Galápagos Islands - Nine of the Best Isles Plus Machu Picchu

Welcome to Peru, one of the most fascinating countries in South America!  Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital, offers a rich fusion of history, culture, and coastal beauty. The historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features stunning colonial architecture. Along the Pacific coastline, districts like Miraflores and Barranco captivate with ocean views, bohemian charm, street art, and lively nightlife. With its mix of ancient ruins, such as Huaca Pucllana, and modern urban energy, Lima is a compelling gateway to Peru’s diverse identity. Settle into your hotel and enjoy an overnight stay.

Discover Lima´s historical centre and moreAfter breakfast, you’ll enjoy a Lima City Tour, including lunch, which will introduce you to Lima´s historical centre, UNESCO World Heritage Site which is packed with elegant Spanish colonial architecture, and other interesting sites in Lima. You’ll also visit the fascinating Larco museum, which holds the best private collection of Pre-Columbian art in the country. After this half-day excursion, you’ll have more time to take in this multifaceted city. People watch in one of the city’s grand plazas or seek out a restaurant for another dinner of regional specialities before settling in at your hotel for another overnight stay. 

Get a brief look at Cusco before heading to the Sacred ValleyIn the morning, we’ll take a flight to Cusco, the ancient seat of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before taking a look at Sacsayhuamán fortress, a ceremonial compound and magnificent example of Inca military power that boasts a panoramic view of the city. Marvel at the construction techniques these ancient people used; this is just a foresight of the many wonders you’ll be witnessing over the coming days. Afterwards, we visit the Sulca Textile House Museum, which gives you an insight into the traditional fabrics created and worn by people since Pre-Columbian times. There will also be a chance to see an exhibition of South American camelids, and an opportunity to do some shopping. After this brief visit to Cusco, we’ll continue to our hotel in the Sacred Valley for an overnight stay.  

 Discover the lost city of the IncasAn early morning transfer will take you to Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley, from where you’ll catch a train along the narrow-gauge line to Machu Picchu, passing through stunning highland scenery along the way. After around two hours, we’ll stop at the small town of Aguas Calientes and take the short bus ride to Machu Picchu: the so-called Lost City of the Incas.   You’ll enjoy a guided tour of this once-hidden settlement, marvelling at the stonewalls, terraces, and ramps that are carved into the mountain. You’ll love the peaceful atmosphere of Machu Picchu as you gaze at the lowland jungle from this city in the clouds.  After lunch, we’ll return to your hotel where you’ll enjoy another overnight stay. 

 Andean Community and Cusco walking tourToday you’ll get an insight into the lives of Andean highlanders with a visit to the Misminay community, where sacred ancestral traditions live on. Learn about their ancient farming techniques, textile weaving, and folkloric traditions passed down through generations and then enjoy a delicious lunch featuring authentic Peruvian flavours. After lunch, you’ll be transferred to Cusco where you’ll set out on a guided walking tour. A compact city packed with cultural beauty, there’s no better way to discover the archaeological capital of South America than on foot.  Visit the city's most important historical monuments see the influence of different cultures. The Plaza de Armas and surrounding areas showcase architecture from after the Spanish conquest, yet just a short walk away you’ll see Inca walls, some with blocks so large and intricate it remains a mystery as to how they were ever constructed.  Meanwhile, a visit to the Santo Domingo church reveals that it was built upon the foundations of the Inca temple Koricancha, which was dedicated to worship of the sun god, Inti. After the visit, you’ll walk back to your hotel for an overnight stay in Cusco. 

Discover the vibrant city of QuitoThe day begins with breakfast at your hotel. We’ll then drive to the airport in Cusco for the morning flight via Lima to Ecuador, on the Equator in the lush Andean foothills. You´ll arrive in Quito in the afternoon. At 9,350 feet, Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world, and its exquisite Old Town was founded on an ancient Inca settlement. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s packed with well-preserved colonial-era architecture, including colourful plazas, magnificent churches, and handsome monuments.   Settle into your hotel and enjoy your overnight stay.

Straddle the Equator at the Middle of the World CityToday you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Quito’s remarkable Old Town. It’s one of the largest and best-preserved colonial-era quarters in South America. Wander through cobblestone streets as you admire the architecture and sample some delicious chocolate made from finest Ecuadorian cacao along the way.   Next, you’ll head to the iconic ‘Middle of the World City’, located around 16 miles north of Quito. After lunch, you’ll visit the famous monument that delineates the imaginary line of the Equator. Have your camera ready to capture the moment you stand with one foot in each hemisphere. 

Get ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos Islands  As your South America land adventure draws to a close, it’s time to embark on the next stage of your journey. After breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island in the spectacular Galápagos archipelago. A transfer brings you straight to the port where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits.  In the afternoon we’ll begin our exploration of the Galápagos Islands following the north shore of Santa Cruz towards the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón, which means ‘Dragon Hill’, where we’ll land. The first part of the walk here passes by a brackish lagoon that’s frequented by shorebirds and American flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as a chance to get a first look at some land iguanas  

Scan the coastline and seas for iconic speciesYou’ll start your day at Punta Vicente Roca, on the northwestern tip of Isabela Island. After breakfast, we’ll explore the coast by small boat, learning about the dramatic geology of the area from your naturalist guides.   This site is a nesting place for several bird species, so look out for flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and boobies. Weather permitting, you’ll get to snorkel alongside the cliffs, where you might find green sea turtles, oceanic sun fish, and fur seals.  In the afternoon, we’ll explore Fernandina, an island with a unique ecology and a big population of marine iguanas. Scan the coast for sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hawks and penguins. 

Scan the coastline and seas for iconic speciesYou’ll start your day at Punta Vicente Roca, on the northwestern tip of Isabela Island. After breakfast, we’ll explore the coast by small boat, learning about the dramatic geology of the area from your naturalist guides.   This site is a nesting place for several bird species, so look out for flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and boobies. Weather permitting, you’ll get to snorkel alongside the cliffs, where you might find green sea turtles, oceanic sun fish, and fur seals.  In the afternoon, we’ll explore Fernandina, an island with a unique ecology and a big population of marine iguanas. Scan the coast for sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hawks and penguins. 

Meet the famous giant tortoises of Galápagos   Today, you’ll explore Santa Cruz Island. In the morning, we’ll disembark at Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. A giant tortoise breeding centre, here you can see recently hatched tortoises and Darwin’s famous finches: the birds he used as a basis for his theory of evolution by natural selection There’s also an impressive forest of prickly pear cacti that’s home to many land birds.    Enjoy a cooler climate over lunch in the lush highlands, where giant tortoises shuffle about munching on grass and wallowing in pools. You'll have time for another activity, including mountain biking or visiting a sugar plantation. 

Discover Galápagos history and underwater wildlifeAfter breakfast, you’ll enjoy a small boat ride among the channels on Floreana’s north shore before taking in the incredible views of the island from Baroness Cove Later on, we’ll land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries.  After lunch, you’ll explore the wonders around Champion Islet in a small boat or aboard our glass-bottom boat. Here, you can snorkel in one of the best spots in the archipelago.   From there, it’s onwards to Cormorant Point, where we’ll take a walk from an olivine-crystal beach to a brackish lagoon, where you can commonly see American flamingos, pintail ducks, and more

Discover Galápagos history and underwater wildlifeAfter breakfast, you’ll enjoy a small boat ride among the channels on Floreana’s north shore before taking in the incredible views of the island from Baroness Cove Later on, we’ll land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries.  After lunch, you’ll explore the wonders around Champion Islet in a small boat or aboard our glass-bottom boat. Here, you can snorkel in one of the best spots in the archipelago.   From there, it’s onwards to Cormorant Point, where we’ll take a walk from an olivine-crystal beach to a brackish lagoon, where you can commonly see American flamingos, pintail ducks, and more

Unwind and recharge your batteriesRelax on board while we anchor off Baltra Island. After four days of exploring the unique nature and environments of the Galápagos, it is the moment to pause for a while and recharge your batteries for the days ahead. Make use of the many onboard facilities, flick through the books in the library, or exercise in the gym; it’s up to you.    In the afternoon, we’ll land at Las Bachas beach, located on the northern shore of Santa Cruz Island. This glorious white beach with turquoise waters is a great place to spot iconic Galápagos wildlife like flamingos and sea turtles. Enjoy swimming or snorkelling before heading back to the ship for an expedition briefing about the following day.  

See iconic wildlife and spectacular landscapesToday you’ll explore Santiago Island’s pristine beaches and picturesque landscapes. Take in the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer Cove on the northwest coast, home to a large number of marine birds and sea lions. Immerse yourself in the scenery through a range of water activities and marvel at fantastic rock formations such as ‘Elephant Rock’ and ‘The Bishop.’   In the afternoon, we’ll head to Puerto Egas, one of the best visitor sites on the island. You’ll have the opportunity to see a colony of Galápagos fur seals and exotic birdlife on an excursion. Or you could just swim or snorkel along the rocky shorelines, sometimes in the company of marine turtles.  

Soak up the sights and sounds of the GalápagosYour day starts on tiny Rábida Island, located off the southern shore of Santiago. You can go for a thrilling small boat ride along the coast to explore the island’s mesmerising, red-coloured beach. Soak up the sights and sounds made by a colony of sea lions, and watch for marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers, and several species of Darwin’s finches.   In the afternoon, we’ll sail to the golden sands of Bartolomé Island, dominated by the imposing Pinnacle Rock. You can swim or snorkel off the beach here, discover colourful marine life from our glass-bottom boat, or watch for Galápagos penguins on the shore. Hike up to the summit of the island for fantastic views.

Soak up the sights and sounds of the GalápagosYour day starts on tiny Rábida Island, located off the southern shore of Santiago. You can go for a thrilling small boat ride along the coast to explore the island’s mesmerising, red-coloured beach. Soak up the sights and sounds made by a colony of sea lions, and watch for marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers, and several species of Darwin’s finches.   In the afternoon, we’ll sail to the golden sands of Bartolomé Island, dominated by the imposing Pinnacle Rock. You can swim or snorkel off the beach here, discover colourful marine life from our glass-bottom boat, or watch for Galápagos penguins on the shore. Hike up to the summit of the island for fantastic views.

Discover a birdlife haven and take a refreshing dipToday you’ll explore Genovesa Island. The morning starts with a steep but short climb – only 90 feet – up Prince Philip’s Steps, known as El Barranco, to reach flat and rocky plateau. Once there, you can walk along comfortably and look out for large colonies of Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, great frigatebirds, and storm petrels. Afterwards or instead, hop into a kayak for some aquatic adventuring.   In the afternoon, we’ll land and swim at the beautiful beach that fringes Darwin Bay for a swim. Following this refreshing dip, take a stroll and observe hundreds of the island’s birds, or alternatively just take it easy on the beach, swimming, snorkelling, or kayaking

Discover a birdlife haven and take a refreshing dipToday you’ll explore Genovesa Island. The morning starts with a steep but short climb – only 90 feet – up Prince Philip’s Steps, known as El Barranco, to reach flat and rocky plateau. Once there, you can walk along comfortably and look out for large colonies of Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, great frigatebirds, and storm petrels. Afterwards or instead, hop into a kayak for some aquatic adventuring.   In the afternoon, we’ll land and swim at the beautiful beach that fringes Darwin Bay for a swim. Following this refreshing dip, take a stroll and observe hundreds of the island’s birds, or alternatively just take it easy on the beach, swimming, snorkelling, or kayaking

See giant tortoises in the wildWe start our last morning on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. A dry landing at a passenger wharf and a bus ride to the loftier region of the island will provide a final highlight of your expedition cruise: giant tortoises in the wild.  The windward slopes of the island are set aside as a reserve that’s home to two species of giant tortoise. These lush highlands also feature dense forests of Galápagos daisies, orchids and bromeliads. After this visit we’ll transfer directly to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Quito or Guayaquil, to connect to your international flight.   To explore more of Ecuador, why not extend your stay and join one of our post-voyage options.