Peru and Galapagos Explorer
Peru and Galapagos Explorer
Take the Peru and Galapagos Explorer Tour for a journey of the wonderful variety and unique experiences. On this thrilling tour, there are the iconic wonders of Machu Picchu and the amazing Galapagos Islands.
And that’s not all, we make sure your time in Peru is well spent with an in-depth exploration of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and not rushing your time in the Andes. With private tours and some of the best hotels, it’s a connoisseur’s Peru journey.
A quick hop over to Ecuador and a few nights in the mountain capital of Quito is the jumping-off point to the Galapagos Islands. We recommend a small ship cruise to get the most out of Galapagos. The Santa Cruz II has some of the best guides and crew in the islands, as well as plenty of space and comfort for that all-important downtime.
South America Travel Specialist’s Peru and Galapagos Explorer offers that bit of everything. So let us guide you from the mountains to the seas.
Peru and Galapagos Explorer – Tour Highlights
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Galapagos Islands by small ship
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Overnight at Machu PicchuCusco and the Inca Valley at your own pace
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Lunches in hidden Andean farms
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Quito old town in 5 star boutique style
Itinerary – we customise this for you
Day 1 – Fly to Lima
Fly to Lima, Peru’s Pacific coast capital. We’ll get you quickly out of the airport and downtown for some time to relax and maybe grab a quick bite.
Meals: None
Hotel:
Belmond Miraflores Park
The prestigious Belmond group of hotels have gone into Peru in a big way and the Miraflores Park hotel is their flagship property in Peru’s capital. It’s certainly one of the best hotels in the city, if not the best. We like it because of the location on the waterfront of Miraflores. It’s a good base after a long flight as everything is taken care of with excellent five-star facilities, a cool rooftop pool which is a great place to recharge. Plus after a day out exploring Lima, it’s a good location to walk along the cliffs of Miraflores by the ocean. We certainly recommend and ocean view room and a few drinks at the excellent bar, not forgetting time at the rooftop pool which is an oasis away from this busy city.
Day 2 – Lima
Your private guide will pick you up and take you into the historical heart of Lima. It’s a mix of churches and mansions dating back to the first days of the Spanish conquest and grand government buildings. Descend into the crypt of San Francisco monastery for a pretty chilling visit, and visit the 500-year-old Casa Aliaga.
For a bit of refreshment and fresh air on the Pacific Ocean, we’ll take you for lunch at La Rosa Nautica. This restaurant on a pier is a place to try some of Peru’s best ceviche while watching the surfers tackle the waves.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Hotel:
Belmond Miraflores Park
The prestigious Belmond group of hotels have gone into Peru in a big way and the Miraflores Park hotel is their flagship property in Peru’s capital. It’s certainly one of the best hotels in the city, if not the best. We like it because of the location on the waterfront of Miraflores. It’s a good base after a long flight as everything is taken care of with excellent five-star facilities, a cool rooftop pool which is a great place to recharge. Plus after a day out exploring Lima, it’s a good location to walk along the cliffs of Miraflores by the ocean. We certainly recommend and ocean view room and a few drinks at the excellent bar, not forgetting time at the rooftop pool which is an oasis away from this busy city.
San Francisco church in old Lima Peru
Day 3 – To the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Fly to Cusco this morning and travel into the Andes with your private local guide. Begin a discovery of the Inca lands. This is a region of lost cities and ancient ceremonial sites, all scattered around a beautiful valley, with a patchwork of farms and villages under high mountain peaks. And through it, all runs the Urubamba River.
On the way into the valley, stop at Pisac market for a first taste of Inca culture, and visit the Pisac archaeological site high up on the hillside. There’s also a stop at a llama farm and pick up some mountain clothes for your journey.
Stay at Sol y Luna in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas for 3 nights, with plenty of time to explore and enjoy the awesome landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel:
Sol y Luna Lodge and Spa
Sol y Luna – the Sun and Moon – is a distinctive hotel full of character and the style befitting a Relais & Chateaux property. t’s one of our favourite places to stay in the Sacred Valley as it remains close to the local community, is family run and owned and is an excellent base for a deep exploration of the area. Not only that, the food is amazing combing high gastronomy with the feeling of eating in a Peruvian home. Rooms are a collection of lovely large individual casitas set among colourful gardens, they invite longer stays. The spa is among the best in South America with traditional Andean wellness and it’s perfectly located for mountain bike and horse riding trails.
The Urubamba River Valley know as the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru
Day 4 – Sacred Valley of the Incas – Maras, Moray and Ollantaytambo
With your private local guide, you will see some of the amazing historical sites left by the ingenious Incas and amaze at the dramatic locations.
Start at the site of Moray where complex agricultural terraces were dug into the sides of the valley. And at Maras, the Incas created an amazing and extremely photogenic way to harvest salt in the high mountains.
There will also be a stop for lunch in a lovely Andean farm. The food will be fresh from the valley. After all, these are the lands from where potatoes originated and the variety and colours are surprising.
In the afternoon it’s off to Ollantaytambo, a massive fort which was the site of battles between the Inca armies and Spanish Conquistadores. Your guide will be able to show you the ingenious way the Incas built the fort up the mountain.
Return into the valley for an evening under the stars.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Hotel:
Sol y Luna Lodge and Spa
Sol y Luna – the Sun and Moon – is a distinctive hotel full of character and the style befitting a Relais & Chateaux property. t’s one of our favourite places to stay in the Sacred Valley as it remains close to the local community, is family run and owned and is an excellent base for a deep exploration of the area. Not only that, the food is amazing combing high gastronomy with the feeling of eating in a Peruvian home. Rooms are a collection of lovely large individual casitas set among colourful gardens, they invite longer stays. The spa is among the best in South America with traditional Andean wellness and it’s perfectly located for mountain bike and horse riding trails.
Maras salt pans across the mountain side in the Sacred Valley Peru
Day 5 – Free time in the valley
We like to suggest an extra day in the Sacred Valley. There’s quite a bit of travelling involved, so with a bit of time in one base you can appreciate the scenery and culture a bit more.
Sol y Luna is the perfect base for getting out into the wild by mountain biking or riding on the ranch’s Peruvian Paso horses. Or relax by the lodge, enjoy the serenity of the gardens and a spa. Inca weaving demonstration in the local village are also a window into the culture and a memorable experience.
Sol y Luna lodge is also a wonderful destination for gastronomy with refined flavours of the food of the Andes.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel:
Sol y Luna Lodge and Spa
Sol y Luna – the Sun and Moon – is a distinctive hotel full of character and the style befitting a Relais & Chateaux property. t’s one of our favourite places to stay in the Sacred Valley as it remains close to the local community, is family run and owned and is an excellent base for a deep exploration of the area. Not only that, the food is amazing combing high gastronomy with the feeling of eating in a Peruvian home. Rooms are a collection of lovely large individual casitas set among colourful gardens, they invite longer stays. The spa is among the best in South America with traditional Andean wellness and it’s perfectly located for mountain bike and horse riding trails.
Day 6 – Machu Picchu
Set off early this morning to see one of the new wonders of the world, Machu Picchu. Take the train through the canyon to the bottom of the valley, with the famous Lost City of the Incas high above.
Entering the site, you’ll have a guided tour of the ruins, which is well worth it to find out theories of how it was built and to see how the buildings align with the moving sun.
After the tour, there’s time for a spot of lunch then take your time to wander the huge site of Machu Picchu on your own and gaze across at the Andean peaks all around. There are few things better than to sit looking down on this mystical ancient city in the mountains as the afternoon light changes and the day-trippers leave and the place becomes steadily quieter and more mysterious.
Stay overnight in the valley below amid the cloud forest and by the river.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel:
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo hotel
For an overnight stay at Machu Picchu or even a night longer, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu is a little different as it offers to stay a little away from the busy town in the cloud forest and next to the surging river in the valley below. The large casita rooms are surrounded by forest and you can see colourful local birds in the canopy, so there’s a real feeling of being in a wilderness location yet close to the epic Machu Picchu. It’s well worth an extra night here as you can take guided walks into the rainforest or have a spa in natural surroundings.
Sunrise light at Machu Picchu
Day 7 – To Cusco
We’ve added in the second day entry into Machu Picchu this morning. You can go in before dawn to see sunrise before the crowds arrive, it’s well worth it.
In the afternoon, take the train back through the valley to Cusco for a 3-night stay in the ancient capital.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel:
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo hotel
For an overnight stay at Machu Picchu or even a night longer, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu is a little different as it offers to stay a little away from the busy town in the cloud forest and next to the surging river in the valley below. The large casita rooms are surrounded by forest and you can see colourful local birds in the canopy, so there’s a real feeling of being in a wilderness location yet close to the epic Machu Picchu. It’s well worth an extra night here as you can take guided walks into the rainforest or have a spa in natural surroundings.
Day 8 – Cusco & Sacsayhuaman
No need to rush around after a busy few days. Take some time to wander around the lively city.
In the afternoon we’ll arrange a private city tour so you can learn all the ins and outs of this fascinating place. This includes a visit to the ceremonial Inca site of Sacsayhuaman, with its intricate stonework, in the hills above the city.
Cusco is full of options for dining and entertainment and we’ll give you some recommendations of some of the interesting places to head to.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel:
Hotel Palacio del Inka Peru
As the name suggests, this Marriott Luxury Collection hotel is set within a historic 16th Century mansion and combines a rich history with excellent facilities. The location is excellent, just steps away from the central square of Cusco and it’s well kitted out with a pool, and an excellent restaurant. The Hotel Palacio del Inka is a bustling hotel and we like it just because of how you feel you are in Cusco, it can be nowhere else in the world
Day 9 – Cusco
It’s a free day today as people get different things from Cusco. Whether it’s a cooking class we can arrange or a private art tour. Or for some adrenaline perhaps rafting or trekking, there’s a host of different Cusco experiences we can arrange.
One option is the full day excursion and trek to the rainbow mountain, which has been revealed due to retreating glaciers.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel:
Hotel Palacio del Inka Peru
As the name suggests, this Marriott Luxury Collection hotel is set within a historic 16th Century mansion and combines a rich history with excellent facilities. The location is excellent, just steps away from the central square of Cusco and it’s well kitted out with a pool, and an excellent restaurant. The Hotel Palacio del Inka is a bustling hotel and we like it just because of how you feel you are in Cusco, it can be nowhere else in the world
Day 10 – To Quito, Ecuador
Fly to Quito, one of the world’s highest capitals in a spectacular setting near the Avenue of the Volcanoes.
Stay in the heart of the city in the bustling old town and 2 nights at Casa Gangotena.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel:
Casa Gangotena
We always suggest to stay in the old town of Quito in one of the boutique hotels in the city and Casa Gangotena is one of the best. It’s located on Plaza San Francisco in the heart of the city and has been renovated from an elegant 18th-century mansion. The rooms offer wonderful luxury looking into the courtyard or across to La Company church and the restaurant is well worth a try, even though there is a number to choose from in the neighbourhood. We always try and arrange sightseeing to be done in the morning so you can get back to the hotel to enjoy the excellent high tea and perhaps walk it off with a stroll around the old streets of Quito. All this combines so you feel a definite South American vibe on your travels.
Day 11 – Quito discovery
See the colonial centre of Quito, with ornate churches, grand government buildings and old cobbled streets and markets. All of this is set below a panorama of volcanic peaks. A private local guide will introduce you to parts of the city most miss.
Then travel a little out of the city into the fertile valleys for a farm lunch and a visit to the equator line where you can stand in the northern and southern hemisphere at the same time. Don’t forget to get the cheesy photo of striding over the line.
Spend the evening in the refined surrounds of Casa Gangotena.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Hotel:
Casa Gangotena
We always suggest to stay in the old town of Quito in one of the boutique hotels in the city and Casa Gangotena is one of the best. It’s located on Plaza San Francisco in the heart of the city and has been renovated from an elegant 18th-century mansion. The rooms offer wonderful luxury looking into the courtyard or across to La Company church and the restaurant is well worth a try, even though there is a number to choose from in the neighbourhood. We always try and arrange sightseeing to be done in the morning so you can get back to the hotel to enjoy the excellent high tea and perhaps walk it off with a stroll around the old streets of Quito. All this combines so you feel a definite South American vibe on your travels.
Day 12 – To The Galapagos Islands
Your mountain adventure takes a turn towards the blue Pacific Ocean and a flight out to the Galapagos Islands.
These are among the world great wildlife adventures. The best way to see the variety of land and marine wildlife, as well as the different landscapes of each island, is to cruise in a small vessel.
Board the Santa Cruz II ship for a 4 night Galapagos Islands cruise.
The sailing schedules change seasonally, covering in 4 nights a good part of the northern islands or the west of the chain. There’s always a stop at the Charles Darwin research station where you can see tortoise breeding program. Plus there’s usually a visit to the hills of Santa Cruz island where there are wild giant tortoises that may come incredibly close.
There may be a bit of time in the afternoon for a first dip in the sea, maybe with some sea lions swimming around.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cruise:
Santa Cruz II
One of the main things we appreciate about the Santa Cruz II Galapagos Islands cruise vessel is the excellent team of Ecuadorian crew and guides, which are essential to the whole experience. Island visits are taken in groups of 123 maximum, and often the ship has the sites to themselves due to the well-arranged itineraries. On board the 50 cabins are spacious with plenty of interconnecting availability. There’s plenty of deck space for al fresco dining and an observation deck. There’s also a restaurant, lounge, bar and a library for a full Galapagos experience.
Santa Cruz II ship in Galapagos Islands
Day 13 to Day 15 – Galapagos Islands encounters
Spend three days in different parts of the islands. There are shore excursions in the morning and afternoon led by expert naturalist guides and in small groups. On these excursions there are walks on the islands, boat rides around the shores and some time on the beach and to snorkel.
On each excursion, the wildlife abounds and is so habituated to humans you can get unbelievably close. The unique species of Galapagos include blue-footed boobies, Galapagos hawks, albatross and Galapagos penguin, the world’s most northerly. In the seas there are the playful sea lions, marine turtles, marine iguanas, rays and more which you can see while snorkelling.
The days in the islands are a relaxed affair with plenty of deck time and time to be looked after by an excellent crew. Have a few cocktails or beers and watch out for whales and dolphins as you cruise the waters. It all adds up to something unforgettable.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cruise:
Santa Cruz II
One of the main things we appreciate about the Santa Cruz II Galapagos Islands cruise vessel is the excellent team of Ecuadorian crew and guides, which are essential to the whole experience. Island visits are taken in groups of 123 maximum, and often the ship has the sites to themselves due to the well-arranged itineraries. On board the 50 cabins are spacious with plenty of interconnecting availability. There’s plenty of deck space for al fresco dining and an observation deck. There’s also a restaurant, lounge, bar and a library for a full Galapagos experience.
Day 16 – To Guayaquil
There may be time for a last visit to an island. Later disembark and a flight back to mainland South America.
Stay for a night in Guayaquil on Ecuador’s Pacific coast. Seafood lovers will appreciate the hotel restaurant or trying any on the promenade for the fresh catch of the day.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel:
Hotel Del Parque
This is our go-to hotel in Ecuador’s port city of Guayaquil because of its boutique local style and central location, meaning you can enjoy a bit of relaxing and exploring before or after an Ecuador and Galapagos journey. It’s a Relais & Chateaux hotel set in a 125-year-old mansion. It’s a tropical oasis with two courtyards and right next to the park. And don’t miss the fresh seafood from the waterfront restaurant.
Day 17 – Depart
Have a relaxed morning in tropical Guayaquil. Later on, we’ll take you out of the city to visit a cocoa farm and for lunch of organic food on a plantation.
In the afternoon, check-in for your return overnight flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: None
Day 18 – Arrive home
Return full of memories of the ancient lands and wildlife wonders, a remarkably varied experience.
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IncludedInternational and domestic flights in economy classAccommodation as specified4 night cruise in Santa Cruz II with all meals and excursionsPrivate transfers and excursions with expert local guidesMeals and per itinerary
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Not IncludedGalapagos Islands National Park taxTravel InsuranceTips and gratuities
