Galapagos + Peru's Land of the Incas

Thematically, one might ask why connect a visit to Peru with an expedition to Galápagos? I have two answers: as magnificent as the Galápagos Islands are for nature, so is Peru from an historical and archaeological perspective; and second, Lima — Peru’s capital—is less than two hours away by air from Guayaquil. So, if you have the time, you’re almost there anyway.

A couple of key issues to point out. We spend a week in Peru. Occasionally people ask, “why so long when the highlight is Machu Picchu?” The fact is that there is so much more in Peru, which you’ll see when you read the itinerary. Another reason is that rushing from sea level to 11,000 feet and back is just not wise. You need time to adjust. So please, read on and I hope you become inspired to join us.

Itinerary:

Day 1 - U.S./Guayaquil, Ecuador
Depart U.S. and arrive Guayaquil by late evening. If you choose to take the non-stop group flight from Miami, we depart in the early evening with a flying time of approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival, it’s a short drive to the Hotel Hilton Colón.

Day 2 - Guayaquil/Galápagos/Santa Cruz/Embark Ship
This morning fly to the Galápagos. Flying time is approximately 1½ hours; upon arrival immediately board ship. During lunch we’ll sail to Santa Cruz Island for a magnificent introduction to the wildlife. Spend the afternoon exploring mangrove-flanked channels and the shoreline of Cerro Dragon, looking for land iguanas, sea lions, a variety of birds and schools of golden rays. (B,L,D)

Days 3 - 8 - Exploring the Galapagos Islands
While our exact routing depends on the National Park Service, we may visit the following islands: Here is a brief description of what each island offers. (B,L,D) Bartolomé: This is an enchanting landscape where lava, mangroves and golden sand converge. Great walks, views and a chance to snorkel with penguins — a tropical oxymoron. Santiago: Santiago provides us a chance to see the Galápagos fur seal, along with the opportunity to enjoy the best “tide pooling.” Santa Cruz: The epicenter of Galápagos administration as well as the Charles Darwin Research Center where we’ll learn about their vital preservation work. We’ll head up into the highlands to roam the moss-draped lush landscape where wild giant tortoises often forage. Isabela: Anchor off the picturesque port of Puerto Villamil. Walk the streets of this small town, visit the nearby saltwater lagoons, home to flamingos or simply stroll along a beautiful beach. Also visit the tortoise breeding center. We’ll also explore Isabela’s caves and shoreline and search the waters for dolphins, whales, sea turtles and the elusive ocean sunfish — the mola-mola. Fernandina: We’ll also investigate Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island — the youngest island in Galápagos. It’s marine iguana heaven, with Isabela’s volcanoes as a dramatic backdrop. Floreana: Champion Islet is a fabulous snorkel site and home to a large colony of sea lions. There is nothing more delightful than an hour spent in the clear waters with these creatures! We may find flamingos, pintail ducks and various shorebirds. Hike to a lovely white sand beach, a favorite nesting site for sea turtles. Española: See blue-footed boobies, sea lions galore, Española marine iguanas which develop particularly vivid coloration, and waved albatross exclusive to this island. Snorkel and stroll the island’s lovely beaches.

Day 9 - Galapagos/Guayaquil/Lima, Peru
Depart Galapagos this morning and fly to Lima, Peru. Overnight at Orient Express Miraflores Park Hotel.

Day 10 - Lima/Cusco/Sacred Valley of the Inca
This morning fly from Lima to Cusco and drive to Awanacancha, a farm where South American camelidae are bred. Enjoy the scenery as we make our way to Pisac - Gateway to the Sacred Valley. Pisac has an “old town” and a “new town” from the Colonial era. We’ll visit the local food market before visiting its ruins. Later we check into our hotel, Sol y Luna. (B,L,D)

Day 11 - Sacred Valley of the Inca
This morning visit the massive Inca stone fortress of Ollantaytambo, and is thought to be the only remaining example of pre-Columbian urban planning. After lunch at our hotel, the afternoon is at your leisure to explore on your own. Tonight is a very special night. Dinner is an outdoor event at our hotel complete with a campfire, BBQ and vibrant dances based on Peruvian folklore performed on stilts. There’ll also be a cooking demonstration that will take visitors through the steps of preparing specialties like Ceviche. (B,L,D)

Day 12 - Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu
After breakfast we take a short ride to the train station for the 1½-hour ride to Machu Picchu (“Old Mountain”). At the citadel, “The Lost City of the Inca,” we’ll first have a guided walk but the real magic is that between 4:30 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. most visitors are gone. By staying over, you share Machu Picchu with only a handful of visitors. Overnight at Orient Express Sanctuary Lodge with only 31 rooms. (B,L,D)

Day 13 - Machu Picchu
Breakfast at leisure. Enjoy a sunrise walk and hike to the Sun-Gate, the ancient final check point to Machu Picchu, an almost mystical experience for many. The morning is free to explore Machu Picchu and ponder the many mysteries of the Incas. After a train and bus ride, we arrive in Cusco in the late afternoon for two nights at the Orient Express Monasterio Hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 14 - Cusco
This morning explore Cusco, the Inca Empire’s capital. We’ll also visit the vast Sacsayhuaman Fortress. After lunch at the MAP café in the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, the rest of the day is open to stroll around the Plaza de Armas. Relax shopping or visit the magnificent 17th-century cathedral built on Inca foundations, the Santo Domingo Convent — Koricancha. This evening choose amongst several options for an independent dinner. (B,L)

Day 15 - Cusco/Lima
This morning return to Lima and explore Colonial Lima. Visit the Larco Herrera Museum and its private collection of pre-Columbian art. Stroll the Plaza Mayor. Lunch will follow the traditional Latin American style and be rather late and then you can have a light dinner on your own. (B,L)

Day 16 - Lima/Miami
This morning fly home – or anywhere else you might have decided to go. (B)

What's Included:

Accommodations, meals indicated, flights Guayaquil/Lima/Cusco/ Lima (approximate value $580).

What's Not Included:

Air fare Miami/Guayaquil/Galápagos/Lima/Miami.

Call Toll Free: (888) 815-5428 or Inquire Today!

All rates are per person, double occupancy. Port charges, Government taxes and fees are additional. Limited availability and based on minimum fares for select departure dates. Other dates may be higher. These rates are for new, individual bookings only. Not responsible for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any errors or omissions in the content of this site. Some restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply.