Journey Through the Galapagos & Peru

(17 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Quito, Galapagos cruise (4 nights), Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Amazon cruise (3 nights)

This in-depth tour of Ecuador and Peru highlights three of South America's iconic travel destinations: the Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu and the Amazon.

Begin in 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, spend five days exploring the Galapagos Islands—a dream destination for nature lovers—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.

Fly to Lima, Peru. 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 Iquitos for a three-night luxury expedition cruise in the Amazon River Basin. While on board, enjoy gourmet meals created by one of Peru’s top chefs, observe wildlife along the waterways from the observation deck, and choose from a variety of wildlife and nature excursions led by expert naturalists. You might like to visit a local Amazon village, go piranha fishing or on a night excursion to see nocturnal wildlife, visit a manatee rescue center, or board a skiff to explore narrow waterways and spot monkeys and pink dolphins.

On the final day, fly back to Lima, where you will be assisted to the international terminal for your onward flight.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Quito, Ecuador Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 2 Quito Full-day private tour Day 3 Quito – Galapagos cruise Private transfer to airport. VIP lounge access and flight to Galapagos Islands. Arrival transfer to Galapagos cruise for 4 nights Day 4 Galapagos cruise Cruise-based excursions and activities Day 5 Galapagos cruise Cruise-based excursions and activities Day 6 Galapagos cruise Cruise-based excursions and activities Day 7 Galapagos cruise – Quito – Lima, Peru Disembark cruise and transfer to airport for flight to Quito to connect with flight to Lima. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 8 Lima Full-day private city tour, with option for culinary touring Day 9 Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley Private transfer and flight to Cusco. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights, with touring en route Day 10 Sacred Valley Full-day private touring in the valley Day 11 Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu Private transfer to train station for Vistadome train to Machu Picchu. Arrival transfer to hotel for overnight. Afternoon private tour of Machu Picchu Day 12 Machu Picchu – Cusco Morning private touring and hiking at Machu Picchu. Afternoon luxury Hiram Bingham train to Cusco. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 13 Cusco Full-day private tour of Cusco and nearby ruins Day 14 Cusco – Iquitos – Amazon cruise Private transfer to airport for flight to Lima. Airport assistance and connecting flight to Iquitos. Arrival transfer to luxury cruise for 3 nights Day 15 Amazon cruise Cruise-based activities and excursions Day 16 Amazon cruise Cruise-based activities and excursions Day 17 Amazon cruise – Iquitos – Depart Lima Disembark cruise and transfer to airport for flight to Lima. Airport assistance to connecting international flight

Hotels & Cruises

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

Cost

$36,750 Per person (double occupancy)