Includes airfare, great hotels, transfers and more!

Peru, Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands including
Lima, Cuzco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Quito

Join us on a fascinating voyage of discovery as we visit some of the most splendid and awesome sites in the world. We'll travel 11,000 feet to the Inca capital of Cuzco and from there, tour Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, among the most impressive archeological discoveries of all times. We'll continue to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, a magical, unique, living laboratory, where Darwin, and those who followed, studied evolutionary changes that led to a new understanding of life on earth. You will be among a limited number of visitors permitted on these precious islands, with their wide variety of exotic wildlife! Get close to animals less fearful of humans than those found anywhere else. This is truly a once in a lifetime adventure you'll never forget, and it's yours for a price that's as amazing as the trip itself!

Our Touring Program

Day 1: Depart USA. Your exciting expedition to Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands begins this evening as you depart on your overnight flight.

Day 2: Arrive Lima, Peru. Early morning arrival in Lima, Peru's diverse capital. You'll be escorted to your deluxe hotel. This afternoon enjoy a tour of both colonial and modern Lima, founded in 1535 and later dominated by the Inca nation. See the historical center and the San Francisco Church as well as Plaza de Armas and the Government Palace. Later, see the fashionable districts of San Isidro and Miraflores with their beautiful parks and elegant residences facing the ocean. Tonight, your tour director hosts a welcome dinner. Sonesta El Olivar Hotel (D)

Day 3: Lima/Cuzco. A short morning flight to Cuzco, the fabled capital of the Inca Empire, perched at 11,000 feet above sea level. On a guided afternoon tour visit the main Inca and Colonial monuments. See the Plaza de Armas, center of the Inca Empire and the impressive 16th century cathedral, built on the ruins of the Inca Palace. In the old town view magnificently restored colonial buildings. Your hotel is superbly located in the heart of the old town. Novotel Hotel (B)

Day 4: Cuzco is a vibrant town, dotted with archaeological sites. Venture this morning to the outskirts of Cuzco to visit the amazing ruins of Sacsayhuaman, an Inca architectural masterpiece. From this fortress enjoy fabulous views of the city below. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight savor dinner complete with a colorful folklore show. (B,D)

Day 5: Cuzco/Machu Picchu. Embark on a two-day expedition to Machu Picchu. Ride aboard the VistaDome train through the lush Urubamba Valley passing through stunning scenery. Arrive at "The Lost City of the Incas" rediscovered in 1911. The beauty of its location and the genius construction make Machu Picchu the jewel of all Inca settlements. An expert leads you through the ruins to absorb the mystery and beauty of this amazing site. While most visitors leave Machu Picchu in the afternoon you'll stay in the area overnight. Machu Picchu Inn (B,D)

Day 6: Machu Picchu/Cuzco. Return to Machu Picchu to explore the mystical ruins further. To this day nobody can explain how the Incas managed to transport the huge blocks of limestone for the city's construction onto the mountain top. Visit quaint Aguas Caliente before your afternoon train ride to Cuzco. Novotel Hotel (B)

Day 7: Pisac & Sacred Valley Excursion. Today, embark on a full day excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas with its amazing landscapes of fertile land, mystical ruins and indigenous villages. Visit the colourful Indian market in Pisac where many beautiful crafts are traded. After lunch at a charming country restaurant continue to Ollantaytambo and visit the splendid ruins of this massive ancient fortress. The village below is a fine example of the Incas incredible urban planning skills. Return to Cuzco late this afternoon. (B,L)

Day 8: Cuzco & Quito, Ecuador. Today fly to Quito, the colonial capital of Ecuador. This attractive city, located just 15 miles from the equator, is surrounded by ice-capped volcanoes. Your Ecuador tour director escorts you to your deluxe hotel with a brief orientation en route. Hilton Colon Hotel (B)

Day 9: Otavalo Excursion. On today's excursion to the Ecuadorian countryside, visit the small town of Calderon where miniature bread figurines are made. Descend into spectacular Guayllabamba Gorge before arriving at Otavalo, a sprawling Indian market. Here, you'll find unique handicrafts made by the indigenous locals. Lunch is included at a charming restaurant. Later, visit the small town of Cotacachi, Ecuador's center of leatherworks. Return to Quito later this afternoon. (B,L)

Day 10: Quito/Galapagos Cruise: San Cristobal Island. Over the next four days cruise along and visit the enchanted Galapagos Islands, where you'll see a variety of exotic wildlife. Fly from Quito to San Cristobal, the easternmost gateway to the islands. There, you'll board your first class cruise boat, the Galapagos Explorer II, your base while exploring the islands.

This afternoon a naturalist guide will lead you on a short walk to Ochoa Beach, an excellent spot to view pelicans, sea birds and anemones. Observe the thick vegetation and mangrove trees. Free time to walk on the beach, snorkel or swim before returning to the boat. MV Galapagos Explorer II (B,L,D)

Day 11: Galapagos Cruise: Espanola Island/Charles Darwin Station. Upon landing at Suarez Point on Espanola Island, learn about lava terrain while crossing inactive lava fields.

Aside from the sea lion colonies, this is a great site for bird watching. You may encounter a large colony of Waved Albatross, and might also spot marine iguanas, lava lizards and the colorful Sally Light Foot Crabs. Later, visit the famous blowhole, where water shoots high into the air. After lunch, arrive in Santa Cruz Island where you'll visit the fascinating Darwin Station and learn about the research conducted on the island. The station is a breeding and rearing center where tortoises of different subspecies are prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats. (B,L,D)

Day 12: Galapagos Cruise: Genovesa Island/Darwin Bay. One of the most spectacular islands in the archipelago, Genovesa is known as "the island of birds". Disembark at El Barranco and walk on lava-covered terrain observing the many bird species and the fragrant Palo Santo trees. This is a breeding ground for the tree-loving red-footed booby and the ground-nesting masked booby as well as four species of finch. Later sail to spectacular Darwin Bay where you may observe magnificent frigate birds. Just behind the beach, explore tide pools frequented by wandering tattlers, whimbrels, lava gulls and fiddler crabs. You may also encounter yellow warblers and swallow-tailed gulls swooping around the cliffs. (B,L,D)

Day 13: Galapagos Cruise: Santa Cruz Island/Quito. Arrive at Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island where you may observe bodysurfing sea lions, marine iguanas and sea turtles. Swim or stroll along the white-sanded beach. Later, disembark and fly back to Quito. Hilton Colon Hotel

Day 14: Quito. On a guided tour of Quito learn about its colonial past, history and culture. Visit the old town and see the Church of San Francisco, the first religious building constructed in South America by the Spanish. See La Compania, the city's most ornate church. Admire the spectacular views of the Valley of Tumbaco. On a clear day see the impressive volcanoes surrounding the city. Afternoon at leisure. This evening savor a farewell dinner at a famous local restaurant. Hilton Colon Hotel (B,D)

Day 15: Quito/USA. Final morning at leisure for independent pursuits. Later, board your return flight. Your memorable journey ends as you arrive the USA later this evening. (B)

About your ship, the Galapagos Explorer II

The elegant MV Galapagos Explorer II is a modern first class cruiser especially adapted for Galapagos Cruises. The ship can accommodate up to about 100 guests in either classic ocean-facing cabins with portholes or higher deck cabins with large panoramic windows. All cabins are outside facing, spacious and have a private bath with shower and two lower beds. The ship has ample public facilities including a lounge, game room, library and a small swimming pool. The elegant restaurant serves delicious continental cuisine.To enrich your visit to the Galapagos Islands, there are several expert naturalists on board as well as a glass-bottom boat available for those not wishing to snorkel.

Click here for more information about the ship, including deck plans.

About Machu Picchu

Known throughout the world for its amazing ruins and stunning location high in the mountains, Machu Picchu was accidentally discovered in 1911 by the American archaeologist Hiram Bingham. The beauty of its location and the genius construction make Machu Picchu the "lost city of the Incas" and the archaeological jewel of South America. Machu Picchu's remains are comparatively well preserved because the Spaniards never reached the city. It was buried in the jungle for centuries, and even after its 1911 rediscovery, the city remained inaccessible until the 1940s, when an archaeological expedition working at the site discovered the Inca Trail cutting through the valley below. While most visitors spend only a few hours here, you'll stay overnight and have ample time to absorb the mystery and beauty of this amazing, not-to-be-missed site!

About the Galapagos Islands

Welcome to the enchanting Galapagos Islands, a magical place like no other on earth! Charles Darwin turned these fascinating isles into a unique living laboratory to study evolutionary changes that led to a new understanding of life on earth. In order to protect the ecological balance, the number of visitors to the islands is limited. You'll be one of those privileged guests to visit the islands and get to know a wide variety of exotic wildlife unique to this archipelago! Get close to animals less fearful of humans than those found elsewhere. This is a once in a lifetime adventure you'll never forget!

Destination FAQs

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Peru, click here.

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Ecuador, click here.

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MIDDLE EAST
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Amazing Peru
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Patagonian Explorer
Peru, Ecuador & the Galapagos
SOUTH PACIFIC
New Zealand Adventure
CRUISES
Classical Greece by Sea
easyCruise Greek Isles,Turkey
Greece, Turkey & Croatia Cruise
Italy, Greece & Turkey Cruise
Italy, Greek Isles & Croatia Cruise
Italy, Spain, Tunisia, Malta Cruise
Spain, France & Italy Cruise

Region:	-- all regions -- Africa Asia Europe Middle East South America
Country:	-- all countries --
Duration:	-- any length -- Up to 8 days 9 - 12 days 13 - 16 days 17 days or more
Budget:	-- any budget -- Up to $1000 Up to $2000 Up to $3000 Up to $4000
Month:	-- anytime -- January February March April May June July August September October November December

Peru, Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands
Included Features

• Round trip flights from Miami via LAN Peru/LAN Ecuador (add $180 if departing from New York) (flight schedule)

• Intra-South America flights, ground transportation and transfers

• Accommodations at First Class hotels with private bath

• Three-night Galapagos Cruise aboard MV Galapagos Explorer II

• 25 meals: 13 full buffet breakfasts (B), 5 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)

• Comprehensive sightseeing tours and shore excursions

• Professional English-speaking tour directors

PLEASE NOTE: Our cruise tours are heavily in demand, and even if a departure shows as available, availability may be limited to certain decks or cabin categories. Please check with us by telelphone (800-555-5765) for up-to-the-minute status on our cruise programs.

Rates are per person based on double occupancy.

Single occupancy rooms: add $1399. (Single cabins cannot be guaranteed and are extremely limited.)

Cabin Upgrade on Galapagos Cruise: Rates are based on Superior Outside cabin with porthole on Magellan Deck. To upgrade to a higher deck cabin with panoramic windows, the following surcharges apply.

• Premium cabin on Marco Polo Deck: add $149 per person in double/$298 in single.

• Deluxe cabin on Erickson Deck: add $249 per person in double/$498 in single.

• Renaissance Suite on Erickson or Explorer Deck: add $599 per person, double occupancy. Single occupancy add $1198.

Flight Schedule: Click here for a full flight schedule.

Departure Airports: Included flights are from Miami. For New York (JFK) departures, add $180.

Additional costs: U.S. departure taxes, $250, and Galapagos Park fee, $100, are not included.

IMPORTANT TRAVELERS NOTE: The high altitudes reached on this trip (Cuzco is at 11,000 feet above sea level) and the amount of walking involved, often on uneven terrain, requires that you be in good physical condition to fully enjoy the trip. We strongly suggest that you consult a physician regarding any concerns prior to making a reservation.

FUEL SURCHARGES We are all aware of the escalating cost of fuel, and while we had hoped we would not be adversely effected, we are now receiving fuel surcharge notices from many airlines. Most likely, all airlines will soon follow suit. All present surcharges  for this tour are included. We regret having to pass along these additional charges to our passengers; however, we cannot be responsible for these charges when they are levied except to do our best to notify our passengers of the charges and then collect them on behalf of the carriers. Like all taxes associated with your tickets, fuel surcharges and airport fees are subject to change without notice.

Important Note: If you are reserving this tour less than 60 days prior to departure, confirmation is subject to space availability. We will advise you within 48 hours if we can confirm your reservation. In the meantime, no credit cards will be debited for deposits or payments until we are able to confirm your reservations.

Wait-listing on Friendly Planet Sold-Out Departures: If your preferred departure is sold out, you can place yourself on a waitlist by completing the online reservation form and submitting it to us. Just click on the "waitlist" button, complete the form and click "submit". In the comments box at the very bottom of the form, please write any notes regarding your request, especially any flexibility you might have in your dates of travel. This way, if your first choice doesn't clear, we can try for a second or third choice. We will make every effort to clear your space in a timely way so that you can join us on tour. You do not need to send any deposits for waitlists. When we clear your space, we'll contact you immediately by phone or email, and if you still wish to travel, we will arrange for deposits or payments at that time. We regret that we cannot accept waitlists beyond 35 days prior to departure. If you see "sold out" next to the dates you wish to reserve or waitlist, please note that this departure is now closed, including waitlist possibilities.

Already Booked? Print and complete your Tour Registration Form (PDF).

800.555.5765 / Fax 215.572.9803

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* Some tour prices reflect an early booking discount on select dates. Prices do not include Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee.

Though we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information on our site about our tours, sometimes oversights and typographical errors can occur. Please confirm all tour prices and details with us via email or phone prior to booking. We will not be held responsible for misunderstandings arising from such errors.