Galápagos and Peru

Discover the natural wonders of the Galápagos and the magnificent cultural treasures of Peru. Explore the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, hike to ruins in the Urubamba Valley, examine pre-Columbian artifacts at Lima's renowned Larco Herrera Museum, and witness the sunrise on magical Machu Picchu.

Day 1 — U.S./Guayaquil, Ecuador

Depart for Guayaquil and upon arrival, transfer to our hotel.

Day 2 — Guayaquil/Galápagos

This morning, fly to the Galápagos Islands and board our comfortable expedition ship. During lunch, we begin our exploration of the islands.
(B,L,D)

Days 3 through 8 — Exploring Galápagos

In keeping with the nature of an expedition, our itinerary is flexible, allowing you to take advantage of this extraordinary wildlife sanctuary. You will have the opportunity to go on nature walks with local naturalists; swim; snorkel; or explore the waters by kayak, glass-bottom boat (Endeavour only), or Zodiac.
(B, L, D daily)

Listed below are some of the islands we may visit during our expeditions:*

Isla Bartolomé
Walk to the top of Bartolomé's volcanic cone for a stunning view of Pinnacle Rock and the surrounding white sand beaches. You may also have the opportunity to swim with Galápagos penguins.

Isla Santiago
Follow a path along a series of tide pools and underwater caverns in search of Galápagos fur seals, marine iguanas, sea lions, and Sally Lightfoot crabs.

Isla Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is home to the Charles Darwin Research Station, a breeding station for endangered native species. Learn about the Darwin Foundation and their giant Galápagos tortoise breeding program. Later, travel into the highlands where wild tortoises forage.

Isla Isabela
Spend the early morning on the lookout for dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and the unusual ocean sunfish, the Mola mola. Explore caves and hidden lagoons by Zodiac, and snorkel among sea turtles.

Isla Floreana
At Champion Islet, snorkel among sea lions, or peer into an underwater world in a glass-bottom boat (Endeavour only) while keeping an eye out for the endangered Floreana Mockingbird. Those interested can visit Post Office Bay—if you see a letter addressed to someone who lives near you, the tradition is to deliver it by hand.

Isla Fernandina
Discover the marine iguana haven of Punta Espinoza as we hike over lava flows. Galapagos hawks and sea lion nurseries are also found as we explore this island.

Isla Española
See Darwin's finches, boobies, and waved albatross on this birder's paradise. Walk among vivid green and red marine iguanas, and observe sea lions up close on a pristine white-sand beach.
(B,L,D)

Day 9 — Galápagos/Guayaquil

Depart Galápagos this morning and fly to Lima, Peru via Guayaquil, arriving in the early evening.
Ramada Costa Del Sol Airport Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 10 — Lima/Cusco/Sacred Valley of the Inca

This morning, fly from Lima to Cusco and drive to Awanacancha, a farm where South American Camelidae are bred. Visit Pisac, the gateway to the Sacred Valley, and walk through the local food market before visiting nearby ruins.
Hotel Sol y Luna (B,L,D)

Day 11 — Sacred Valley of the Inca

Venture into the massive Inca stone fortress of Ollantaytambo. In the afternoon, go horseback riding, watch a Paso horse demonstration, go for a hike in the nearby countryside, or indulge in a spa treatment. Enjoy a barbecue dinner around the campfire, and take in a vibrant dance performance.
(B,L,D)

Day 12 — Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu

Travel to Machu Picchu this morning. Join a guide for an introduction to the site and then stay overnight at the Sanctuary Lodge—sharing Machu Picchu with only a handful of visitors.
Sanctuary Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 13 — Machu Picchu/Cusco

Before sunrise, hike to the Sun Gate, once the final checkpoint on the road to Machu Picchu. Watch day break over the quiet ruins. The morning is free to explore the site at your own pace. After a train and bus ride, we arrive in Cusco in the late afternoon for two nights at our elegant hotel.
Hotel Monasterio (B,L,D)

Day 14 — Cusco

Explore the Inca Empire's capital city of Cusco, and visit the vast Sacsayhuamán fortress. The afternoon is at your leisure to relax or stroll around the city, stopping in at one of the museums of the magnificent 17th-century cathedral and convent of Koricancha.
(B,L)

Day 15 — Cusco/Lima

Return to Lima this morning. Browse pre-Columbian artifacts at the renowned Larco Herrera Museum, and wander across the Plaza Mayor. Following a traditional Peruvian lunch, the afternoon is free.
Miraflores Park Hotel (B,L)

Day 16 — Lima/U.S.

After breakfast, transfer to the Lima airport for your return flights.
(B)