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Victoria Guestx7121
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Margaret Bailey
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Day 1
Arrival in Lima
Upon arrival at Lima airport, you will receive assistance from a representative and a transport service will take you to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day free to get to know the city. The Peruvian capital is a modern metropolis and full of history, with about 10 million inhabitants, currently undergoing an exciting process of cultural and economic changes. Overnight in Lima.
Hotel: Tierra Viva Lima 3* (or similar) -
Day 2
Lima
After breakfast at the hotel. Pick up at the hotel at approximately 9 am and explore Lima’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with fascinating historic buildings. The route begins at the traditional Pueblo Libre district, where you visit the Larco Museum, located in a beautifully restored viceregal mansion built on a pre-Columbian pyramid from the seventh century. The museum boasts a complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver objects, as well as pieces of erotic art. Then visit Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion granted by chief conquistador Francisco Pizarro to one of his captains, Jeronimo de Aliaga. This is the only house from that time, still belonging to the same family. Continue with a scenic tour through the colonial downtown. See the Main Square, where you can appreciate the grandiose architecture of the Spanish Empire. Admire Lima’s Cathedral, built during the 16th century. At the end of the tour return to your hotel at around 1 pm. Rest of day at leisure. Overnight in Lima
Hotel: Tierra Viva Lima 3* (or similar) -
Day 3
Lima - Cusco
Breakfast at the hotel. A transportation service will take you to the Lima airport to take your flight to Cusco (Lima – Cusco flight not included). Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco must arrive not later than 10:30hrs. Noon arrivals are too late. A representative will welcome you in the Imperial City and accompany you to your selected hotel. After a short break at the hotel, you will be picked up by your local guide to start the tour at 1 pm, enjoy a guided 4-hour tour of this charming city, which was the capital of the Inca Empire. The tour starts with a visit to Santo Domingo Convent, a large Renaissance-baroque complex, built over the Inca Coricancha Temple. It was one of the most important temples dedicated to worshipping of the sun, and its foundations are still prominent at the base of the convent. Ancient chronicles say the temple was covered in gold leaf and filled with representations of nature. Then, visit the Cathedral, the most imposing monument of the Main Square. Head to the hills above Cusco to visit the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, whose imposing ramparts offer a stunning panoramic view of Cusco, and the ruins of the temple and amphitheatre of Qenqo, where it is believed the Incas practised agricultural rituals. Admire Qenqo and then finally visit Puka Pukara (‘Red fortress’ in Quechua) an Inca military complex located on a prominent hill. Its dwellings squares, bathrooms, aqueducts, walls, and towers can still be appreciated. Afterwards, at approximately 5.30 pm return to your hotel. Overnight in Cusco.
Hotel: Tierra Viva Cusco 3* (or similar) -
Day 4
Cusco - Ollantaytambo Sacred Valley
Breakfast at the hotel. During the morning , you will depart from the city to visit the town of Chinchero (On Sundays, also visit the local market in Chinchero), a traditional Cusco urban center located at an elevated point with a beautiful view of the valley. The inhabitants of this area preserve the artisan traditions and the inherited knowledge of the Incas and display them in their clothes and customs. Here, there are also archaeological remains and a beautiful seventeenth-century church, one of the first Catholic buildings in Peru. Then, you will be transferred to the Living Museum of Yucay , an Andean interpretation center, where demonstrations of the elaboration of textile work, adobe, pottery and silverware are carried out in the same way in which they used to in the past; an original recreation of Inca traditions. Also, residents of the museum include llamas, sheep and alpacas, and they can be fed! From here, continue to Ollantaytambo and visit its town , inhabited uninterruptedly since Inca times, and enjoy a superior Andean gastronomy experience in a local restaurant. Later, visit the iconic fortress, built next to a mountain. At the end of this activity, you will be transferred to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. Overnight in Sacred Valley.
Hotel: AVA Spots 3* (or similar) -
Day 5
Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Breakfast at the hotel. Your visit to Machu Picchu begins with an hour and a half train journey through spectacular Andean landscapes to Aguas Calientes, starting from the Ollanta station. Once there, you will be guided to the bus (25 minute bus ride) that takes you to Machu Picchu, the ´lost city of the Incas´. It is believed that the archaeological site was built around 1450 by Inca Pachacútec as his holiday residence. However, a century later, the city was abandoned after the Spanish conquest, saving itself from the destruction that reached other Inca settlements. Instead, the jungle slowly swallowed its stone constructions and hid it, protecting it. During the guided 2 -hours tour, you will learn about the origins of this impressive citadel, presenting its most outstanding monuments such as the main square, the royal rooms, the temple of the three windows, the sacred clock and the cemeteries. At the end of the tour return to Aguas Calientes to begin your transfer back to Cusco. Overnight in Cusco.
Hotel: Tierra Viva Cusco 3* (or similar) -
Day 6
Cusco - Guayaquil
Breakfast at hotel. A transport service will take you to the Cusco airport to board your flight to Guayaquil (Cusco – Guayaquil flight not included). Upon arrival at the Ecuadorian airport, a representative and a transport service will take you to your hotel. Rest of day at leisure. Overnight in Guayaquil.
Hotel: Tryp by Wyndham 3* (or similar) -
Day 7
Guayaquil - Galapagos
Transfer from the hotel in Guayaquil to the airport to take the flight to Galapagos (Guayaquil – Baltra Island flight not included). We suggest booking the earliest flight from Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands, as well as the later flight from Galapagos to Guayaquil so you can enjoy the Islands longer. Once at the Galapagos airport, after completing the entry procedures, a representative will wait for you to accompany you on your transfer that will take you to the port. After 15 minutes, arrive at the port to take the ferry that will take you from the Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island in a 20-minute journey. Once in the upper part of the island, you will visit a beautiful Ecological Reserve: Cerro Mesa or El Chato. Within these reserves, it is possible to observe the giant turtles in their natural habitat, as well as learn about the local endemic flora. After the experience, head to the town of Puerto Ayora, where you visit the Charles Darwin station, a scientific research centre on the evolution of species and the history of the islands. Finally, you will be transferred to your Puerto Ayora hotel. Overnight in Puerto Ayora.
Hotel: Red Booby 3* (or similar) -
Day 8
Galapagos
Enjoy the day while sailing to one of the impressive islands that make up the Galapagos archipelago. During the morning, you will be transferred to the pier to begin the excursion. The route takes place according to availability to one of the following Islands (a few days before starting your trip we will reconfirm the route): Isabela, San Cristóbal, Bartolomé, Plazas, Seymour Norte or Santa Fe. Get in direct contact with nature and discover the impressive biodiversity that has captivated explorers and visitors for centuries. Enjoy a delight and light lunch. At the end of the excursion, you will return to the hotel in Puerto Ayora . BARTOLOME ISLAND Bartolome is famous for its Pinnacle Rock, which is one of the most representative geological and photogenic landmarks of the Galapagos. Clumsily walking around the rocks at the base of Pinnacle Rock is a small colony of the Galápagos Penguins, one of the smallest species of penguin in the world and the only one found north of the Equator. The visit to Bartolome includes a climb to the highest point of the island for spectacular views of the surrounding lava scenery, an area often referred as the Galapagos “moonscape”. The site is an open textbook of geology, featuring small craters and some amazing rock, ash and lava formations of varied types and origins, as well as some “pioneer” plants colonizing the fresh lava and ash-flows. ISABELA ISLAND At the Puerto Ayora dock board the boat to navigate to Isabela Island (approximately 2 hours navigation). Upon arrival to Isabela Island start the visit of this fascinating island. The first stop will be at the Flamingos lagoon to closely watch these beautiful birds in the natural habitat. Continue to visit the town´s Breeding Center and learn about the natural history of the Galápagos Islands and finally visit Concha Perla Beach, located a few meters from ¨El Embarcadero pier which can be reached along by a wooden walkway; the path runs through a mangrove forest and a small colony of sea lions up to a calm bay enclosed by natural rocks and fed by the sea with shallow and clear waters. It is the idea place for observing the incredible array of marine life. You will be able to swim and snorkel alongside tropical fish, sea lions, penguins and turtles. PLAZA SUR ISLAND One of South Plaza´s main characteristics is its unusual vegetation which includes another species of Opuntia Cacti and the colorful Sesuvium plants. These are a native variety of a succulent plant that stores water on its tubular leafs, forming a reddish carpet that spreads over the gray lava rocks. A colony of Galapagos land iguanas is found over parts of the small island. The sheer cliffs of the southern shore are an unparalleled bird observatory and the perfect habitat for several sea-birds, including blue-footed boobies, pelicans, swallow-tailed gulls and the very colorful red-billed tropic birds. SANTA FE ISLAND Santa Fe has one of the most beautiful bays of all the visitor sites in the Galápagos. It boasts a turquoise-color cove protected by a narrow peninsula that extends along the northern shore. The sandy beaches are often covered with colonies of Galapagos sea-lions. A marked rocky trail leads to interior and Cliffside areas where the Santa Fe endemic species of land iguana can be found within a very picturesque forest of Opuntia or prickly-pear Cacti. These endemic cactus trees are the largest of their kind in the islands. After the hike you can swim in the calm waters of the bay or snorkel amongst often playful sea lions. SEYMOUR NORTE ISLAND Flatter than other islands, North Seymour is one of the islands uplifted by underground seismic activity. Located north of Baltra, where the Archipelago’s main airport is found; this Island is one of the best places to see blue-footed boobies nesting on the flat rocky areas near the coast of the island. Following the trail that leads to the interior of the island, visitors will find one of the largest colonies of Magnificent Frigate birds. During the mating season, an explosion of bright red pouches inflated by male frigates to attract females provides some of the most spectacular sights in the Galápagos. SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND You will be picked up at hotel and transferred to Puerto Ayora dock to board a small boat to navigate to San Cristobal (Approximately 2 hour’s navigation). Upon arrival to San Cristobal take the navigation excursion to a nearby site: Lobos Island or Ochoa beach or Kicker Rock. This visit will allow you to discover the fascinating flora and fauna of the archipelago. Overnight in Puerto Ayora.
Hotel: Red Booby 3* (or similar) -
Day 9
Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz Island
Recharge your energy with a tasty breakfast at the hotel. Then the meeting point will be at the dock (the time will be coordinated previously with the guide) to begin your tour of the island of Santa Cruz, a unique tour of its rich bay. You will depart to the first destination: the Lobería, a small island where you can swim with curious sea lions. After that, you will continue browsing Love Channel, Sharks Channel, Cracks and Los Perros Beach. Enjoy the sighting of sharks, blue-footed boobies, iguanas, rays and many other species during this impressive tour. When finished, you will return to Puerto Ayora at 12.30 pm approximately and have the afternoon at leisure to rest. Overnight in Puerto Ayora.
Hotel: Red Booby 3* (or similar) - Day 10 Galapagos - Return Breakfast at the hotel and at the agreed time, transfer to the port of Santa Cruz Island, where you will board a ferry that will cross the Itabaca Canal. After a 20-minute tour, arrival at the port and transfer to the Baltra airport to take the flight back to Continental Ecuador for your departure (not included).
Included
Operated with a Local English and Spanish-speaking guide on shared basis.
Operated with a local naturalist English and Spanish-speaking guide on day 8
9 night’s accommodation
9 breakfasts
3 Lunches on day 4 5 and 8
Private arrival and departure transfer from the airport to hotel in Lima
Private arrival and departure transfer from the airport to hotel in Cusco
Shared transfers from and to the train stations
Roundtrip train to Machu Picchu in Expedition Service (PeruRail) or Voyager (IncaRail)
Bus Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes.
Private arrival and departure transfer from airport to hotel in Guayaquil
Private Transfer from Baltra airport to pier
Ferry to Baltra Island to Santa Cruz Island and vv
Shared arrival transfer from Santa Cruz Island pier to Hotel in Puerto Ayora
Private Transfer from Baltra Island Pier to the airport
All the activities mentioned in the programme: Larco Museum Casa Aliaga (day 2) Santo Domingo Convent Coricancha temple (day 3) Living museum of Yucay Ollanta Fortress and Chinchero town (day 4) Machu Picchu (day 5) visit Ecological Reserve: Cerro Mesa or El Chato (day 7); Full day island navigation (day 8); Bay tour in Santa Cruz Island (day 9)
Meet & greet on day 1 6 7
Galápagos National Park and Migration card to Galápagos Ingala.
Exclusions
Personal expenses drinks and meals not explicitly mentioned in the programme.
Tips for driver and guide.
Additional optional visits.
International flights to Peru and Ecuador.
Domestic flights: (Lima – Cusco on day 3) / (Cusco – Guayaquil on day 6) / (Guayaquil – Baltra Island on day 7)
Domestic and foreign airport taxes
International departure tax quoted according to the airport
PERU, A LAND OF CONTRASTS AND DIVERSITY
Peru is a country of many faces, where landscapes and cultures unfold with remarkable intensity. From the arid Pacific coastline to the lush depths of the Amazon rainforest, passing through the imposing Andes mountain range with some of the highest peaks on the continent, travelers are constantly amazed. Peru is also an encounter with communities that have preserved their ancestral traditions, the result of an exceptional historical and cultural blend. Its cuisine, widely recognized as one of the finest and most diverse in Latin America, plays a key role in this sensory journey. At the heart of this fascinating country stands one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World: the legendary Machu Picchu.
MAIN REGIONS
LIMA
Located along the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Lima was once known as the “Pearl of the Pacific.” In pre-Hispanic times, the valley where the capital now stands was a fertile oasis that supported agriculture and fishing. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the city flourished with elegant colonial mansions adorned with intricately carved wooden balconies, reflecting its political, strategic, and economic importance within the Spanish Empire. Discovering Lima today means grasping the complexity of a vast metropolis where each neighborhood tells a different story. Marked by strong contrasts, the city strives to reconcile rural traditions with urban modernity. Despite its apparent disorder and social challenges, Lima charms visitors with its vibrant energy, distinctive character, and the warmth of its people, always eager to share their culture and joie de vivre.
AREQUIPA
About one thousand kilometers south of Lima lies Arequipa, set at the foot of the majestic Misti volcano. Known as the “White City,” it is renowned for its elegant colonial architecture built from sillar, a pale volcanic stone. Founded in 1540, Arequipa enjoys a dry, temperate climate and a spectacular natural setting. With nearly 700,000 inhabitants, it is Peru’s second-largest city. Many religious and civic buildings, carefully restored, are now open to visitors. The Santa Catalina Monastery, a true city within a city, reveals a maze of colorful streets steeped in history. Beneath an almost perpetually blue sky, Arequipa captivates with the harmony of its architecture and the gentle rhythm of daily life.
COLCA VALLEY
A few hours north of Arequipa lies the spectacular Colca Valley. Surrounded by ancient agricultural terraces, it is carved by the Colca River, which flows through one of the deepest canyons in the world. Numerous villages dot the valley, preserving their traditional layouts, richly decorated colonial churches, and age-old festivals. The highlight of any visit is the famous Cruz del Cóndor, a natural lookout point from which visitors can observe the majestic flight of condors soaring above the canyon, with the Coropuna and Ampato volcanoes rising in the distance.
CUSCO
The Cusco region is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating areas in South America. As the former capital of the Inca Empire, it impresses with the richness of its historical heritage and the vitality of its living traditions. Today, agriculture and tourism are the region’s main economic drivers. Nearby lies the Urubamba Valley, better known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This strategic territory once played a central military, religious, and agricultural role. Powerful fortresses built into the mountainsides protected access to the valley. Among the most remarkable sites are Pisac and Ollantaytambo, striking examples of Inca engineering. Further along, at nearly 2,900 meters above sea level, the citadel of Machu Picchu emerges from the heart of lush tropical vegetation.
SACRED VALLEY
Stretching just a few kilometers from Cusco, the Sacred Valley benefited from a mild climate and fertile land that made it the breadbasket of the Inca Empire. The valley also held strategic importance as the gateway between the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. Its atmosphere is truly unique, blending the serenity of cultivated landscapes with the power of dramatic mountain scenery. Here, the glorious past of Inca civilization coexists with a present that remains rural, authentic, and deeply alive.
MACHU PICCHU
Visiting Machu Picchu evokes an emotion comparable to standing before the pyramids of Egypt. Even before catching sight of the citadel, travelers are immersed in a sense of anticipation, as the site reveals itself only at the last moment. Considered one of the greatest masterpieces of landscape architecture in the world, Machu Picchu is divided into two distinct areas. The agricultural sector consists of vast terraced fields and storage facilities used to preserve food supplies. The urban and sacred sector contains temples, plazas, and royal mausoleums crafted with extraordinary precision. The harmony between human ingenuity and the surrounding natural environment gives this place an unforgettable aura.
PERUVIAN CUISINE
Peruvian cuisine enjoys international recognition and is considered one of the richest in Latin America. It delights visitors with iconic dishes such as ceviche, pachamanca, chupe de camarones, ají de gallina, and juanes. This culinary wealth is rooted in the country’s exceptional ecological diversity, which encompasses a large proportion of the world’s known life zones. Abundant marine resources provide exceptionally fresh fish and seafood, while the Andes supply an astonishing variety of potatoes, corn, and chili peppers. The Amazon rainforest contributes unique ingredients, including river fish, game, and tropical fruits. This gastronomic heritage is the result of remarkable cultural blending, combining Spanish, African, Arab, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Today, a new generation of chefs is reinterpreting these traditions with creativity, giving rise to a refined and innovative contemporary cuisine.
TRANSPORTATION
Peru continues to develop its transportation infrastructure, both by land and by air. The domestic airline network allows travelers to quickly reach the country’s main tourist destinations. Road transportation, primarily provided by interprovincial buses, covers nearly the entire territory, with the exception of some remote areas of the Amazon. Travelers choosing a self-drive itinerary must carry a valid driver’s license, a copy of their passport, and their vehicle rental agreement. Taxis are widely available in Peruvian cities, though it is recommended to use official taxi companies for safety reasons.
FACT SHEET
Peru covers an area of 1,285,215 km² and, in 2015, had a population of over 30 million people, the majority living in urban areas. Spanish is the most widely spoken language, alongside Quechua, Aymara, and other Indigenous languages. The population is predominantly Catholic, although other religious affiliations are also present. Peru is a democratic republic, with the president and members of Congress elected every five years. The national currency is the Peruvian sol. Electrical current is 220 volts, with type A, B, or C outlets. Peru can be visited year-round, although certain seasons are more favorable depending on the region. The country is divided into three major geographical zones: the Pacific coast, the Andes mountains, and the Amazon rainforest.
The Embassy of Canada is located in Lima.
Name: Andes & Galapagos
Brand: Pathways of the World
Quality: First Class
Tour Type: Escorted
Start City: Lima
End City: Baltra
Vacation Overview:
Visit the best of the South American Pacific and the Andes with this 10-day seat in coach tour. The tour begins in Lima, where you will visit its colonial and pre-Hispanic side. The next destination is the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco and its surroundings, where you will connect with the mysticism of the Andes, crowning the visit in Machu Picchu, the New Wonder of the World. From the ‘Centre of the World’ the journey continues towards ‘Half of the World´. Arrive in Ecuador via Guayaquil and then head to Santa Cruz Island, located in the impressive Galapagos National Park. Once here, navigate, visit its beautiful sandy beaches and meet the giant tortoises, bred and protected by the Charles Darwin Research Station. In short, an unforgettable trip in two countries where you will live unique experiences.
