Natural Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands

Natural Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands

16 days /
15 nights

From 650 / person / day

BASED ON 2 PEOPLE All Pricing Info
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Destinations
LIMA, CUSCO, SACRED VALLEY, OLLANTAYTAMBO TO MACHU PICCHU, GUAYAQUIL, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

This expertly crafted, fifteen day itinerary combines the very best of South America’s most alluring and adventurous destinations, the sacred ruins of Peru and the wondrous enchantment of the exotic Galapagos Islands. Begin in Peru’s electric capital of Lima where you visit the city’s main historical highlights. Next, explore the Sacred Valley of Cusco by way of horseback, the Piuray Lagoon by way of stand-up paddle board, and visit the markets and archeological ruins of Pisac. Hike through the famed ruins of Machu Picchu, wander through Incan museums and enjoy decadent meals in scenic settings. The second half of your trip introduces you to the “Enchanted Isles” of the Galapagos, one of the most unique ecosystems on Earth and home to exotic wildlife found nowhere else, by way of combining a stay on land with a comfortable yacht. White coral beaches, volcanic summits and seabird nesting colonies, combined with pristine seas full of incredible marine life and premier snorkeling experiences await you in a true journey of a lifetime!

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Itinerary

DAY;

1

ARRIVE LIMA, PERU / LIMA CITY TOUR

Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival, your English-speaking guide greets you outside of baggage claim and takes you to your hotel via private transfer. Most direct flights to Lima from the United States arrive late at night and do a red-eye return, therefore, if you happen to arrive earlier in the day we will help you arrange tours and meals for that day, or you can simply relax at the hotel of your choice.

Optional Activities:

Overnight Villa Barranco or Hotel B or Similar

Meals

DAY;

2

LIMA BARRANCO NEIGHBORHOOD TOUR

After breakfast at your hotel, your guide will meet you in the lobby to begin a walking tour of the Barranco District featuring stops at the Mario Testino Photography Exhibit, seaside parks, street art, ceviche lunch at a local-favorite spot and more. If you’d like, we can arrange a biking tour instead. In the evening, choose from one of the top restaurants in the world to dine at in Lima, we recommend Central, Maido, AMaz, or Astrid & Gaston (transfer included, but not the cost of the meal).

Optional Activities:

Overnight Villa Barranco or Hotel B or Similar

Meals B,L

DAY;

3

LIMA TO CUSCO FLIGHT / PISAC / HACIENDA HUAYOCCARI & HORSEBACK RIDING

Private transfer this morning from your hotel to the Lima airport for your domestic flight to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, your English-speaking guide will greet you outside of baggage claim and take you to your hotel in the Sacred Valley via private transfer. A short drive away and tucked under the tawny skirts of formidable foothills, lies the beautiful Río Urubamba Valley, known as El Valle Sagrado (The Sacred Valley), home of attractive colonial towns and isolated weaving villages. Along the way, visit the local market and Pisac Archaeological Site, a place of sprawling views, temples, terraces and a collection of Inca tombs. A memorable lunch at the exclusive Hacienda Huayoccari, full of homemade Peruvian specialties crafted from ingredients grown on the property’s farm, will satisfy and tantalize the taste buds for all the culinary delights still to come. Following lunch, enjoy horseback riding through the countryside. After lunch, settle into your hotel for the evening and soak in the spirit of the Andes.

Optional Activities:

Overnight Aranwa, Sol y Luna, or Similar

Meals B,L

DAY;

4

EXPLORING THE SACRED VALLEY

Spend a full day discovering the Sacred Valley of the Incas with your private guide: Start with a Stand Up Paddle excursion at the Piuray Lagoon, followed by a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Maras Salt Flats, which rest on the precipices of the Andes and have been excavated for many centuries. Then enjoy a privately guided hike (approx. 2 hours) from Maras into the Sacred Valley, followed by short (15-min) drive back to your hotel.

Optional Activities:

Overnight Aranwa, Hotel Sol y Luna, or Similar

Meals B,L

DAY;

5

OLLANTAYTAMBO TO MACHU PICCHU BY TRAIN

This morning, meet your guide at the lobby of your hotel for a private transfer to Ollantaytambo train station. From here, you will continue via train to Machu Picchu with your private guide (~ 1 hr. 20 mins. one-way). The new First Class Train by Peru Rail will carry you through magnificent landscapes, ample with photographic opportunities, to the base of Machu Picchu. After lunch in Aguas Calientes at a local-favorite restaurant, enjoy a bus ride up the winding mountain for a privately guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel. One of the seven wonders of the world, the “Lost City of the Incas” is true a marvel, magnificently perched at 2,430 meters / 7,972 feet above sea level. After your tour of Machu Picchu, return via train to Ollantaytambo where your private transfer will be awaiting your arrival to take you to your hotel in Cusco, or ask us about upgrading to the Hiram Bingham Train by Belmond.

Optional Activities:

Overnight El Mercado, La Casona, Palacio Nazarenas, or Similar

Meals B,L,D

DAY;

6

CITY TOUR OF MACHU PICCHU / RETURN TO CUSCO

This morning, your guide will greet you in your hotel lobby for a tour of downtown Cusco’s neighborhoods, colonial sites, and more. This afternoon your will have time at leisure to relax at your hotel or explore Cusco on your own.

Optional Activities:

Overnight El Mercado, La Casona, Palacio Nazarenas, or Similar

Meals B

DAY;

7

CUSCO TO LIMA FLIGHT / LIMA TO GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR FLIGHT

Today your journey in Peru comes to an end while your experience in Galapagos Islands awaits. Your guide will greet you at your hotel lobby for a private transfer to Cusco airport where you will catch your domestic flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, continue to board your flight from Lima to Guayaquil, Ecuador. Once you land in Guayaquil, get through customs and collect your baggage before being greeted by our team for a private transfer to your Hotel Olo Verde or El Parque for the evening.

Optional Activities:

Overnight Hotel Olo Verde, El Parque, or Similar

Meals B

DAY;

8-10

This morning, return to the Guayaquil airport via private transfer for your flight to Baltra Airport in Galapagos Islands. Depending on the time of year you anticipate visiting Galapagos Islands, your destination upon arrival in Baltra will be determined. From December to June we recommend going to Isla Isabela, and Santa Cruz is preferred year-round. Both islands have plenty of adventure activities and natural wonders to discover, please ask your trip designer what option fits you best when planning your dream journey to Galapagos. Depending on the destination you choose (Isla Isabela or Santa Cruz) choose from an array of experiences and land accommodations that we offer in this custom-tailored journey to Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands. Adventure activities can include volcano hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, wildlife viewing with an expert naturalist, explore lava tunnels and craters, etc.

Optional Activities:

Overnight Isabela (Dec - June) - Casa de Marita or Iguana Crossing | Santa Cruz (yr-round) - Finch Bay, Safari Camp, or Villa Galapagos 3

Meals B

DAY;

11-15

GALAPAGOS CRUISE FROM ISABELA OR SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

Depending on where you choose the land portion of your journey (Isabela or Santa Cruz Island) your trip designer will help you choose the perfect boat for your Galapagos experience. We recommend the Coral, Golden Galapagos, Petrel, or Ocean Spray.

Optional Activities:

Overnight La Casa de Marita

Meals B

DAY;

16

BALTRA TO QUITO OR GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR; RETURN FLIGHT HOME

This morning, enjoy the last Galapagos sunset as you will depart your ship and make your way to the Baltra airport for a return flight to Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador and a connecting flight to return home.

Optional Activities:

Overnight

Meals B

DAY 

2

Quito

This morning, you are picked up for your half-day private guided tour of Quito, including a walking tour of its historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, the afternoon is at your leisure to spend relaxing or exploring the city further on your own.

Optional Activities:

Private tour of Quito’s colonial churches or insider’s look at the country’s finest Pre-Columbian art collection

Spectacular horseback ride in the high Andes near Quito

2-3 hour hike and birdwatching with Naturalist guide through nearby cloud forest to see hummingbirds and flora

Overnight Casa Gangotena, Plaza Grande, or similar

Meals B

IMPORTANT: We reserve the right to omit any part of this itinerary, to change the order of the places visited, or to alter reservations without prior notice due to weather conditions or road closures, safety concerns, national park policies, or other outside forces that may necessitate revisions to the itinerary. These decisions are based on the traveler’s welfare or are made in the interest of conservation. Please travel with an open mind and a willingness to embrace the spontaneity of your adventure.


all our

preferred

Hotels
and
villas


in Galapagos Islands



all our

preferred

Hotels
and
villas


in Galapagos Islands

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  • this is per person per day and includes private tours and transfers