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Peru & Galapagos Discovery

15 days

Take in the highlights of Peru and the Galapagos Islands on this 15 day tour, which travels from Lima to Guayaquil. Explore enchanting Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Discover Machu Picchu - the incredible Lost City of the Incas and visit the Uros Islands on serene Lake Titicaca. Fly to Ecuador for a tour of Guayaquil before ending your adventure with a four night cruise around the beautiful Galapagos Islands, encountering incredible wildlife.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

15 days

Starts

Lima

Ends

Guayaquil

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by a tour leader

Group Size

Min 4 / Max 16

Minimum age

12 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Fridays

Hotel Rating

3-4 Star

Countries

Ecuador, Galapagos, Peru

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

No - tour ends on arrival back at Guayaquil Airport

Meals included

Breakfast: 14, Lunch: 5, Dinner: 4
Per Person From
AUD$16,115.00
Deposit From
Final payment
AUD$9,669.00
$22,561.00

Tour Highlights

Lima - Explore the capital of Peru with its vibrant plazas, Spanish colonial architecture and world class museums
Machu Picchu – Take a scenic train ride to explore the spectacular Inca citadel, which is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World
Cusco – Take in the highlights of the captivating capital of the Inca Empire on a walking tour including the Sacsayhuaman Fortress
Sacred Valley of the Incas – Roam around the Pisac ruins, the temple of Ollantaytambo and local markets
Lake Titicaca – Cruise out to the floating reed Uros islands on South America's largest lake
Puno - Visit the chullpas at Sillustani, towering stone tombs said to be the burial site of the ancient Hatun Colla chiefs
Guayaquil - Explore Ecuador's largest city on the bank of the Rio Guayas, explore the open-air markets, colonial shipyards
Galapagos Islands - Encounter incredible wildlife on a four night cruise through the archipelago, with guided island tours and snorkelling in the pristine waters

Included

10 nights 3-4 star hotels
4 nights on board the M/Y Galapagos Seaman in a twin/double cabin, with en suite, A/C and panoramic windows
14 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners
Lima airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer from Guayaquil airport on day 15.
5 economy flights: Lima - Cusco, Cusco - Lima, Lima - Guayaquil, Guayaquil - Galapagos Island and Galapagos Island - Guayaquil
Transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles and by train
Guided tour of Cusco including Sacsayhuaman, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Sillustani in Puno and Guayaquil
Lake Titicaca Uros Islands boat trip
Galapagos Islands: guided island visits and snorkeling
Escorted by an experienced English-speaking tour leader in Peru
Services of local English-speaking specialist guides
Naturalist guides in the Galapagos Islands and a local guide in Guayaquil
Use of snorkel and fins in the Galapagos
Entrance fees for included excursions

Not Included

International flights and visas
Tipping – an entirely personal gesture
Wetsuit for snorkelling ($10 USD a day)
Galapagos National Park entrance fee (US$200pp) and Migration Control Card (US$20pp). Subject to change

Itinerary

Day 1 - Lima

Welcome to Peru. Upon arrival at Lima Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to our hotel in Miraflores, a modern middle-class suburb on the coast. The remaining time today is free to spend at leisure exploring the capital.

Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast

Day 2 - Cusco

Lima – Cusco. We take a short flight to Cusco, which will be our home for the next two days. Once the centre of the Inca Empire, Cusco is now a vibrant city, home to extraordinary craftmanship, with old Inca walls and bustling squares filled with ornate baroque colonial churches. Stroll around the cobbled streets of this enchanting city as the shoeshine boys and postcard sellers jostle for your attention, shop at the many handicraft stalls and grab a drink at one of the cafes.

The rest of the day is free to independently explore and in the evening experience the city's energy as people flock to the many restaurants, bars and cafés.

Overnight: Cusco
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Cusco city tour & Sacsayhuaman

This morning we explore Cusco on a guided walking tour. We visit Q’oricancha, also known as the Sun Temple, this was the most significant temple in the Inca empire, a sacred ground dedicated to the Sun God. Following this, we explore the colossal zigzag walls of Sacsayhuaman fortress set on a hill side above Cusco. In 1536 this was the site of a bitter three-day battle was fought between the Spaniards and the Incas.

The rest of the day is free to spend at leisure. Stroll around the cobbled streets, explore Cusco's colourful, bustling markets and splendid churches. The air at this altitude can be thin and the streets are steep, so take your time.

Overnight: Cusco
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 - Sacred Valley of the Incas

Cusco - Sacred Valley. Today we leave Cusco and drive over the high plains and down into the fertile Sacred Valley of the Incas. The valley was densely populated in imperial times and the well-preserved ruins bear witness to the highly developed society that the Incas created. During our drive we pass many of the villages and temple fortress that are scattered throughout the valley. We explore the Pisac complex, which is built on terraces carved into the steep hillside, rising like a staircase to the heavens. We also visit Pisac village before continuing our journey through this beautiful, patchwork valley to the temple of Ollantaytambo, with the magnificent Andes as a beautiful backdrop. Ollantaytambo fortress, the colonial grid plan and the Inca foundations are still intact and there are wonderful views down over the sloping hillsides and into the fertile valley. We spend tonight in this tranquil valley.

Overnight: Sacred Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 - Machu Picchu

Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu. Our day begins with an incredibly scenic 2-hour train journey from Ollantaytambo to the iconic lost city of Machu Picchu. Situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River and surrounded by tropical forest, the Inca city enjoys a truly spectacular setting and it's one of the most fascinating ancient sites in the world. Following a guided tour of the ruins we spend the night in the spa village of Aguas Calientes, a couple of kilometres upstream.

.If you fancy hiking a section of the Inca Trail without disrupting your tour, we can arrange for you to undertake the one day Mini Inca Trail on the same day while still participating in the guided tour of the ruins and staying with the group in the evening. Please note: You must pre-book the Mini Inca Trail as availability is limited, please ask us for more details.

Overnight: Machu Picchu
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Cusco

Machu Picchu - Cusco. There is the optoin to revisit the ancient citadel to walk one of the many trails around the site. Hike up the steep path to Huayna Picchu for incredible views over Machu Picchu or trek to the Inca Bridge, carved into the steep cliff face. Alternatively, you can relax at the hotel before we return to Cusco by train this afternoon.

Please note: If you want to revisit Machu Picchu you will need to enquire with the office and pre-book as availability is limited.

Overnight: Cusco
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Journey to Lake Titicaca

Cusco - Puno. After an early breakfast, we travel by private bus to Puno on the shore of Lake Titcaca. The journey is incredibly scenic and takes approximately 8 hours, climbing over 4,300m. The road is flanked by majestic snow-capped peaks, and we witness men and oxen toiling in fields surrounded by corn and potato crops. We reach the highest point of our journey, as we make our way across the plains of Altiplano, passing market towns where llamas and alpacas are herded by bowler-hatted women.

Overnight: Puno
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Uros Islands and Sillustani

Sitting on the Peruvian-Bolivian border beautiful Lake Titicaca is vast, almost like an inland sea. Today's adventure begins with a motorboat journey across the lake to visit the fascinating Uros Islands. These unique floating islands are constructed entirely from the lake's tortora reeds – the same material used for the islanders' canoes, and you can feel the ground subtly shifting beneath your feet.

This afternoon a guided excursion takes us to the Chullpas at Sillustani, imposing stone tombs believed to be the final resting place of ancient Hatun Colla chiefs. These towers stand along the treeless shores of a remote highland lake, surrounded by captivating landscape.

Overnight: Puno
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Back to Lima

Puno - Lima. This morning we take a flight back to Lima, a short 1 hour and 40 minutes journey. Upon arrival spend the rest of the day at leisure. There's time for an optional tour of the capital's historic centre, alternatively consider visiting one or two of the world-class museums. In the evening why not celebrate the last night of the tour on the cliff top in Miraflores or Barranco sipping a pisco sour cocktail and watching the sun set over the Pacific.

Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Guayaquil

Lima - Guayaquil (Ecuador). Today we bid farewell to our Peruvian tour guide and transfer to Lima airport for a flight to Guayaquil. Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city, located on the banks of the Rio Guayas. A city tour takes us through the bustling open-air market at La Bahia, past the colonial naval shipyard and on to the Malecon (the waterfront promenade). We continue our tours, strolling past tropical gardens, busy markets and cafes to our final stop, Santa Ana hill and Las Penas. This charming district has vibrant wooden houses and ramshackle old streets.

Overnight: Guayaquil

Day 11 - Galápagos Islands

Guayaquil - Galapagos Islands. Transfer to the airport this morning for you flight to the Galapagos Islands. Here we embark on a five day cruise around the archipelago aboard a small motor yacht which will be our home for the next 4 nights. Once settled into our cabin, we begin our tour of the the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands. Find a comfortable place on deck, relax and enjoy the views, often trailed by flocks of birds and playful dolphins.

Overnight: Galapagos Islands
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 12-14 - Cruising through the archipelago

We continue our captivating cruise around the Galápagos Islands, with two landings a day to encounter diverse wildlife. There will also be the opportunity to snorkel both from the islands and the boat itself, and two kayaks are available for use. During our cruise we will visit the islands of San Cristobal, Floreana, Espanola and Santa Cruz.

San Cristobal is an old island with volcanic peaks to the north and lush vegetation in the south. Here you can learn about the natural and human history of this island at the The Interpretation Centre, experience snorkelling off Cerro Brujo's beaches and encounter sea lions at Isla Lobos.

Floreana has a rich and fascinating history and highlights of the island include a visit to Post Office Bay and snorkelling around the Devil's Crown, a part submerged crater. There's also a golden beach where green turtles nest and a salt lagoon which is home to a plethora of wading birds.

Espanola is one of the most beautiful Galapagos Islands and also one of the oldest, dating back an estimated 3.3 million years. Espanola has a high percentage of endemism because it is isolated from other islands. Endemic species include the Waved albatross, Darwin's finches and the mockingbird of Espanola, which is the largest species in the islands and has developed carnivorous behaviour. A highlight of this island is a visit to Urbina Bay with its long white beach which is home to a sea-lion colony. There's also a spectacular blowhole where the spray shoots 30m high.

Santa Cruz island has the largest human population of all the islands, mostly living in Puerto Ayora. On this island we see a colony of land iguanas at Dragon Hill in the northwest and giant tortoises in the verdant highlands. We also hope to spot rays and sharks from the comfort of a panga or kayak at Black Turtle Cove.

Overnight: Galapagos Islands (3)
Meals: Breakfast x3, Lunch x3, Dinner x3

Day 15 - Guayaquil

Galapagos Islands - Guayaquil. We disembark from our cruise and take a short flight back to Guayaquil where our tour ends upon arrival.

Post tour accommodation in Guayaquil can be arranged upon request. Please contact us for details.

Meals: Breakfast

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Pre Tour Accommodation - Lima

Double

$165per passenger

Twin

$165per passenger

Single

$305per passenger

Additional Excursions

Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.

Lima Airport Transfer (per car

Only book airport transfers in conjunction with pre or post tour accommodation. Airport transfers are included on the first and last day of the tour.

$165

per passenger

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

Casa Andina Miraflores
Lima

With a contemporary exterior that shelters a collection of Peruvian artowork and colonial antiques, the classy Casa Andina Miraflores is the perfect blend of the old and new. The smart guestrooms are decorated in a neutral palette of colour in a contemporary design with the conveniences you would expect of a 4 star hotel, many with great city views. The restaurant boasts exquisite regional gourmet dishes whilst the heated swimming pool features a waterfall. The hotel is strategically located in the heart of Miraflores with Kennedy Park just two blocks away. It's a 45 minute drive to the airport.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Hotel Pakaritampu
Sacred Valley

Hotel Pakaritampu is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, in the village of Ollantaytambo, just 50 yards from the train station which is on the mainline to Machu Pichu. This delightful property exudes Peruvian charm in an idyllic setting amidst attractive gardens, perfect for relaxing in after a busy day. The onsite restaurant offers a variety of both local Peruvian delicacies and international meals. Charmingly decorated rooms offer standard king size or twin beds, safety-deposit box, a TV with cable channels and Free WiFi access. The main square is only a ten-minute walk away. Here you'll find a selection of shops and restaurants, as well as remnants of Ollantaytambo’s magnificent Inca fortress. The hotel follows sustainable and eco-friendly practices and supports local communities.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Posada Del Inca - Lake Titicaca
Puno

Located on the shores of Lake Titicaca and only 5km from the centre of Puno, Posada Del Inca offers a uniquely breath-taking experience. The traditionally decorated en-suite rooms offers WiFi, soundproofed rooms and comfort for all guest allowing the shades of the surrounding Andean landscape reflected in the decor. There is a restaurant on-site serving Peruvian and International cuisine. Enjoy a drink by the crackling open fire at the onsite bar. Hotel Posada Del Inca provides a delightful stay for each guests.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Hotel Wyndham Guayaquil
Guayaquil

Located in the vibrant heart of Guayaquil, Hotel Wyndham is a contemporary haven blending comfort and style. The elegantly designed rooms provide modern amenities, ensuring a relaxing stay. Indulge in exquisite local and international cuisine at the on-site restaurant, and unwind with a cocktail at the bar. The hotel's fitness centre and rooftop pool offer leisure options. Its prime location offers easy access to notable attractions like Malecón 2000 and Parque Seminario.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
M/C Galapagos Seaman Journey Cruise
Galapagos Islands

This 4 star cruise vessel is designed to provide a comfortable, relaxed and intimate experience, accommodating only 16 passengers and nine crew members. The vessel features various amenities, including comfortable air-conditoned cabins with private facilities and large picture windows, a dining area offering delicious local and international cuisine, a spacious sundeck for relaxation, and social spaces for connecting with fellow travellers. Aboard the Seaman Journey Cruise you will be guided by experienced naturalist guides who possess in-depth knowledge of the Galapagos Islands' flora, fauna, and ecosystems. These experts lead daily excursions, providing insightful information about the islands' unique wildlife, geological features, and conservation efforts. Whether snorkelling with playful sea lions, observing ancient giant tortoises, or hiking along volcanic trails, you will have the opportunity to engage with the islands' remarkable wildlife up close.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 star cruise boat

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Shared' prices are applicable to solo travellers who are happy to share a room with another traveller of the same sex.

2025
Twin/Double
Single
17 Jan - 31 Jan
Sold Out
Sold Out
14 Feb - 28 Feb
$16,115
$21,405
28 Mar - 11 Apr
$16,115
$21,405
23 May - 6 Jun
$16,115
$21,405
12 Sep - 26 Sep
$16,115
$21,405
5 Dec - 19 Dec
$16,115
$21,405

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