Adventure Peru & Galapagos Tour

Arrival in Lima, reception and transfer to your hotel.

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.

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-l

After an early morning breakfast, you will be transferred to Chilca by bus where you will meet with your Quechua porters and prepare for the Inca Trail. You will cross over the turbulent Vilcanota River, with magnificent views of Nevado Veronica (5,900m/19,000ft) and continue along the trek admiring the Llactapata archaeological site, and stopping at the Huayllabamba River for lunch. All meals are freshly prepared by your chef. After lunch, we will visit the archeological sites of Patallacta, Qente, and the valley of Cusichaca along with the magical Polylepsis forest before continuing the hike. Our hiking today will last approximately 7 hours. Upon arriving to our campsite, dinner before listening to the intriguing stories and legends from your guide. Overnight camping on the trail.

Meals: B, L & D

An early start today as this is the most demanding day of the entire trek and we shall gain considerable altitude. We will see outstanding views to the east of the Huayanay peaks and to the west of the rugged Vilcabamba Range. After breakfast, we shall begin the climb up through the first pass at 4200 m/13,750 feet at Warmiwanusqa. Passing 3 ecological zones such as the Yunga, Quechua and Puna, we shall ascend 1000 metres in 5 hours. Lunch will be taken before the final two sections of ascent. Upon reaching the summit of Dead Woman's Pass, we shall celebrate our achievement by paying homage to the Apus or mountain gods, before descending into camp. Welcoming dinner near Pacaymayu. More secret myths will unfold tonight as the porters explain the significance of the Apus, or mountain gods. Overnight camping on the trail.

Meals: B, L & D

After breakfast, we shall begin the ascent of the second pass, although still demanding, this is easier than the previous day's ascent. A visit to the famous archaeological site of Runquraqay. We will continue on to the restored town site of Sayaqmarka ("Town in a Steep Place") and explore the Sayaqmarka Ruins, admiring at the same time the fabulous cloud forest which is now all around us. The third pass of the Inca Trail in this section is a long white granite roadway, with some ascents and descents traversing a thickly forested mountainside. We will finally descend to the magnificent archaeological site of Phuyupatamarka ("Cloud Level Town") where lunch will await us. After lunch, we will then begin the decent to Winaywayna, an outstanding Inca complex built into the mountainside. A visit of the ruins before our dinner. We shall also meet with our porters for the very last time and exchange thanks and talk about the ancient paths upon which we have trekked for the last few days. Overnight camping on the trail.

Meals: B, L & D

Early morning wake up at 4:30 AM for breakfast and to begin the final trek to Intipunku, and the first site of the archaeological complex of Machu Picchu. We will descend rapidly from cloud forest into high jungle habitat. Orchids and hummingbirds are commonly seen along this spectacular section of the trail high above the river. We will arrive at Intipunko "Gate of the Sun" to observe the sunrise over Machu Picchu from an elevated vantage point. We will then continue down to the royal road and at last the "Lost City of the Incas". Begin your tour of Machu Picchu. Built by the Inca Pachacutec, and comprising stone blocks fitted with masterful precision, Machu Picchu 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 and a sanctuary for the Incas. This fabulous city holds houses, temples, warehouses, a large central square and all connected by narrow roads and steps, which is surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side which were used for agriculture. We shall visit the Main Plaza, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of Three Windows, the Circular Tower and the Sacred Sun Dial and Burial Grounds. Hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Meals: B

After breakfast, you shall return to the Machu Picchu for some free personal time at lesiure. Return in the afternoon to Cuzco and transfer to your hotel.

Meals: B

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Lima and your connecting international flight to Quito, Ecuador. Transfer to your hotel.

Meals: B

Meals: B, L & D

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 on the islands before transfer to the airport and return to the mainland in time for your return flight home.

Meals: B