Welcome to South America! Arrive in Lima at any time and you will be transferred to your hotel. This evening, a welcome meeting will take place. Overnight - Lima

Early morning flight to Cuzco and transfer to your hotel with the remainder of the day free to explore Cuzco’s cobbled streets and museums, relax or explore the Inca spiritual sites of Sacsayhuaman and Tambo Machay. Overnight - Cuzco

Today we explore the Sacred Valley, ancient ruins of Pisac and on market days, the colourful artisan markets. Tonight we stay in the 13th century town and fortress of Ollantaytambo.

Ollantaytambo is your first taste of what lies ahead on the Inca Trail. The town and fortress of Ollantaytambo are strategically situated overlooking the beautiful Urubamba River Valley. This major ruin site is known as the best surviving example of Inca urban planning and engineering. It is admired for its huge steep terraces guarding the Inca Fortress and for being one of the few places where the Spanish lost a major battle during the conquest. Overnight - Ollantaytambo

Depart Ollantaytambo for km82 and the beginning of the Inca Trail. At 42 kilometres long and reaching an elevation of 4200m, this trek is physically challenging, however ultimately rewarding. This ancient route will come alive as you proceed along its cobblestoned route, at times pausing, as your guide explains the Inca ruins which line the trail.

Our local crew of porters, cook and guide look after us well for the duration of the hike. Porters carry the majority of the gear for the hike, so those passengers doing the hike only carry a small daypack with water, rain gear, snacks, a camera, etc. As you walk the trail that linked this ancient empire, admire breathtaking views at every step as we move from high plateau areas to dense cloud forest. Depending on the season, you may see a great variety of flora, including miniature and large orchids, and fiery rhododendron bushes. Overnight - Inca Trail (B:2, L:3, D:3)

On the final day of the hike we climb the steps to the Sun Gate overlooking the peaks that surround Machu Picchu. When the morning is clear, there is no way to describe the feeling of the first views of Machu Picchu, as the mist rises off the mountains early in the morning and the famous site appears in front of you. After a guided tour of these mesmerising ruins we return to Cuzco.

NOTE: Those not wanting to do the hike can spend 2 days in Cuzco, then travel by train to Aguas Calientes, where you overnight. Next morning take the bus to the Machu Picchu entrance and rendezvous with the hikers at the ruins. If you decide not to do the hike we need to know prior to your departure in order to obtain train tickets. Overnight - Cuzco (B)

Day free to explore this ancient colonial town. There is something here for everyone – from museums nearby Inca ruins, cobblestone streets and markets to mountain biking, cafés and nightlife. Overnight - Cuzco

Fly from Cuzco to Puerto Maldonado, then by motorised canoe to our rainforest base. A local guide will accompany us as we explore and experience the amazing Amazon Basin. During our voyage you will have the chance to see bird species typical of the river or forest edge such as Black Skimmers, Pied Lapwings, Capped Herons, Jabiru Storks, Roadside Hawks and several species of kingfishers, swallows, and flycatchers.

The area is renowned for its diverse plant and animal populations and include over 1,300 bird species (including 32 parrot species - 10% of the world’s total), 200 mammal species including 4 species of primates, 90 frog species, 1,200 butterfly species and 10,000 species of higher plants—all protected within the reserve. Some of the more famous residents are the Harpy Eagle, the prehistoric looking Hoatzin, tapir, peccary, jaguar, ocelot and playful river otters who live in the area’s oxbow lakes. Overnight - Jungle Lodge (B:2, L:2, D:2)

Return via Puerto Maldonado and flight to Lima. Overnight - Lima

Fly to Quito on your pre-purchased unescorted flight. Please note that this flight is not included in your tour We pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. An orientation meeting will be held this evening. Overnight - Quito

Catch an early flight to the Galapagos where we rendezvous with our motor yacht. In the afternoon sail to North Seymour for our first look at frigate birds, blue-footed boobies and a colony of sea lions.

Seymour Island is probably the most exciting island photographically. Bird life abounds, and close to the trail you will find many nesting pairs and young chicks. Seymour is also home to the Galapagos’s largest colony of magnificent Frigate Birds. Their mating ritual is an ostentatious display: males expand the red sack at the base of their throat and perch atop a bush with wings fully extended, flapping furiously. Interested females circle overhead, and if so inclined, may join the male on terra firma.

Spend the next days visiting several islands, enjoying the wildlife and spectacular scenery. Travel from the yacht to the islands via a small, motorized launch. Explore while learning about the natural history and unique wildlife of each island from our naturalist guide. Most days you can snorkel among sea lions, or relax on deck. Overnight - Galapagos motor yacht (B:4, L:4, D:4)

Visit one last island then fly to Quito. Evening at leisure.

Our Latin adventure comes to an end.