Travel Notices

Peru, Ecuador & Galapagos Cruise

Enchanting Lima, then to the Andes for Cusco & the lost world of Machu Picchu; plus picturesque Quito & a spectacular 4 night Galapagos Cruise

Overview

This package is currently unavailable.
Style Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packaged, may accommodate up to 24.) More of these packages
Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout
Departures Group Size 24 travelers max
Themes History & CultureNature & WildlifeSmall Ship Cruises
Activity Level Moderate
What to Expect This fast-paced, escorted tour involves a significant amount of walking or hiking, often on uneven terrain, and reaches high altitudes requiring a high level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the trip. This tour also includes long scenic drives between destinations and may have limited rest stops. The Galapagos cruise portion of this tour may have up to 90 passengers on board. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols.
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Join us on a fascinating voyage of discovery as we visit some of the most splendid and awesome sites in South America. In Peru, you’ll see Lima, the City of Kings; Cusco, the ancient Incan capital; and Machu Picchu, the Lost City. In Ecuador, you’ll visit Quito, the lovely colonial capital city and UNESCO World Heritage site; Otavalo, with its colorful, charming market that is known throughout the world; and then cruise the Galapagos Islands, the magical place that inspired Charles Darwin to propose his theory of evolution. And while there are no compromises in the quality of the hotels and the scope of touring included in our program, it's yours for a price that's as amazing as the trip itself!LATAM Airlines

Package includes

  • Flights
  • Cruise
  • Coach
  • Transfers
  • Hotel
  • Meals
  • Guides
  • Round trip flights from Miami via LATAM Airlines including fuel surcharges and taxes and fees, with other gateways available on request
  • All flights within Peru & Ecuador
  • All ground transportation and transfers
  • 11 nights in Superior and Deluxe hotels with private bath
  • 4 nights in a Horizon Deck Explorer Cabin aboard the Santa Cruz II
  • Vistadome train to/from Machu Picchu
  • 27 meals: 15 buffet breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 6 dinners
  • Galapagos National Park Fee ($100) & Transit Control Card ($20)
  • Comprehensive guided sightseeing tours including entrance fees
  • Snorkeling gear
  • Professional English-speaking tour directors and guides

Optional add-ons

  • Optional second visit to Machu Picchu or opportunity to climb Huayna Picchu
  • Exciting excursion from Cusco to Tipon & Andahuaylillas
  • Optional drink packages onboard the Santa Cruz II

Why you'll love it

  • Explore the fascinating regions of Lima, Cusco and the Sacred Valley, and ancient Machu Picchu.
  • Visit the Equatorial Monument in Quito and experience standing with one foot in each hemisphere!
  • Cruise to Santa Cruz Island and explore the diverse biodiversity and unique animals such as shorebirds, flamingos, and land iguanas.
  • Hop on a panga and tour the coast of Isabela Island with your naturalist guide that will show you the incredible wildlife of this island.
  • Mingle with Galapagos Tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station among the impressive prickly-pear cactus forest.
  • Bargain for something special to bring home from the bustling Otovalo Market, filled with vibrant and unique handicrafts.

Videos

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA/Arrive Lima

  • Depart USA on your flight bound for Lima, Peru
  • Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel
  • Please refer to your flight schedule for departure times, you must check in at the airport at least 3 hours prior to your flight's departure
  • NOTE: New York (JFK) departs the night before the departure dates listed above for Miami

Marriott Courtyard Miraflores

Day 2 Lima

  • After breakfast visit the Larco Herrera Museum
  • Enjoy some free time for lunch
  • In the afternoon embark on a panoramic tour of Lima

Marriott Courtyard Miraflores Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Plaza de Armas, Lima

After breakfast, your exploration begins with a visit to the Larco Herrera Museum, boasting one of the greatest private collections of pre-Columbian artifacts. Its permanent exhibition includes a variety of colorful textiles, ceramics and jewelry, but perhaps its most interesting collection consists of ancient erotic artifacts. Next, enjoy some free time for lunch before embarking on a panoramic tour of Lima, driving by the Monastery of San Francisco, the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral of Lima, the ornate Archbishop’s Palace and other historic buildings. You will also visit the fashionable districts of San Isidro and Miraflores with their beautiful parks and elegant residences overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Day 3 Sacred Valley

  • Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco
  • Explore Pisac Market and shop for unique crafts
  • Continue to Ollantaytambo and tour the fortress and ruins

Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Ollantaytambo

This morning, transfer to the airport to board a short flight to Cusco, capital of the Inca Empire (11,000 feet above sea level). Upon arrival, travel to nearby Pisac, a picturesque Andean village with a wonderful market. Here you'll have a chance to buy locally made ponchos, sweaters and other handcrafted clothing, ceramics and hand-painted beads. Enjoy browsing the "locals" section of the market, where villagers come from miles around, dressed in their traditional clothing, to barter and sell their produce.

Continue to Ollantaytambo (9,160 feet above sea level), located at the foot of spectacular Inca ruins which protected the strategic entrance to the lower Urubamba Valley, also known as the Sacred Valley. The temple area is at the top of a series of steep terraces which helped provide excellent defense. Stone used for these buildings was brought from a quarry high up on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, an incredible feat involving the efforts of thousands of workers. Afterwards, check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 4 Machu Picchu

  • Transfer to Ollanta station to board the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu
  • Enjoy a guided tour of the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu

El MaPi Hotel Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Machu Picchu

It's a short drive from your hotel to the Ollanta railroad station where you'll board the Vistadome train that will take you through the lush Urubamba Valley. The train ride passes through stunning scenery en route to the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, one of the most spectacular and enigmatic archaeological sites in the world. (8,000 feet above sea level)

Unknown to the outside world until archaeologist Hiram Bingham rediscovered it in 1911, Machu Picchu is now the most recognizable symbol of the Incan Empire. Believed to have served as a country retreat town for Inca nobility, the complex consists of giant walls, terraces, and ramps constructed from precisely cut rock formations. This impressive architectural feat, in combination with its breathtaking natural setting amid mist-covered green mountains above the rushing Urubamba River, makes for a visually stunning, and even mystical, experience. Enjoy the remainder of the day and evening in Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu.

Day 5 Machu Picchu & Cusco

  • Morning at leisure or optional second visit to Machu Picchu
  • Return to Ollanta station by Vistadome train then transfer to Cusco by bus

Novotel Cusco Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Machu Picchu panorama

Enjoy the morning at leisure to explore the quaint town of Aguas Calientes, revisit the citadel at Machu Picchu or trek to the top of Huayna Picchu on an optional excursion. This afternoon, journey back to Ollanta station by Vistadome train, then continue to Cusco by motor coach. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for overnight.

Optional Excursion: Second Visit to Machu Picchu, $100

Early this morning, there will be an opportunity to independently visit Machu Picchu for a second time, and for the more adventurous, to test their limits by climbing Huayna Picchu, the sharp peak which towers above the citadel. Entrance to Machu Picchu: $100 per person. Entrance to Machu Picchu & Huayna Picchu: $115 per person. Price includes reserved ticket and roundtrip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. Please contact us to reserve this option in advance as availability is limited.

Note: We are not able to secure your ticket for the Machu Picchu Second Visit and Huayna Picchu entrance until we receive your valid passport information. Tickets are only issued by the Peruvian authorities upon receipt of valid passport details.

Day 6 Cusco

  • Day at leisure or join one, or both, optional excursions

Novotel Cusco Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Enjoy the day at leisure in this beautiful town in the high Andes Mountains. You may stroll through the main square, or wander through the many charming side streets. Alternatively, take advantage of one, or both, optional excursions!

Optional Excursion: Chinchero & Maras or Moray, $89
Market in Chinchero

This morning's optional excursion begins with a visit to the ancient village of Chinchero and its beautiful colonial church built upon the original foundations of Tupac Yupanqui Palace. Explore Chinchero's artisan weaver's complex, and discover the traditional techniques of weaving, dying and spinning. Next, depending on your departure date, you will visit Maras or Moray. During the dry season (May through late-November) visit the salt mines of Maras, consisting of about 3,000 small pools, constructed on a mountain side. The ancient Inca would irrigate these pools with brackish spring water and allow them to evaporate to produce salt for the empire. During the rainy season (late-November though April), visit the archaeological site of Moray consisting of enormous terraces in concentric rings which allowed ancient farmers to create diverse micro climates and harvest a variety of crops.

Optional Excursion: Tipon & Andahuaylillas, $75

This afternoon's optional excursion begins with a scenic drive to Tipon, an impressive complex located 15 miles outside of Cusco. Tipon is an ancient marvel of engineering consisting of twelve agricultural terraces and an advanced irrigation system that is still used by the local population to this day. Next, continue to Andahuaylillas and visit the Church of San Pedro Apóstol, considered the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” because of its ornate gold-leaf altar and beautiful artwork adorning its ceilings and walls.

Day 7 Cusco & Lima

  • Morning city tour of Cusco
  • Visit the Sacsayhuaman Fortress & Puka Pukara
  • Afternoon at leisure in Cusco for last minute shopping and exploration
  • This evening transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima

Hotel Costa Del Sol-Ramada Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary
Plaza de Armas, Cusco

After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a panoramic city tour of Cusco. You'll see the Plaza de Armas, center of the Inca Empire, where Francisco Pizarro proclaimed the conquest of Cusco. Here, you'll visit Cusco's beautiful 16th century cathedral. Then, just a few blocks away, you will discover the ruins of the Koricancha, an important temple built to honor Inti, the Incan sun god. When the conquistadors first arrived in Cusco, the temple was covered in sheets of solid-gold and adorned with golden statues, but within months of their arrival, the temple was stripped and the gold plundered as treasure for Spain.

Then, visit the Sacsayhuaman fortress, an emblematic Inca construction built in the 15th century. The size of the fortress and its massive stones are remarkable, and the manner in which they were transported, cut, and laid is still a mystery. Next, travel to Puka Pukara, also known as the "red fortress", which is thought to have been a military stronghold. It has many rooms, courtyards, bathrooms, aqueducts, and towers to explore.

Return to Cusco for lunch at a local restaurant. The balance of the afternoon is yours to explore Cusco and shop for last minute souvenirs. Why not make your way to the San Blas neighborhood, known as the "Balcony of Cusco"? Here you'll find excellent workshops and art shops of some of the best artisans specializing in goldsmithing, pottery, and wood and stone carving. This evening, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival, independently make your way to the hotel, located just across the street.

Day 8 Lima & Quito, Ecuador

  • Independently return to the airport for your flight to Quito
  • Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel

Hilton Colon Quito Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Today bid adiós to Peru as you make your own way back to the airport for your flight to Quito, Ecuador's capital city (9,350 feet above sea level). Upon arrival and after customs formalities, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Day 9 Quito

  • Panoramic city tour of Quito and Equatorial Monument

Hilton Colon Quito Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Quito and Cayambe Volcano

Today, enjoy a panoramic city tour of Quito. Arguably one of the loveliest South American cities, Quito enjoys a spectacular setting surrounded by mountains and several snow-capped volcanoes, including the still-active Mt. Pichincha. Begin your walking tour at Independence Plaza, flanked by the Cathedral, Presidential Palace, Municipal Building and the Archbishops’ Palace. The next stop, La Compañía de Jesús, has an ornate and richly sculptured facade and interior, with colored columns, 10-sided altars, and gilded balconies. Continue to the Monastery of San Francisco, Quito's oldest church and the largest colonial building constructed in Latin America.

Next, drive 16 miles north of Quito to the Equatorial Monument, the Mitad del Mundo ("Middle of the World"). Commemorating the exact place where Charles Marie de la Condamine established the Equator, here you can stand with one foot in the northern and one foot in the southern hemisphere!

Day 10 Quito, Galapagos Cruise: Baltra & Santa Cruz Island

  • Transfer to the airport for your flight to Baltra Island, gateway to the Galapagos
  • Continue to the dock to board your cruise ship, the Santa Cruz II
  • Settle into your cabin, and enjoy an introductory briefing and lunch
  • In the afternoon, visit Dragon Hill on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island

M/V Santa Cruz II Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Blue-footed booby

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Baltra Island, gateway to the Galapagos Islands to begin your adventure. Upon arrival, transfer to the dock to board your cruise ship, the Santa Cruz II, your home for the next 4 nights. Settle into your cabin, and enjoy an introductory briefing and lunch.

In the afternoon, arrive at Santa Cruz Island. The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts the fascinating landscapes of Dragon Hill. Explore the brackish-water lagoon frequented by shorebirds, ducks and flamingos. Further inland the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as the chance of observing land iguanas.

Day 11 Galapagos Cruise: Isabela Island & Fernandina Island

  • After breakfast, explore the coast of Isabela Island by panga
  • Depending on weather conditions, snorkel or swim along the cliffs
  • Continue to Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island

M/V Santa Cruz II Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Seal

After breakfast, explore the coast of Isabela Island by panga, while the naturalist guide explains the dramatic geology of the area, a nesting place for several Galapagos highlights: flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, fur seals, and boobies. Depending on weather conditions, snorkel or swim along the cliffs of this area rich in marine life, seasonally-visited by green sea turtles and oceanic sun fish.

The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the youngest island of the archipelago, Fernandina, which, having no introduced mammals, boasts a unique environment with a very high density of marine iguanas, who share their space with sea lions, Sally light-foot crabs, hawks, penguins and flightless cormorants.

Day 12 Galapagos Cruise: Santa Cruz Island

  • This morning disembark and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station
  • Enjoy lunch in the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island
  • In the afternoon, enjoy one of a variety of activities available on Santa Cruz Island

M/V Santa Cruz II Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Charles Darwin Research Station

In the morning, disembark (dry landing followed by a brief bus ride) for a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station’s giant tortoise breeding center within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest, home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific research, conservation and the National Park administration. Following the visit, board a transport to enjoy lunch in the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island, a completely different ecosystem.

There are several options available for the afternoon, which can be discussed in advance with your Expedition Leader. Options include beach walks, kayaks, walks along the tortoise reserve, etc.  At the end of the afternoon’s activities, return to Puerto Ayora and embark on the Santa Cruz II.

Day 13 Galapagos Cruise: Floreana Island

  • This morning, enjoy a panga ride along Floreana’s north shore
  • Land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic post office barrel
  • Explore the underwater wonders around Champion Islet
  • Enjoy a walk around Punta Cormorant

M/V Santa Cruz II Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Male frigate bird

After breakfast, enjoy a panga ride along the maze of channels on Floreana’s north shore. Continue to Baroness Cove with its breathtaking views of Floreana. Land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries and where postcards are traditionally left for guests from other vessels to hand-deliver to their destinations. Head back on board for lunch.

Following lunch and a siesta, take a panga or glass-bottom boat to explore the underwater wonders around Champion Islet, an extinct shield volcano, regarded as one of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago. From there, it’s on to Punta Cormorant, beginning with a wet landing on the beach for an easy walk that includes a brackish-water lagoon where bird species such as American flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers, and others gather. Continue the walk over to a white-sand beach, where sea turtles emerge from the sea at night to nest (from December to May).

Day 14 Galapagos Cruise: Baltra Island & Quito

  • Disembark and transfer to the airport on Baltra Island for your flight back to Quito
  • Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel
  • Join your fellow travelers this evening for a farewell dinner

Hilton Colon Quito Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Sally Lightfoot Crab

Disembark and transfer to the airport to take your flight back to the mainland. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

After some time to relax, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 15 Otavalo Market & Quito

  • Drive along the Pan-American Highway to Otavalo
  • Explore the famous market at Otavalo
  • Continue to Peguche, a nearby indigenous village

Hilton Colon Quito Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary
Otavalo Market vendor

This morning, set out on the Pan-American Highway to Otavalo. After driving through dramatic Andean scenery, arrive at the famous indigenous fair and the textile market of Otavalo.

Enjoy a visit to the charming Otovalo Market, showcasing brightly colored and unique handicrafts. Stroll by their many stalls filled with paintings, woven ponchos, scarves and blankets. You'll also see traditional hats, handbags, beaded jewelry and more. Try your hand at bargaining for something special to bring home, or just enjoy people watching in this bustling and historic environment.

Then proceed to Peguche, a nearby indigenous village, where local artisans weave in their homes. Learn about their culture and everyday life. Next, have lunch in one of the charming country inns or haciendas of the area. 

Later, return to Quito to finish any last minute packing.

Day 16 Depart Quito

  • This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your return flight via Lima
  • Arrive in Miami or New York tomorrow morning

Breakfast

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • The high altitudes reached on this trip (Cusco is at 11,000 feet above sea level) and the amount of walking involved, often on uneven terrain, require that you be in good physical condition to fully enjoy the trip. We strongly suggest that you consult your physician if you have any concerns regarding your ability to handle these conditions.
  • Please remember that the exact route and program may vary according to weather and ocean conditions, and the wildlife encountered. There is no guarantee that all the possible species mentioned will be seen.
  • Itineraries and program are subject to change without previous notice due mainly to readjustment of the National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes or safety reasons.

Dry landing: guests step from a dinghy onto rocks or a dock.

Wet landing: as a dinghy edges onto a sandy beach, guests step into knee-deep water and wade ashore.

Hotels & Ship

Hotels

Marriott Courtyard Miraflores

More information

Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley

More information

El MaPi Hotel

More information

Novotel Cusco

More information

Hotel Costa Del Sol-Ramada

More information

Hilton Colon Quito
Hilton Colon Quito
Deluxe

The Hilton Colon Quito is located in the heart of the Mariscal district, on Quito's bustling Avenida Amazonas. It is also only 30 minutes away from the airport and 15 minutes away from the historic quarter.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

Cruise Ship

M/V Santa Cruz II

More information

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