Exclusive Galapagos & Peru

(13 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Galapagos cruise (6 nights), Quito, Cusco, Machu Picchu

This tour has been designed for travelers who want to experience the Galapagos Islands in all their profound diversity in addition to the cultural highlights of Peru.

Begin with an overnight in Quito before flying to the Galapagos Islands, a dream destination for nature lovers. Spend seven days exploring the Galapagos Islands on one of our preferred expedition cruises, the Silversea Silver Origin. 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.

Return 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 interesting back streets, hidden courtyards and churches with spectacular interiors. Visit the best museums, traditional workshops, markets and other sites according to your interests. Perhaps also shop for a high-quality Panama hat—an Ecuador original.

Next, fly to Cusco, via Lima, and stay two nights in an oxygenated room at the city's most historic and distinguished hotel. During a private tour, learn about the fascinating Incan and Spanish history in the city as you explore the narrow cobblestone streets, markets, galleries, boutiques and the best artisan workshops. If desired, also visit important archaeological sites just outside of the city. Alternatively, take a full-day excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Urubamba Valley), a beautiful region dotted with indigenous markets, villages, and Inca and pre-Inca sites.

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.

Spend another night in Cusco before flying back to Lima to connect with your onward flight.