25 Day Complete Peru & Galapagos Small Group Tour

Welcome to Lima, Peru’s capital known as the "City of Kings".  

Upon arrival at the airport, make your own way to the hotel located in the exclusive Miraflores district, near the Pacific Ocean, archaeological sites and Costa Verde boardwalk, not far from the Larcomar shopping centre. 

Alternatively, you can pre book a private arrival transfer where a representative will meet you on arrival and transfer you to the hotel. Further details can be found under the ‘Upgrade Options’.

Note: Check-in at the hotel is at 3.00pm. If arriving before this time, you are welcome to leave your bags at the hotel until your room is ready.

Enjoy breakfast before meeting your tour leader for a welcome briefing & some tips during your stay in Peru. Following this, we enjoy a walking tour of the city starting with a panoramic view of the “Huaca Pucllana Pyramid” a magnificent ceremonial and archeological centre built in the 4th century A.D. Then, you’ll visit the colonial side of the city where you'll see attractions like the Cathedral, the Viceroyalty of Peru, the main places of Lima's Plaza Mayor (Main Square), the Government Palace, the City Hall, and other important monuments.

After our tour, we continued for approximately 4 hours by road to Paracas. Paracas Bay, with its southern end lying within the Paracas National Reservation is well known for its abundant wildlife. On arrival, you are transferred to your hotel located on the oceanfront where every room overlooks the sea. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. 

This morning, enjoy a tour of the spectacular Ballestas Islands by boat.  Inhabited by amazing marine life, with over 200 types of migratory and resident birds, including Peruvian Pelicans, Peruvian boobies and turkey vultures, among others. In addition, you will also see hundreds of sea lions resting at the beaches, sleeping on the rocks or swimming nearby. The islands also provide shelter to the shy Humboldt penguins which are usually seen at the entrances of small caves near the cliffs.

Following our tour, we return to the hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure to take advantage of the hotel’s facilities.

Alternatively, you may wish to book an optional tour to see the incredible Nazca lines by air.

In the morning, after breakfast, you will be transferred approximately 4.5 hours by road to Lima airport in time for your included flight to Arequipa. A delightful colonial city, Arequipa is situated at the foot of El Misti Volcano, a snow-capped perfect cone of 5,822 metres. Known as the White City, Arequipa is teeming with fine Spanish buildings and wonderful natural landscape. 

On arrival you will be transferred to your historic hotel located in front of the main square of Plaza de Armas.

After breakfast, meet your local guide for a walking tour of the main historic sites of Arequipa. Visit the Plaza de Armas (Main square), one of the most beautiful and stunning of Peru. Here you will visit the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa with its neo classic style with French influences. We then take a visit to the Compañia de Jesus church, with its interior adorned with beautiful colonial paintings and golden altars. Finally, visit the local market of San Camilo as we taste our way through its exotic fruits, vegetables, and prepared dishes to get a better understanding of the culinary culture of Arequipa.

This evening enjoy a traditional dinner, Peruvian style, at a local picanteria. The restaurants in Arequipa are known as “Picanterias” a word that comes from “pick”, as people come together and sit around a table and “pick” from a large sharing plate filled with local specialties.

Leave Arequipa behind as we travel towards the Colca Canyon this morning. On the way we make a stop at Pampas Cañahuas (3,500m/11,482 Ft), a National Reserve where you may spot some Vicuñas and Alpacas that can be seen running freely on these high plateaus. 

Continue your journey to the Colca Canyon as we ascend to the highest point of the trip (4,800 m /15,748 Ft). From here look over the incredible landscape across the Andes with the volcanoes Ubinas, Mismi, Misti, Chachani, Sabancaya (active) and Ampato all dotting the background. Arrive this afternoon at the quaint village of Chivay (3,600 m /11.811 Ft) where you will check into your charming hotel made up of rustic stone cottages located at the edge of the Canyon.  The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore the village on your own.

After breakfast, we travel towards the “Cruz Del Condor”, a natural lookout point where you can see Condors flying over the canyon and spectacular views of the canyon with hundreds of ancient agricultural terraces carved onto the slopes of the mountains.  Afterwards, you will return to the village of Chivay and travel approximately 4 hours towards the city of Puno, crossing the Altiplano (high Andean plateau). 

Upon arrival into Puno, you will be dropped off at your hotel located in the historic centre of the city.  Located between the shores of Lake Titicaca and the mountains surrounding the city, Puno is the gateway to the famous floating islands of the Uros, an amazing archipelago of Totora islands, inhabited by the Uros, descendants of one of the oldest cultures of the continent.

Start the day with a tour of Lake Titicaca. Sitting 3820 metres above sea level, it holds the title of highest navigable lake in the world. Hop in a motorboat and learn about the spiritual significance the lake holds for the Quechua while cruising across its waters. Stop off at Uros Titinos, a floating man-made islands made entirely from reeds and home to several families. Later, head to your homestay in the Lake Titicaca region. To get a better understanding of daily life, why not help your host family with some of their daily activities. Your hosts will be happy to teach you a few words of their language, Quechua, and a friendly game of soccer may also be on the cards!

After breakfast, take a 1-hour boat ride to Taquile Island. The locals here make their livelihood out of textiles, with the women doing the spinning and men doing the knitting. Browse the handmade goods sold here including warm, high-quality items. Next, take an uphill trek for about an hour to visit the main area of the island. After a brief stay, the boat will take you back to Puno (about 3 hours).

We’ll set off for Cusco today, a ten-hour bus journey. This is a gorgeous scenic journey where along the way, we’ll visit charming landmarks rich with natural beauty and history including the Pukara Museum, and "La Raya" the highest point on this route at 4335 metres high. Afterwards you will descend towards the picturesque "village of Sicuani", where you will enjoy an included buffet lunch at a local restaurant, which is served with native products of this region. Later on, you’ll continue your tour at the famous "Inca Temple of Racchi", considered the only Inca place where visitors can see circular constructions, and walls of mud bricks, something you won't see anywhere else on your trip. Then, continue to the traditional town of Andahuaylillas, where you will visit an impressive Cathedral built in the colonial era. Finally, you will arrive in Cusco in the late afternoon. 

Cusco 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. Inca-built walls line the central streets and many of the elegant colonial buildings are built on or around Inca foundations. This is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend and is a perfect base for explorations into the Inca world or to enjoy a range of outdoor activities.

In the morning, set out to discover some of Cusco's lesser-known sights on a guided walking tour. Visit the facade of Qoricancha temple, San Pedro market, the main square, 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. End the walking tour at Xapiri Café where you will be able to taste traditional snacks

In the morning, travel approximately 2 hours through the Sacred Valley on the outskirts of Cusco. Known as Wilcamayo to the Incas, the lush, fertile valley has long been the main source of food for the high Andes. Maize crops can be seen surrounding the river and covering the terraces carved high into the valley walls. You will head to a community in the Valley to learn about local lifestyle and activities and if our visit coincides with market day you can spend time browsing the stalls in search of hand-painted beads or warm ponchos and maybe practising some of the local language, Quechua. You will enjoy regional lunch with the community. Later you will continue the tour visiting the town of Ollantaytambo which has been built over an ancient Inca town. This is a magnificent example of Inca urban planning and one of the few places where the Incas defeated the Spanish. Ollantaytambo's archaeological site is located to the east of the Plaza de Armas. The upper terraces of this site offer great photo opportunities of the squared grid town below.

By the afternoon, you will be transferred to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Today enjoy a guided trip to Maras Salt Ponds and the circular terraces of Moray. On the way you will see some of the most scenic spots in the Sacred Valley. First, visit the ancient salt ponds near the village of Maras, where salty springs emerge from the hillside and the Incas built terraces to capture the flows and harvest salt. Continue to Moray, where huge circular agricultural terraces were built by the Incas on limestone sinks served to plant various crops. It is said to have a cosmological significance, however, the Incas used the terraces as an agricultural laboratory to determine the optimum conditions for each species in varying altitudes. 

After your tour, head to the local train station to board the tourist train towards Aguas Calientes, a modern little town close to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. The train ride to Machu Picchu is one of the most beautiful journeys that visitors can experience in Peru. After passing the Sacred Valley of the Incas the train starts to descend gradually along the edge of the Urubamba River, till finally reach the cloud forest.

After approximately 1 hour 45 minutes you will have arrived in Aguas Calientes town, where you will be taken to your hotel for the night.

Dinner is included at the hotel.

After breakfast, you will be taken to Machu Picchu, the impressive Lost City of the Incas. 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 Aguas Calientes by bus before taking the tourist train back to Ollantaytambo town, followed by a transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

Today you will be transferred to Cusco airport for your included flight to Puerto Maldonado, your gateways to the incredible Amazon Jungle and coined the Capital of Biodiversity. Begin your authentic Amazon adventure with a 25-minute boat ride navigating the clay-coloured Madre de Dios River to reach hidden jungle lodge, Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion. Settle into your stylish stilted wooden cabaña built in a former cacao and rubber plantation located in an enchanting and serene lush setting within 819 hectares of natural rainforest. Enjoy lunch at the lodge before exploring the depths of the jungle on foot. Take a walk along the Concepcion Trails, winding through the property’s nature trails for an immersive introduction to the intricate ecosystems of the Amazon basin. Backed by the protected Tambopata National Reserve, Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion harbours primary and secondary rainforest teeming with exotic wildlife and tropical plants. At dusk witness the enchanting transformation of the rainforest from a diurnal to a nocturnal environment on a guided Twilight River boat ride, as animals and birds of the daytime give way to species specially adapted to the shadows of the night. See if you can spot caiman lurking on the riverbanks and stars of the southern hemisphere.  In the evening enjoy à la carte dining, drawing on local Amazon ingredients for inspiration. Retreat to your cabaña room to listen to the curious calls and croaks of the rainforest at night.

After an early breakfast, we make the most of our day by heading out to visit Lake Sandoval, a glassy, ox-bow lake located inside the protected Tambopata National Reserve, reached via a sun-dappled rainforest trail. Board a dug-out wooden canoe to quietly paddle through a stream and glide onto Lake Sandoval, surrounded by picture-perfect palms. This lake is home to many species of birds, the endangered giant river otter, red howler monkeys, red-bellied macaws, anacondas, side-neck turtles, black caimans amongst others. Return to Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion in time for lunch and a rest. 

In the afternoon we recommend climbing the exhilarating Inkaterra Canopy Walkway. The Canopy Walkway is a sophisticated 344 metre (1,135 feet) network of seven ecologically constructed hanging suspension bridges, strung between eight treetop observation platforms above the forest floor. This is an unforgettable opportunity to observe the rainforest from the rooftop and gain a sense of its size. Keep an eye out for bright toucans, woodpeckers, trogons, monkeys and the three-toed sloth. It’s possible to extend your elevated stay with sunset drinks from atop a tower – or spend a once-in-a-lifetime night in a specially-designed treehouse cabin with surprising comforts (additional cost applies).

After dinner, you can venture out onto the Hidden Forest excursion. Armed with flashlights, as your senses heighten to the movements and sounds in the undergrowth of the forest, keep an eye for species that only emerge during nighttime.

Enjoy your last morning waking to the sounds of the rainforest as parakeets chatter away in the trees and monkeys swing through the treetops. After breakfast we travel by boat for the 25-minute return trip along the Madre de Dios River until arriving at the airport for your included flight to Lima. 

Upon arrival at Lima, you will be transferred to your hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure

Today you will be transferred to Lima airport for your flight to Guayaquil, your gateway to the Galapagos. On arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel located in the heart of the city where the rest of the day is at leisure.

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands.  (Flight tickets and departure time will be advised locally on your arrival in Guayaquil). Your guide will pick you up from the airport and continue on to visit the Highlands of the Island where you can observe the giant tortoise roaming in a natural habitat. Make the most of great picture opportunities with this endangered species, endemic to the Galapagos before continuing to your hotel in Puerto Ayora.

Later, head to the Charles Darwin Research Station, located in Puerto Ayora. The research station plays a crucial role in the conservation and preservation of the Galápagos Islands' delicate ecosystem. Here, you'll learn about ongoing research projects, breeding programs for endangered species, and the conservation efforts to protect the islands' biodiversity. One of the main highlights of the Charles Darwin Research Station is the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center. You'll have the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures up close and learn about the conservation efforts to protect and reintroduce them to their natural habitats.  

Note:  Please note a US$20 per person transit card is payable on departure at Guayaquil Airport.  Galapagos National Park entry fee is payable on arrival on the islands (for arrivals until 31 July 2024 the fee is US$100 per person. From 01 August 2024 the fee is US$200 per person) Both payments are made in USD cash.

After breakfast, you will embark on a full day tour to one of the beautiful uninhabited islands of Santa Fe, South Plaza, North Seymour or Bartolomé (subject to scheduling).  Your excursion will travel by speed boat - the trip takes approximately 2 hours each way. 

Your expert naturalist guide will introduce you to the islands unique wildlife which may include endemic species such as Galapagos penguins, land iguanas, Darwin's finches, blue-footed Boobies and many more.

You will have the opportunity to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. Discover the marine life and vibrant coral reefs.

You’ll then return to Puerto Ayora by late afternoon.

After breakfast, visit Tortuga Bay.  You will take a guided walk (45 minutes each way) to take in the scenery and wildlife.  Visitors can often encounter marine iguanas, Galápagos crabs, sea lions, and a variety of bird species such as pelicans and finches.

Once you reach Playa Brava, please be aware that swimming is not allowed here due to the presence of hazardous currents. For those wishing to swim, continue walking along the beach until you discover a trail leading through the mangrove forest. This path will take you to Playa Mansa, a sheltered bay where you can safely swim and relish the cool shade provided by the mangroves.

This afternoon, transfer to the pier and board a speed-boat to San Cristobal Island (approximately 2.5 hours ride). Upon arrival, you will enjoy a walking tour in the beautiful Puerto Baquerizo to enjoy the local life.

This morning you will visit one of the most iconic sites in the Galapagos Islands:  Kicker Rock or “Leon Dormido”, an amazing rock formation just 90 minutes from San Cristobal Island. This incredible landmark is a remnant of a vertical tuff cone formation with an altitude of 500 feet from the Pacific Ocean, it is considered as one of the best snorkelling sites in the Archipelago.

Erosion has given the formation its characteristic shape of a shoe (hence the name Kicker Rock) and others see a sleeping lion from above, the reason why in Spanish it is called “Leon Dormido”.

Snorkelling in the vicinity of the rock is truly an unforgettable experience! You will be able to spot marine iguanas, sea turtles, rays, Galapagos sharks, schools of colourful fish and, with some luck, hammerhead sharks. Also in the crevasses of the rock, you can encounter blue-footed boobies, masked-boobies and frigate birds.

Return to San Cristobal and your hotel for a well-deserved short resting time. In the afternoon, visit La Loberia beach, a scenic beach filled with large colonies curious sea-lions, marine iguanas, frigate birds and more.

Note: in some instances visits to Kicker Rock will be restricted.  For groups not able to visit Kicker Rock, a visit to Isla Lobos will be provided as an alternative.  Isla Lobos is named after the numerous sea lions (lobos marinos in Spanish) that inhabit the island.  You'll also have opportunities to observe a variety of bird species, including blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and brown pelicans. Once you arrive at Isla Lobos, your naturalist guide will lead you on guided walks through the island's unique vegetation and provide opportunities for close encounters with the wildlife. You will have time to do snorkeling with unique species and then sail to an isolated beach, to relax on its sand, or swim or do some more snorkeling.  

This morning visit to the Interpretation Center, which takes you through the history and settlement of the islands. Visitors can enjoy expositions on natural history, human history and conservation. The natural history explains the different natural facts, such as the volcanic origin of the islands, the distance between the mainland, its currents, the special climate, the arrival of different species, etc. The exposition room of Human History gives a chronological overview of the discovery and colonization of the Galapagos. 

The second section describes the reality of today's Galapagos: the problems and the struggle of several institutions and individuals to conserve Galapagos. The Center also has an outdoor theater and a cinema.

At the appropriate time you will be picked up  and transferred to the airport in time to board your flight to the capital of Ecuador, Quito. Upon arrival, your guide will welcome you and drive to your cosy centrally located hotel.  The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the surroundings.

Today you are at leisure to enjoy the quaint city at your own pace. The Ecuador capital is constructed on the foundations of an ancient Incan city and is known for its well-preserved colonial centre, rich with 16th- and 17th-century churches and other structures blending European, Moorish and indigenous styles. 

Alternatively, you may wish to join an optional full day tour of this fascinating city.

Your tour comes to an end today after breakfast.  At the appropriate time, make your own way to the airport.

Alternatively, you can pre book a private departure transfer to the airport.  Further details can be found under the ‘Upgrade Options’.

Check out: Check-out time is generally between 10am-12pm. If you have booked your departing flight later in the day, you are welcome to leave your luggage at the 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 (extra charges may apply).