Classic Peru and Galapagos

17 days - from $5785

Unite the classic highlights of Peru with a wonderful wildlife expedition to the Galapagos

This adventure combines our 'Classic Peru' trip with our 'Galapagos Explorer' voyage.

In the 15th century Peru was the heartland of the Inca Empire with Cusco as its capital. But with the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadors, the conquest of the region was completed in just a few short years. Today, Peru is rich in both Inca and Spanish colonial culture and we 'conquer' it in just a few days (minus the destruction and savagery). Lima, the sprawling capital, is built on the coastal desert strip nestled between the mountains and the sea and has many excellent museums and buildings dating from the Spanish colonial period. Just a short flight away, over towering, snow-capped Andean peaks, is Cusco, a living, cultural treasure house built on the foundations and walls of the old Inca capital. The city is centred on the Plaza de Armas and dominated by the great cathedral, with the narrow, cobblestone streets radiating outwards, packed with ancient houses, shops and some excellent restaurants. Overlooking the main town is the massive temple complex of Sacsayhuaman and further out in the Sacred Valley is the colourful market-trading town of Pisac. A highlight of any visit to Peru is the world renowned 4-day Inca Trail trek. Arriving at the Sun Gate, the spectacular entrance to Machu Picchu, is an amazing experience that we are sure to remember forever.

After flying from Quito to the Galapagos, we continue on to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz. Here we see giant tortoise at the Charles Darwin Station. In the afternoon we board the 'San Jose' and cruise to Leon Domido and the large island of San Cristobel, where we visit the new interpretation centre and the rugged volcanic peaks of Cerro Brujo. Next stop is isolated Espanola Island, where we find waved albatrosses plus blue-footed and masked boobies, Galapagos hawks, Darwin finches, sea lions and marine iguanas. On the ‘Buccaneer’ hideaway island of Floreana we visit Post Office Bay and the island’s volcanic cone. It is a great spot for snorkelling, full of sea lions and colourful fish. We also encounter stately pink flamingos, as they wade in the shallow waters of inland lagoons. Arriving back at Santa Cruz Island we visit Black Turtle Cove and cruise amongst the mangroves, where the array of wildlife kicks into overdrive! The lagoons are a nursery for many sharks and rays. Amongst all this activity we also find time to relax sunbath, swim, snorkel and enjoy new friendships.

Highlights

• UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient Inca capital of Cusco
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre of the Peruvian capital Lima
• Warminwanusca - 'Dead Woman’s Pass' on the Inca Trail
• The 'Lost City of the Incas' - UNESCO World Heritage-listed Machu Picchu
• Waved albatrosses and boobies on Espanola Island
• Post Office Bay on Floreana
• Snorkelling in the volcanic cone of Devil’s Crown
• The tortoises of Charles Darwin Research Station
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Colonial Quito

Itinerary:

Day 1-2: Lima3-4: Cusco - The Sacred Valley5-8: (Important Note)5: Inca Trail Km 82 - Wayllabamba (8km)6: Inca Trail - Pacaymayo (16km)7: Inca Trail - Winaywayna (15km)8: Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes (5km) - Cusco9: Cusco10: Lima11: Quito12: Fly Quito to San Cristobal. Visit Red Hill in the Galapagos Highlands.13: Española Island: Bahia Gardner and Punta Suarez14: Floreana Island: Punta Cormorant, Devil's Crown and Post Office Bay15: Bartolome Island and Sullivan Bay16: North Seymour Island - Fly Baltra to Quito17: Quito
Included:

Local tour leader in Peru, local guides, an experienced English-speaking naturalist on cruise, arrival transfer, porterage on Inca Trail trek, cruise transfers, four-night cruise, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees.

International flights, airport departure taxes, international departure transfer, visas where required, meals not included in the itinerary, insurance, laundry, any optional tours or activities during free time, tips, items of a personal nature, Galapagos transit card, your flight from Lima to Quito and the entrance fee to Galapagos Islands National Park.

--- The flight from Lima (LIM) to Quito (UIO) is NOT included in the cost of this tour and must be booked separately on Day 11 (Thurs) ---

Your flight from Lima to Quito on Day 11 is not included in the tour cost. This should be booked by your travel agent. The Galapagos National Park fee of US$100 is not included in the trip cost and must be paid in cash upon arrival at Baltra airport.