Summary
Short description
A luxury holiday taking in the historic highlights of Peru and the wonders of Ecuador’s Galápagos
Highlights
- Discover Lima's colonial masterpieces
- Explore Cusco and the wonders of the Sacred Valley
- Take in the Incan treasures of Machu Picchu – a world wonder
- Fly out to the Galápagos Islands for a luxury cruise
- Come face to face with a whole host of species, including sea lions, iguanas & giant tortoises
In Brief
- 1 Night Lima
- 2 Nights Cusco
- 1 Night Sacred Valley
- 1 Night Machu Picchu
- 1 Night Cusco
- 1 Night Guayaquil
- 4 Nights Galápagos Islands
- 2 Nights Quito
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
City | Expedition cruise | History & culture | Independent tour | Natural world | Wildlife
Since the discovery of the lost Incan city of Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham in 1911, Peru has welcomed visitors attracted by the country’s myriad historical marvels, set amid the awe-inspiring Andes. This two-week holiday combines the very best of the country’s historic sights with the incredible nature of Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands, a remote archipelago flung far out in the azure waters of the Pacific. Here you’ll enjoy unforgettable wildlife encounters as you come face to face with sea lions, turtles, penguins, iguanas and more, aboard a four-night expedition cruise. Your holiday ends in Quito, Ecuador’s historic capital set beneath the towering Pichincha Volcano.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK/Lima
After relaxing with your included airport lounge access, followed by a daytime flight to Lima, you'll arrive in Peru's capital for a transfer to your chosen. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, either relaxing or exploring the city at your own pace.
Stay: Hotel B, Lima (Deluxe) or Belmond Miraflores Park, Lima (Deluxe)
Day
2
Lima to Cusco
Spend this morning exploring downtown Lima on a half-day city tour, taking in the city's main square, the Presidential Palace, the cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace and the Metropolitan City Hall. You'll then head to Santo Domingo Church and Monastery before heading to the modern district of San Isidro. Your tour ends at the fascinating Larco Museum, where you'll see an impressive collection of treasures from throughout Peru's history. This evening you'll transfer to the airport and board a flight to Cusco. Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Stay: Casa Cartagena Boutique Hotel & Spa, Cusco (Deluxe) or Belmond Hotel Monasterio, Cusco (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
3
Cusco
After breakfast you'll embark on a half-day tour of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cusco, beginning at Koricancha Temple, an old Incan temple and centre of worship of the sun god Inti, which now sits beneath the church of Santo Domingo. From there you'll head to the city's main square before continuing to the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, which is a wonderful example of Inca stonework. You'll then visit three important archaeological sites - Qenko, Puca-Pucara and Tambomachay - before finishing your tour at Inkas Expression, a workshop which for local Andean artists specialising in traditional painting and silverwork.
Stay: Casa Cartagena Boutique Hotel & Spa, Cusco (Deluxe) or Belmond Hotel Monasterio, Cusco (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
4
Sacred Valley
Spend the first part of today exploring the village of Chinchero to the northwest of Cusco. More than a picturesque village, it's also an important centre for Incan heritage and is well known for traditional Andean weaving. Indeed, you'll have the chance to see the locals' creations at the main square, where the local market creates a truly colourful spectacle. It's then on to the Sacred Valley, where you'll visit the religious and agricultural centre of Ollantaytambo, which was at one time an important Incan military base. After a tour of the town's archaeological sites you'll continue to your choice of lodge in the Sacred Valley.
Stay: Hotel Sol y Luna, Sacred Valley (Superior) or Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado, Sacred Valley (Deluxe)
Meals: B L
Day
5
Machu Picchu
Today will be one of the highlights of your holiday as you take the Vistadome Train through the Andes to Aguas Calientes. From there a bus takes you to the entrance of Machu Picchu, one of the world's most iconic archaeological marvels. Your expert guide will paint a picture of life in this extraordinary Incan city on a guided tour, before you enjoy some free time to explore the ruins at your leisure. Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and spend the rest of the day relaxing at your hotel, the superb Inkaterra Machu Picchu.
Stay: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
6
Cusco
Return to Cusco, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the city at your own pace.
Stay: Casa Cartagena Boutique Hotel & Spa, Cusco (Deluxe) or Belmond Hotel Monasterio, Cusco (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
7
Guayaquil
Depart your hotel and transfer to Cusco Airport in time for your flight to Guayaquil, a city of pretty parks, historic squares and colourful neighbourhoods set on the banks of the Guayas River. Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Stay: Wyndham Guayaquil (Superior) or Hilton Colon Guayaquil (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Days
8-11
Galápagos
Fly from Guayaquil to the Galápagos Islands, located 1,000 kilometres from mainland Ecuador, in the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean. Arrive on Baltra Island and board the MV Isabela II or La Pinta Yacht for a four-night adventure cruise taking in the unique sights and sounds of this incredible destination. Throughout your cruise you'll experience the best of the Galápagos, visiting lagoons, coves and beaches where you'll encounter some of the region's amazing wildlife, including turtles, sea lions, sharks, dolphins, iguanas and an abundance of bird life including the ubiquitous blue footed booby, one of the Galápagos' most famed residents.
Stay: MV Isabela II (Superior) or La Pinta Yacht (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Days
12-13
Quito
Fly from the Galápagos to Quito, Ecuador's capital set in the shadow of Pichincha Volcano, and transfer to your hotel in the city centre. Spend two days strolling through the picturesque streets of Quito's UNESCO World Heritage-listed colonial centre, explored on an included city tour, and spend time sampling the city's many museums, galleries, bars, cafes and restaurants. Or, if you'd prefer to escape the city, head into the surrounding countryside where you'll find nature reserves, thermal baths and pretty villages dotted amongst spectacular Andean landscapes. We've also included a tour to the equator, just 16 kilometres north of the city. Here, the fascinating Ethnographic Museum will introduce you to the country's unique Native American cultures and a souvenir certificate will accompany your brief overland adventure into the Northern Hemisphere.
Stay: Quito Hilton Colon (Superior) or Casa Gangotena (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
14
Departure
Check out of your hotel and transfer to Quito's international airport in time for your overnight flight back to the UK.
Meals: B
Day
15
Arrive UK
Arrive back in the UK after your overnight flight and continue your onward journey home.
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
15-day tailor-made holiday
from £9,450 pp incl. flights
Superior
Low Season
from £9,450 pp. incl. flights
High Season
from £9,595 pp. incl. flights
Includes:
- Complimentary UK airport lounge access
- Return flights from London to Lima and Quito to London
- Flight between Lima and Guayaquil
- Domestic flights between Lima and Cusco, Guayaquil and Galápagos and Galápagos and Quito
- Private transfers in Peru, private airport departure transfer in Quito
- 9 nights accommodation in 4* (Superior) hotels on a B&B basis
- 4 nights accommodation aboard Isabela II in a Classic Twin cabin on a full-board basis including shared airport transfers in Galápagos and Quito
- Private touring in Peru including half day Lima City tour, half day Cusco city & ruins tour, full day Sacred Valley tour and full day Machu Picchu tour by Vistadome train
- Shared daily land and sea excursions in the Galápagos Islands and tourist control card fee
- Private Quito city and center of the world tour
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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