Exclusive Peru & the Galapagos

(14 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Quito, Galapagos cruise (4 nights)

This tour is the perfect combination of two of South America's iconic travel destinations: Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands.

Begin with a morning of sophisticated private touring in Lima. This cosmopolitan city is well worth a visit for the opportunity to experience its history as well as Peru's best museums, shopping and restaurants. Enjoy personalized touring according to your interests, such as an insider tour of the old colonial quarter, a viewing of spectacular pre-Columbian art collections, time for browsing high-quality boutiques and art galleries, or exploring the city's food markets (including tastings of local specialties).

Next, fly to Cusco, and transfer to the lower elevation of the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Urubamba Valley) for a two-night stay. Your private guide will ensure you experience the best of the local culture during visits to indigenous markets and villages, gentle walks or hikes to important Inca and pre-Inca sites, and meetings with renowned local weavers. Active pursuits can also be incorporated, if desired, such as day treks, rafting, horseback riding or mountain biking. A private Nuevo Andean cooking lesson can also be arranged, upon request.

Continue to Machu Picchu and spend one night near the ruins. Your private guide will teach you about the fascinating history of the site and ensure that you have the opportunity to explore the grounds after most tourists have left. Spend the following day exploring the ruins with the option to hike trails to stunning viewpoints around the site before continuing to Cusco on the luxury Hiram Bingham train.

Arrive in Cusco, where an oxygenated room will be arranged at the city's most historic and distinguished hotel. Your guide will lead you through the narrow cobblestone streets as you learn about the fascinating Incan and Spanish history in the city. During your tour, visit markets, galleries, boutiques and the best artisan workshops. Also opt to see important archaeological sites just outside of the city. In the evenings, enjoy dining reservations at Cusco's top restaurants. Additional activities can also be arranged, upon request, such as a meeting with a local art expert or an evening cultural performance.

Next, fly to Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a historic city set among snowcapped volcanoes in the Andes. With your private local guide, tour the city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with Spanish colonial-era architecture. Explore the expansive Plaza San Francisco, colorful back streets, historic markets, hidden courtyards and Baroque churches and monasteries with spectacular interiors such as La Compania de Jesus and the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco. Visit Quito’s best museums according to your interests, such as Museo de la Ciudad, Museo Nacional, Casa del Alabado and the Museo de Arte Moderna. Also visit traditional workshops and perhaps shop for a high-quality Panama hat—an Ecuador original. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange a gourmet chocolate tasting, a gondola ride up Pichincha Volcano for spectacular views of the surrounding mountains or a visit Casa Museo Guayasamin, the former home and workshop of the acclaimed Ecuadorian painter Oswaldo Guayasamin.

Next, fly to the Galapagos Islands, a dream destination for nature lovers. Spend five days exploring the Galapagos Islands on one of our preferred expedition cruises. Each day, tour different islands with an expert naturalist, and get close to giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and other iconic Galapagos wildlife. See the cycle of life up close, which depending on the season, might include mating rituals, newborns feeding, territorial squabbles, and more. Snorkel among sea turtles, playful sea lions and schools of brightly colored fish. Upon request, we arrange private yacht charters, SCUBA diving and other options in the Galapagos.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Lima, Peru Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 2 Lima Full-day private tour Day 3 Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley Private transfer to airport and flight to Cusco. Private arrival transfer to Sacred Valley hotel for 2 nights, with touring en route Day 4 Sacred Valley Full-day private touring in the valley Day 5 Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu Private transfer to Ollantaytambo train station and Vistadome train to Machu Picchu. Arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night. Afternoon private tour of Machu Picchu Day 6 Machu Picchu – Cusco Morning private touring and option for hiking at Machu Picchu. Afternoon luxury Hiram Bingham train to Cusco. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 7 Cusco Full-day private tour of Cusco and nearby ruins Day 8 Cusco – Quito, Ecuador Private transfer to airport for flight to Lima. Airport assistance and flight to Quito. VIP airport assistance on arrival. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 9 Quito Full-day private tour Day 10 Quito – Galapagos cruise Private transfer to airport. VIP lounge access and flight to Galapagos Islands. Arrival transfer to Galapagos cruise for 4 nights Day 11 Galapagos cruise Cruise-based excursions and activities Day 12 Galapagos cruise Cruise-based excursions and activities Day 13 Galapagos cruise Cruise-based excursions and activities Day 14 Galapagos cruise – Depart Quito Transfer to airport for flight to Quito. Use of a day room until evening private airport transfer. VIP departure assistance

Hotels & Cruises

Lima: Miraflores Park Hotel or Country Club Lima Hotel Sacred Valley: Sol y Luna or Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba Machu Picchu: Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge or Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel Cusco: Palacio Nazarenas Quito: Casa Gangotena Galapagos cruise: Aqua Mare, Elite or Endemic

Cost

$30,325 Per person (double occupancy)