Classic Peru & Galapagos

Ecuador & Galapagos Islands,Peru, 14 Nights

With its origins in the Inca Empire and the strong colonial heritage of the Spanish conquistadors, Peru has a rich history that is centuries old. The highlands of neighbouring Ecuador boast the remarkable colonial city of Quito deep in the mountains as well as the Galapagos Islands, set nearly 1000 kilometres from the coastline in the Pacific Ocean.

Day 1 - London/Lima
Today depart London on a flight via Madrid arriving in Lima late in the evening to stay at the Orient Express Miraflores Park overlooking the ocean.

Day 2 - Lima/Cusco/Sacred Valley
A short morning flight takes you to Cusco from where you will travel overland into the heartland of the Inca culture, the Sacred Valley. This lush rural valley along the Urubamba River is lower in altitude than Cusco, the perfect environment to acclimatise to the Andes and enjoy relaxing days exploring Inca ruins and local markets. Your base is the Hotel Sol y Luna set amongst delightful mature gardens and known for its excellent local cuisine. 

Day 3 - Sacred Valley
The day is yours today to relax at the Sol y Luna and enjoy the spa or a horse-ride at their nearby ranch. We can arrange other excursions today such as a visit to our Children of the Rainbow A&K Philanthropy project or to explore the Incan sites and local markets of Ollantaytambo and Pisac.

Day 4 - Sacred Valley / Machu Picchu
An early morning journey on the comfortable Vistadome train takes you from the Urubamba valley down towards the Lost City of Machu Picchu, set amongst verdant tropical vegetation due to its lower altitude. (Upgrade to the luxurious Hiram Bingham train if you wish). Abandoned by the Incas, the great city of Machu Picchu was never found by the Spanish colonists and only rediscovered in 1911 by a wandering American archaeologist. Explore these architectural wonders with your guide and then descend a short distance to Aguas Calientes to overnight at the charming Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel.

Day 5 - Machu Picchu/Cusco
In the morning, if you wish to return to the ruins, take an early morning short bus ride up to Machu Picchu for sunrise. Watch the mist slowly rise up from the valley as dawn lightens the sky to reveal the celebrated mountains of the valley beyond. Return to your hotel to enjoy the orchid gardens and the spa and indian sauna before taking an afternoon train back towards the Sacred Valley and on to Cusco, staying at La Casona.

Day 6 - Cusco
Spend the day exploring Cusco, an Andean community and former capital of the Inca Empire where you have the morning to relax at your stunning boutique hotel. A former colonial manor house it was amongst the earliest Spanish constructions in Cusco, built over an Inca complex. Enjoy an afternoon city tour taking in the cathedral & Inca ruins of Koricancha temple and Sacsayhuaman.

Day 7 - Cusco / Quito
Depart Cusco this morning on a flight via Lima to Quito, the second highest capital in the world at 10,000 feet, founded in 1532 by Spanish conquistador Sebastian de Benalcázar and surrounded by majestic volcanic peaks. Enjoy a superlative view over the main square of Quito's historic quarter recently beautifully restored to its former glory from your sumptuous hotel, the Plaza Grande.

Day 8 - Quito
Ecuador's fascinating capital city and UNESCO World Heritage site is rich in history and today you can experience this past with a visit to the city's ornate cathedrals and baroque architecture of the 'Old Town' before enjoying spectacular views of the city and surrounding mountains from the top of Panecillo Hill & visiting the Equatorial monument.

Day 9 - Quito / Galapagos Islands
This morning fly via Guayaquil to Baltra Island in the Galapagos where you will board the M/V Eclipse, your floating home for the next five nights (also seven night cruises available if you wish to spend longer in the islands). This exclusive 64-metre cruise ship carries just 48 passengers but boasts all the amenities of a larger ship; observation deck, alfreso dining, air-renewal system and infirmary.

Day 10 - 13 - Galapagos Islands
Enjoy four full days exploring these fascinating islands with a naturalist guide on hand to advise and inform you of the flora and fauna. Most expeditions with your guide are by panga or inflatable zodiac craft or by snorkelling to discover the underwater marine life. Each of the 13 islands and countless smaller islets has a unique ecosystem of their own & only here will you see Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants and marine iguanas as well as the giant tortoises that give the archipelago its name.

Day 14 - Galapagos / Guayaquil
Cruise into Santa Cruz Island for your flight to Guayaquil where you will overnight at the Hilton Colon.

Day 15 - Guayaquil / London
Spend the last hours of your adventure in Guayaquil perhaps strolling along the seafront Malecon or exploring the small historic heart of Guayaquil around Barrio Las Peñas before your transfer to the airport. Depart Guayaquil for your overnight flight via Madrid to London.

Pricing
At A&K we individually tailor all of our tours to suit both your interests and requiremtents. As a guide, this 15 day suggested itinerary will cost from £5,995 per person, based on two adults sharing.

Click here to download our Classic Peru & Galapagos itinerary