24 Day Ultimate Peru & Galapagos Cruise

Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival in Lima, City of Kings, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Your local guide will meet you for a welcome briefing and offer some tips for this leg of your adventure.

While Peru’s capital officially began life in 1535, Lima was in its prime during the Spanish colonial days and much of the city’s attraction now lies in its well-preserved historical centre. You’ll also find excellent museums – a given considering the history and culture of its surrounds – and interesting colonial architecture. One such museum, the Museo de la Nación, is the largest museum in Lima and an ideal place to begin exploring Peru’s ancient history.

At night, the Magic Water Circuit show in the Parque de la Reserva is a tourist drawcard. Every one of the 13 fountains at the park is illuminated with different colours and synchronised to music.

Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.

Get ready to discover Lima today!

On the way to the historic centre, we’ll see the outside of the pre-Columbian site Huaca Pucllana, a magnificent ceremonial and archaeological centre built in the fourth century – considered a sacred village by the Incas.

We’ll continue on to the colonial side of the city where we’ll pass by the Cathedral, the Viceroyalty of Peru, the Government Palace, City Hall, and other important monuments. We’ll visit the Plaza Mayor (Main Square), the historical centre of Lima. Although most of the buildings of the original city were lost in the earthquake of 1746, the bronze fountain in the centre of the square dates back to 1651.

Later, we’ll visit the Bodega Y Quadra Museum, in a well-preserved house of the Peruvian Republican period. Then we’ll see the 16th-century Santo Domingo Convent, one of Peru’s oldest churches. There may be a chance to climb the bell tower for stunning views of Lima.

Finally, we’ll see the changing of the guards at Government Palace (subject to the Palace’s program) before returning to the hotel.

You’ll have the afternoon free to explore on your own. Feel free to head to the modern section of this great metropolis and visit the district of Miraflores with its shopping mall Larco Mar, built on a spectacular cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the traditional ‘Parque del amor’ (Love Park). Miraflores is home to the pyramid-shaped temple of Huaca Pucllana. If you have time, a leisurely stroll down the Miraflores Boardwalk will showcase the coastline views.

With its vibrant, varied flavours, Peruvian food will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip and Lima is the country’s gastronomic capital. Ceviche is Peru’s most popular dish, and with the Pacific Ocean just west of the city, you’ll find it everywhere – from cevicherias to street stalls to fine dining restaurants. You might like to end the day with the ubiquitous pisco sour, a popular cocktail made with the nation’s favourite brandy.

At the appropriate time, you’ll be taken to the airport to board your flight for the Peruvian jungle town of Puerto Maldonado – gateway to the Peruvian Amazon.

On arrival, your local guide will welcome you. We’ll navigate by motorised canoe along the Madre de Dios River to Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción; it takes approximately 25 minutes. You’ll enjoy lunch on arrival, with organic ingredients and native flavours.

This area is the least populated territory in Peru, with its lush tropical rainforest. Of course, it’s more than a rainforest – it’s a complex ecosystem, with a dazzling array of flora and fauna. You’ll observe life in the jungle, its thrilling landscapes and the fascinating wildlife that call it home.

After lunch, take a walk through the property’s nature trails. Discover and learn about primary and secondary rainforest – its components, uses, impacts and transformations made by humans, and its importance to the world.

At dusk, enjoy a twilight river excursion by outboard motorised canoe. As you sail along the Madre de Dios River, you’ll learn about its ecosystem, Amazonian creeks, nocturnal animals’ behaviour and the magical southern constellations.

In the evening, you’ll enjoy dinner in the Casa Grande’s dining room.

A day of adventure awaits! After a buffet breakfast, get ready for a long trek through terra firma into the Tambopata National Reserve towards Lake Sandoval. The Tambopata National Reserve is one of the largest areas of untouched rainforest in the world, a vast expanse home to fascinating landscapes and wildlife.

Here you’ll understand why the jungle department of Madre de Dios is known as the biodiversity capital of Peru, as you learn about the Reserve’s conservation efforts and the lake’s formation. Virgin forest covers 98% of the territory and this flourishing ecosystem is fed by the Madre de Dios River and its streams. Navigate by dugout canoe across this mirror-like oxbow lake with a front-row seat to see the exceptional wildlife of the region – like the endangered giant river otter, Venezuelan red howler monkey, black caiman, and one of the world’s biggest freshwater scaled fish, the paiche. Of course, keep an eye out for the famous blue and yellow macaws. Head back to the lodge for lunch.

After lunch, you’ll join the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway & Anaconda Walk. It’s about a 20-minute ride by motorised canoe to the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway Interpretation Centre to learn about its construction and the conservation projects of ITA Inkaterra Asociación. The walkway is a network of seven hanging bridges, eight treetop observation platforms and two tall towers.

Ascend one of the two 30-metre-high towers and cross the hanging bridges that connect the treetops. As you take in the breathtaking vistas, you’ll have the chance to watch white-throated toucans, woodpeckers, trogons, squirrel monkeys and the three-toed sloth. As you descend, you’ll take the 200-metre wooden bridge over the swamps in this incredible primary rainforest. You’ll keep learning about the flora and fauna of this flooded ecosystem.

At night, an excursion into the Amazon rainforest promises real adventure. You’ll explore this thrilling jungle, home to nocturnal animals with intriguing behaviour patterns. Experience this hidden world in the dark.

You’ll end the day with a pleasant dinner.

After an early breakfast, you’ll head out on our native farm excursion to learn about the local cultivation techniques and, of course, taste some of the local produce.

We’ll then head to the botanical garden and discover the immense variety of medicinal plants and traditional remedies considered part of the ‘natural pharmacy’ used by inhabitants of this region.

You’ll head back to the lodge for lunch and have a chance to rest before your cocha water excursion. You’ll take a dugout canoe ride on the lodge’s cocha (natural pond). You’ll try native fishing with ‘catch and release’ techniques, as you take in the scenery with hoatzins (Opisthocomus hoazin), a diversity of fly catchers, and gray-necked wood rails (Aramides cajaneus). We’ll disembark at the remains of the Fitzcarrald steamboat and learn about its history and how it inspired Werner Herzog to film the award-winning 1982 film Fitzcarraldo.

You’ll be able to participate in the inland collpa, or clay lick, during the evening, where a dazzling array of birds will flock to feast on the nutrient-rich clay. You’ll see different species of tropical birds, like macaws and parrots, and their night routines by observing through our ‘blinds’.

The day ends with dinner.

Enjoy one last breakfast buffet this morning before taking a ride back to Puerto Maldonado by motorised canoe. You’ll visit the butterfly house and learn about the fascinating transformation of these colourful insects.

Between 1-2pm, you’ll be transferred to the airport to board your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival you’ll be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel.

Cusco is a favorite destination of many visitors to Peru. As you wander the streets and side alleys of the city you will witness the perfect tapering Inca stonework that provided the foundations for many of Cusco’s colonial and modern buildings. The city itself is the continent's oldest continuously inhabited city and was the home of the Inca Empire for two centuries before the Spanish built their first capital here. Today Cusco is a fascinating combination of both cultures. Take the time to acclimatise to the city's 3450-metre high altitude and explore the many Baroque churches and ancient temples that dot the city.

In the morning we’ll head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

The Sacred Valley was once the epicentre of the Inca Empire, running from the ancient capital of the empire, Cusco, to the breathtaking citadel of Machu Picchu. This lush green valley’s agreeable climate and fertile plains provided an unusual abundance for the high Andes. Here the Incas sculpted the mountain flanks with vast contour terracing and irrigation channels.

We’ll visit the ancient ruins of Pisac, where you’ll see and learn about different aspects of Inca culture. You’ll see the impressive rows of agricultural terraces, cut into the mountainside and held in place by stone walls. This stunning setting boasts some of the finest stonework in Peru. Among the expansive ruins are a citadel, temples and a stone structure thought to have been a sundial. Lunch is in a local restaurant overlooking the valley.

In the afternoon, we’ll drive along the Urubamba River towards the town of Ollantaytambo. Once there, we’ll visit the ruins of Ollantaytambo, with its wonderful stonework. These large stone terraces are extremely well preserved and a must-see. This is an extraordinary Inca setting, where besides the ruins you may also see an amazing rock formation said to be representing the Inca god Wiracocha.

You’ll then be taken to your hotel in Ollantaytambo to spend the night.

Make your way this morning to the train station, just a few steps away from your hotel, to board the fabled tourist train towards Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes). It’s a modern little town close to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

The train ride to Machu Picchu is one of the most beautiful journeys you can experience in Peru. It’s an almost two-hour journey that passes through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, then descends gradually along the edge of the Urubamba River, before finally reaching the cloud forest. The train reaches its last stop in Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes), on the foothills of Machu Picchu. From here it’s a short bus ride – about 30 minutes – up the steep, zigzagging road to the famed ancient site.

Upon arrival, we’ll enter the archaeological zone of Machu Picchu and the tour guide will show you the most important sectors of this great Inca City, such as the great Intiwatana (solar clock) and the Sun Temple, among others. Machu Picchu is divided into two sectors, the urban sector in the northern part and the agricultural sector on the south-east side.

Now the most recognisable icon of the Inca civilisation, Machu Picchu was long thought to be legendary. Then, in 1911, explorer Hiram Bingham stumbled upon its remains. At 2430 metres above sea level, Machu Picchu is in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It was probably the most amazing creation of the Inca Empire at the height of their reign. The stonework has to be seen up close to truly comprehend its intricate beauty. Giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments.

After the tour, we’ll return to Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes) by bus before taking the tourist train back to Ollantaytambo town, followed by a private transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

You’ll have a free morning to relax in Cusco. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cusco has a long and interesting history, from the first Inca ruler through to the Spanish conquest – and now a major tourist destination. It’s the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas.

In the afternoon, you’ll discover the sights of Cusco, vivid examples of the mixture of Inca and Spanish cultures. We’ll start with the most sacred Inca building, the Temple of Qorikancha – the Inca temple of the sun.

We’ll then visit the heart of the city, the busy main square Plaza de Armas – a great place to people watch. We’ll visit the Cusco Cathedral, a fine example of colonial baroque art.

We’ll continue to the outskirts of the city and visit the Inca Ceremonial Centre of Sacsayhuaman, an enormous structure that overlooks the city of Cusco. It’s said that it took over 10,000 workers to build it over 50 years. You’ll then see another important Inca site known as Qenqo. With subterranean passages and carved stone channels in a zigzag pattern, in its inner part there is a carved stone table where it’s said the Incas mummified their dead.

After a short visit to the archaeological Inca sites of Tambomachay – a temple dedicated to the god of water – and Puca Pucará, we’ll return to the hotel.

You’ll have a free day to see Cusco at your own pace today. You’ll have the ‘Boleto Turstico’ ticket that allows entrance to different places in Cusco, so you can see the museums, churches and sites you haven’t already seen, or head back to intriguing places you’d like to see more of.

On the back of the ticket, you’ll find information about opening and closing times and some helpful telephone numbers. There’s also a map of the central parts of Cusco.

Perhaps a visit to the traditional, picturesque neighbourhood of San Blas is in order – you can reach it by taking a short but steep walk from the Plaza de Armas. Here you’ll find art studios, artisan workshops and many of the best bars and restaurants. It’s a great place to wander and soak in the atmosphere.

At the appropriate time you’ll be transferred to the airport to board your flight to Ecuador. Depending on the flight schedule, you may depart before breakfast is served at your hotel. If so, your hotel will do their best to accommodate our early departure and may provide a simple breakfast such as toast or cereal.

Guayaquil – officially Santiago de Guayaquil – is the largest and most populous city in Ecuador, as well as the nation’s main port. On the banks of the Guayas River, this port city is one of the oldest cities in Ecuador and the centre of the country’s fishing and manufacturing industries.

It’s an early start this morning for your flight to the Galápagos Islands.

This archipelago consists of about 19 islands and dozens of smaller islets, located about 1000km off Ecuador’s coast in the Pacific Ocean. Most of the islands are uninhabited. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, both land and sea are protected. Charles Darwin penned his groundbreaking theory of evolution in 1859 after spending time in 1835 studying the flora and fauna of the Galápagos.

This is a dream destination for animal lovers. You’ll notice how friendly the wildlife are – thanks to a lack of natural predators, you can generally get quite close to the famous Galápagos sea lions and giant tortoises. There are many wildlife species unique to this archipelago because of its isolation and remoteness. You’ll enjoy an in-depth exploration of this incredible part of the world with a local naturalist guide during your stay here.

You will be met in the arrivals hall of the airport by a local naturalist guide who will take you to your hotel in Puerto Ayora for some rest.

After lunchtime, we’ll visit Tortuga Bay – walking the path is an experience in itself, a beautiful 2.5km stretch from Puerto Ayora. At the end of the path you’ll arrive at the white sandy beach of Playa Brava, where swimming is prohibited. If you want to swim, you’ll need to walk (to the right) along this beach until you come to a path through the mangroves that takes you to Playa Mansa. This is a protected bay where you can swim. You’ll be sure to spot plenty of marine iguanas around here.

Please note: When checking in for the flight to the Galápagos, you’ll be required to pay a US$20 per person transit fee. On arrival in the islands, you must pay a US$100 national park entry fee. These fees can’t be prepaid and can only be paid by travellers to the relevant Ecuadorian authorities. Please have cash on hand as processing credit cards can be time-consuming.

It’s about two and a half hours by speed boat to idyllic Isabela Island this morning. It can be a bumpy ride – not necessarily a leisurely ride! – and be prepared for windy conditions.

The largest of the islands, Isabela is bigger than all the other islands combined but less populated than Santa Cruz. On arrival you’ll have a walking tour to get acquainted with the island and your surrounds. The small, laidback main town of Puerto Villamil is home to hotels and restaurants.

After an informative tour, in the afternoon you’ll board a small boat for Las Tintoreras (or Shark Alley). Of course, it earned its name thanks to whitetip reef sharks that can be spotted here when the tide is low. On the way, we’ll head along the coastline hoping to spot blue-footed boobies and the famous Galápagos penguin – depending on the season the penguins might be nesting in this area.

On arrival, hop off for a short walk on this isolated islet and popular iguana nesting site, home to hundreds of marine iguanas. Snorkel in a calm inlet with colourful fish and winding underground lava tubes. Keep an eye out for green sea turtles, rays and sea lions too!

Please note: Upon arrival to Isabela Island all travellers are required to pay a US$10 port fee to local authorities. This fee is subject to change at no prior notice. Please have cash on hand.

You’ll start the day with a short bus ride, approximately 15 minutes, to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center where you’ll observe giant tortoises in all stages of development. This island is well known for the five distinct subspecies of giant tortoise, linked to the different volcanic areas on the island. The centre has almost 1,000 giant tortoises getting ready for life on their own. Afterwards, we’ll make our way to a brackish-water lagoon where we’ll be able to observe flamingos.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Wall of Tears, a historic site 5km west of Puerto Villamil. This lava rock wall, about 25 metres tall, was constructed between 1945 and 1959 by prisoners and it serves as a sobering reminder of the time the island was used as a penal colony.

Afterwards, you’ll enjoy some relaxing snorkelling time in Concha de Perla (Pearl Shell), next to Puerto Villamil. In this sheltered lagoon, you can easily swim with sea lions, penguins, sea turtles, iguanas and many other marine species.

You’ll have a free day today to enjoy this slice of paradise.

Early this morning you’ll be taken back to Santa Cruz Island, the second-largest island in the archipelago, by speed boat.

You’ll embark on your cruise today aboard the catamaran Grand Queen Beatriz. The small size of the ship means we can navigate to smaller, less-visited gems throughout this glorious archipelago.

Lunch will be served onboard before visiting Santa Cruz Island, to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. As well as undertaking vital conservation work, the facility has breeding programs for some of the most endangered species of the islands, like the Galápagos giant tortoise.

Enjoy a morning excursion to North Seymour. The trail on North Seymour crosses the inland through the island and then explores the rocky coast. Along the way the trail passes colonies of blue-footed boobies and frigate birds. The magnificent frigate bird, a large black bird with a long wingspan, and a hooked beak, is extremely fast and has excellent vision. Frigate birds are known for the large red pouch on their necks. During mating season the males throw back their heads, inflate the pouch (sometimes to the size of a soccer ball), and shake trying to capture the attention of female frigates.

Boobies and frigates have an interesting relationship. Sharing the same nesting area on North Seymour, blue-footed boobies nest on the ground making their nests from the twigs of the palo santos trees, while the frigate birds nest just above them in the saltbushes.

After lunch, we’ll visit the small sandy island of Mosquera; a relaxing, picturesque stop. Along the rocks and in the tide pool, sally lightfoot crabs (red lava crabs) scamper back and forth, skipping across small pools of water in search of food. These distinctive crabs with their bright red shell tops and blue undershells are stunning against the black lava.

This morning, enjoy an excursion to Black Turtle Cove, a red mangrove wetland on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. Paddle the cove’s peaceful waters and keep an eye out for green turtles.

There is also an abundance of interesting birdlife, such as the yellow warbler and lava heron. This is also a breeding area for turtles, so it is not uncommon to see them mating. Go for a walk on Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill) this afternoon, this is one of the best places to see land iguanas in the islands. You’ll walk along the trail from the beach, and along with the land iguanas, other sightings include marine iguanas, flamingos and Sally Lightfoot crabs.

Rábida Island, also known as ‘Jervis’, is a tiny island sitting roughly five kilometres south of Santiago Island. It’s one of the most striking of the archipelago. Introduced species were eradicated in 1971, meaning that the indigenous wildlife has now been returned to a state of splendid isolation. Additionally, volcanic activity here has produced vivid, fantastical colors, with red beaches and scarlet cliffs.

From the shore, the trail leads through to what is one of the finest lagoons in the Galapagos for viewing flamingos. Rábida is also a wonderful place to spot nesting pelicans. Pintail ducks, marine iguanas and sea lions are also around.

Sombrero Chino (Chinese Hat) is a small islet located near the southeast coast of Santiago. It's shaped like a Chinese hat when seen from afar, and is geologically fascinating, with many lava tubes leading from the cone to the coast.

As flights to the mainland from Galapagos depart mid-morning, it is an early start for our last morning on the islands.

Depending on the flight time, our time spent on this final excursion could be limited. We’ll take an early morning excursion to Las Bachas, which was so named after the barges abandoned by the American Navy here in the 1940s. The sandy, white beaches of Las Bachas on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island are a nesting site for the green sea turtle, and marine iguanas are also commonly seen. The sand here is particularly white and soft as it is made of decomposed coral.

The rocks provide great snorkelling and are the perfect habitat for the Sally Lightfoot crabs, which are plentiful on the island. A saltwater lagoon near the beach is home to flamingo and whimbrel, and also look out for great blue herons.

You’ll return to the airport in Baltra for your flight back to Quito. Upon arrival at Quito Airport you will be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Please note: As you will be leaving the boat this morning, please remember that if you have enjoyed the services provided by your guide and crew, a tip would be very much appreciated by them. As a guideline we recommend each passenger consider US$15 per day for the crew and US$10 per day for your guide. You can leave tips in envelopes that are placed in your cabin on the last day of your journey.

We’ll set out on a city tour this morning. Ecuador’s capital is perched high in the foothills of the Andes, at an altitude of about 2,800 metres.

First, we’ll explore Quito’s Old Town with its countless churches, engrossing history and wonderful museums. This colonial centre is exceptionally well preserved; it’s no wonder it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way you’ll see La Compañia de Jesus, the impressive 17th-century church with its lavish interior, and quaint Calle La Ronda, Quito’s oldest street.

Then, we’ll head north of the city, about a 45 minute journey, to see the Middle of the World City. It’s home to the Monument to the Equator, built during the 18th century when a French expedition defined the precise location of the equatorial line. Yes, you’ll be able to stand in both hemispheres at once. We’ll go inside the monument and then visit the Intiñan Solar Museum, where you can participate in activities to prove that you are at the centre of the earth!

Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your South American adventure comes to an end. At the appropriate time, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.

Check out: Passengers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out times will apply no matter what time your flight is scheduled to depart. Check-out time is generally anywhere from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or alternatively please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost. Your tour guide (or hotel staff) will confirm the time of your airport transfer with you directly.

Cross the international date-line.

Arrive home today after your amazing adventure, we hope you have been Inspired!