Galapagos Cruise & Best of Peru

Meet our local representative at the airport who will assist you with your private transfer to your chosen hotel.

Welcome to Quito! Known as the largest and best-preserved colonial city in the Americas, Quito was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. It is considered the Cultural Capital of South America and lies on the equator, nestled in a valley at the base of the Pichincha volcano.

Depending on your arrival time, feel free to explore Quito's historic old town and nearby attractions.

Our local representatives can assist you with planning a day trip (please request in advance). In the evening, join one of our trip leaders in the hotel lobby at 6:00 PM for a welcome briefing. We’ll cover the details of the upcoming adventure and address any questions you may have. The first day will focus on acclimatization and information gathering.

• 2 nights double room on B&B basis at Sheraton Quito Hotel, Quito.

During your journey, stop by Luis's workshop, “Cruz Verde,” where you can see how his family has been crafting the traditional local candy, "Colaciones," for over 100 years, preserving Quito’s heritage.

For lunch, you'll have the chance to dine with locals and savor a delicious meal made with fresh, local ingredients. Afterward, visit the Equator Line, standing on both hemispheres, and try your hand at balancing an egg on a nail.

Upon arrival at San Cristobal, passengers must pass through an inspection point to ensure no foreign plants or animals are brought into the archipelago. Additionally, at this checkpoint, you will pay the entrance fee for the Galapagos National Park: as of September 2024, $200 for foreign passengers and $100 for children under 12 years old.

Your guide will then meet you, assist with your luggage, and take you to the bus. From there, passengers will reach the Catamaran Seaman Journey via motorized boat (panga).

PM: Gianni Arismendy Environmental Interpretation Centre.

This center, set in lush gardens with breathtaking ocean views, offers insights into the geological, human, and natural history of the islands. It is the oldest natural history museum in the Galapagos, dedicated to conservation efforts. Visiting this inspiring space will deepen your understanding of the research and conservation work being done to preserve the archipelago.

• 4 nights ocean view cabin full board basis, M/C Galapagos Seaman Journey.

Located at the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island, Punta Pitt features a 90-meter beach and several natural viewpoints overlooking an eroded volcanic hill.

A 1,400-meter trail leads from Oliviana Beach to the hilltop, where the unique colors of lava and rock create stunning landscapes, shaped by strong winds.

The sand at Oliviana Beach is painted in olive yellow with bright crystals from lava and shells, and sea lions sunbathe while observing frigate birds, pelicans, herons, and seagulls. Punta Pitt is one of the few places to see all three species of boobies (blue-footed, red-footed, and masked) and both species of frigate birds in one area.

PM: Lobos Island, San Cristobal Island.

Isla Lobos, a small flat islet, gets its name from the sea lions that bask on its white sand beaches, their brown fur contrasting with the surroundings.

Located about 20 minutes by boat from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Isla Lobos is a popular diving site with two piers for ocean exploration. The island offers a protected snorkelling area, and an 850-meter trail connecting the piers allows visitors to explore coastal salt-tolerant plants. Isla Lobos is home to both California sea lions and two-furred sea lions, also known as fur seals, which trace their origins to Antarctica.

Gardner Bay, located on the north-eastern coast of Hood Island, features a beautiful beach perfect for relaxing, swimming, and kayaking, with the chance to observe sea lions (Zalophus wollebaki) and even spot sharks in the clear waters. This area is also home to three species of Darwin finches:

• A subspecies of the large-billed cactus finch (Geospiza fuliginosa), similar to the large-billed terrestrial finch
• The small-beaked ground finch (Geospiza fuliginosa)
• The singing finch (Certhidea Olivacea), another endemic subspecies Both migratory and resident birds are frequently seen in the area.

Suarez Point is a prime location for spotting blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and albatrosses. On the oceanfront, this stunning spot allows you to witness large waved albatrosses using the cliffs as a launch point. A key highlight here is the impressive blowhole, which shoots water 50 to 75 meters into the air, providing excellent photography opportunities.

Cormorant Point is home to the largest flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos, set between two tuff lava cones that create a unique atmosphere. Besides flamingos, various shorebirds like common stilts, white-cheeked pintail ducks, and other migratory species are frequently spotted. The area features two distinct beaches: the “Green Beach,” known for its olivine crystal sand, and the “Flour Sand Beach,” made of coral. After a scenic walk, head to Champion Islet for excellent snorkeling, where sea turtles, sea lions, and a variety of fish are seen around the nearby coral reef.

Post Office Bay is historically significant as the location of a wooden barrel placed by 18th-century whalers. Since then, it has served as a post office, allowing sailors and tourists to hand-deliver letters and postcards. This site was also where early colonists arrived. The afternoon is perfect for relaxing on the beach and enjoying the stunning surroundings of Galapagos.

Your visit begins at the Galapagos National Park Service (SPNG) information booth, with a trail guiding you to the Van Straelen Interpretation Centre and then to the breeding center. An elevated wooden circular path offers a chance to observe Lonesome George and the tortoises of Española Island, leading to the tortoise exhibition corral.

After the visit, you will be transferred to Baltra airport for your flight back to the mainland.

• 1 night double room on B&B basis at Sheraton Quito Hotel, Quito.

Internal flight Quito - Lima ( +/- 2 and a half hours flight duration ).

• 2 nights standard room on B&B basis at Casa Andina Standard Benavides, Lima.

Afterwards, with a bilingual guide, head to Lima's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At Plaza de Armas, you will admire colonial and republican buildings, including the Government Palace, Cathedral of Lima, and Archbishop's Palace. The Cathedral, finished in 1649, holds Francisco Pizarro's tomb and displays sculptures and paintings.

Next, visit Santo Domingo Convent, built between the 1530s and 1766. Its walls are adorned with Sevillian tiles from the early 1600s and paintings of Saint Dominic.

Finally, we explore the private Larco Museum, showcasing pre-Columbian art, textiles, and its famous gallery of erotic pottery. The tour ends with a return to your hotel.

Private Half-Day City Tour At 1:00 PM, you will begin with Koricancha, the most sacred Inca temple, whose gold-covered walls and statues were plundered by Spanish conquistadors. A guide will share hidden details about this still-impressive site.

Next, visit Cusco Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas. Built atop an Inca temple, it features Cusco School artwork and indigenous religious symbols subtly integrated into its ornate gold and silver interiors.

Then, head to Sacsayhuaman, an Inca fortress above Cusco, showcasing remarkable stonework and offering panoramic city views.

Finally, explore Tambomachay, an archaeological site with intricate aqueducts and waterfalls, believed to serve as an Inca spa. The tour ends with a return to your hotel.

• 1 night double room on B&B basis at Casa Andina Standard Cusco Plaza Hotel, Cusco.

Passing Saqsaywaman, the route descends 450 meters to the valley floor beside the Urubamba River and the village of Pisac. In Pisac, visit the traditional market to browse and purchase local artisan goods. After 30 minutes in the market, head to the Pisac ruins, located atop a hill at the valley entrance.

At the archaeological site, explore the expansive ruins with their homes, storage rooms, temples, altars, carvings, tunnels, and the Intihuatana stone. The guided tour lasts about 90 minutes. Alternatively, if preferred, spend more time in the market and meet the group later.

Next, stop in Urubamba for a 45-minute lunch break (not included) before continuing to Ollantaytambo. This Inca town was the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti, featuring the Temple of the Sun and expertly crafted stonework. Explore the ruins, water channels, and agricultural terraces designed for crop experimentation.

Returning to town, view ancient granaries and observe daily life as locals in traditional dress go about their routines. After the tour, you’ll be dropped off at the train station for your journey to Aguas Calientes.

• 1 night Suite on B&B basis at Hatu Inti boutique hotel, Machu Picchu Pueblo.

Upon arrival, you’ll begin your guided tour of Machu Picchu, visiting iconic locations such as the House of the Guardian, Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Sacred Plaza. The two-hour tour will offer stunning views of the terraces, surrounding mountains, and deep gorges.

After the tour, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you can relax and have lunch (at your own expense) before boarding the train to Poroy and Cusco. After arriving around 7:00 PM, a driver will take you back to your hotel to reminisce about this unforgettable experience.

• 1 night double room on B&B basis at Casa Andina Standard Cusco Plaza Hotel, Cusco.

Upon arrival, a representative will be there to greet you and escort you to your hotel to unwind and relax.

• 1 night standard room on B&B basis at Casa Andina Standard Benavides, Lima.