 minutes).
Guided visit of Machu Picchu. Built by the Inca Pachacutec, comprising stone blocks fitted with masterful precision that harmoniously blends into the mountain landscape. There are many theories as to the origins behind Machu Picchu but three of the most popular ideas include a temple to the sun, a fortress against the jungle inhabitants or a sanctuary for the Incas. This fabulous city has houses, temples, warehouses, a large central square, all connected by narrow roads and steps, and is surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side which were used for agriculture. After the tour, free time to enjoy this magical and spiritual wonder. Opportunity for a trek (approx 1 hour) up to the sungate (Intipunku), which is a part of the Inca Trail, for a magical view of the sanctuary. Return to Cuzco with the 1530 train. Arrival in the evening and transfer to your hotel.

Meals: B

After breakfast, transfer to the airport, for your return flight back to Lima and connecting flight to Quito. Transfer to your hotel. Eg. San Francisco 3 star Hotel.

Hotel San Francisco  |   Meals: B

5 DAY/ 4 NIGHT GALAPAGOS CRUISE (All meals included) - Itinerary subject to change

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to the Galapagos Islands. Transfer to the port and boarding of your yacht for an unforgettable wildlife adventure. After an introductory talk and lunch, your Galapagos expedition begins with a visit to La Galapaguera to observe giant turtles. The day is concluded with a visit to the Loberia highlands.

Meals: B, L & D

A visit today to Santa Fe, home to a beautiful turquoise lagoon with two small beaches and where you can view numerous sea lions. Taking a trail along the coast and through an Opuntia Forest where these prickly pear cacti are the largest on the Galapagos. We will also see Santa Fe land iguanas. After the hike, a swim or snorkel in the bay in the company of sea lions. Continue onto South Plaza, one of the smallest islands and only 130 metres wide and just 800 metres long. Here there is a large colony of sea lions, with over 1,000 occupying the smooth rocks. The small cactus forest is populated by land iguanas, where they can be seen sunning themselves or feeding on Opuntia pads and fruits. Along the cliff edge nesting swallow-tailed gulls are the predominant seabirds, along with tropic birds.

Meals: B, L & D

A visit to the isolated Española where there is a high percentage of endemic fauna. Gardner Bay, on the eastern shore has a magnificent beach. The beach is frequented by sea lions, and is a major nesting site for marine turtles. Around the small islets nearby, snorkelers will come across many species of fish, turtles and perhaps even sharks. On a trail leading to the western part of the island, several nesting sites of the waved albatros will be encountered. These huge birds nest here from April to December. Finally at Punta Suarez, along with many nesting seabirds there are mockingbirds, Galapagos doves and Galapagos hawks. Several types of reptile, including the marine iguana and the lava lizard, are also inhabitants of the island. Here you may also see a spectacular blowhole, which shoots spray 30 metres into the air.

Meals: B, L & D

A visit to the second largest island in the Galapagos, Santa Cruz. With six different zones of vegetation: Coastal, Arid, Transition, Scalesia, Miconia, and Pampa Zones. The Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park offices are also based here. The station is also a tortoise breeding centre, where tortoises of different species are prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats. The most famous inhabitant is probably Lonesome George, the only survivor of this specific turtle species. The lush green scenery of the Santa Cruz highlands is a welcome contrast to the aridity of the lower islands.

Meals: B, L & D

The last day, we follow in the path of Charles Darwin and navigate close by Kicker Rock, a small islet whose cliffs are home to many sea birds. A visit to the Interpretation Centre at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno before arriving to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno for the transfer to the airport and return to the mainland. Transfer to your hotel.

Meals: B

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.