20-day Peru & Galapagos Cruise & Tour Package - Flights Included

This 20 day “on-the-go” program features the highlights of Peru & the Galapagos in an active itinerary which includes several walking tours as well as some early starts and long days.

*Itinerary based on 2019 departures

DAY 1, Monday - Depart for Peru
Depart for Lima, Peru; arrival and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure with time to rest, relax and acquaint yourself with Peru’s vibrant capital, founded in 1535 by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro
Overnight: Lima

DAY 2, Tuesday - Lima City Tour
This morning’s tour of Lima, with its 2000 years of history, begins at the colonial centre of the city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its historic buildings surrounding the splendid Plaza Mayor. View the impressive Palace of the Archbishop with its fine carved balcony, the opulent Government Palace, the official residence of the President, and the 16th-century Cathedral of Lima whose first stone was laid by Pizarro. Continue to the 17th century Monasterio de San Francisco complex with its magnificent tiles, ornately carved ceilings, exceptional paintings and world-renowned library. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure or join the optional Pachacamac Pre-Inca Ruins tour. Visit the archaeological site of Pachacamac, one of the largest religious centres in pre-Inca times on the Peruvian coast. This afternoon, join your Tour Manager for an orientation meeting about the wonderful journey that awaits you. Tonight, perhaps attend the optional Evening Larco Herrera Museum with dinner. Experience one of Lima’s most magnificent museums by night on this tour, that also includes a light supper. Admire the world's largest collection of pre-Columbian masterpieces and a stunning exhibition of gold and priceless jewels
Optional: Pachacamac Pre-Inca Ruins (PM) 
Optional: Evening Larco Herrera Museum with dinner
Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 3, Wednesday - Fly to Cuzco, Chinchero Weaving Demonstration
Depart Lima this morning by flight to Cuzco, an ancient capital of the Inca Empire and the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America. Upon arrival, drive through the rugged mountainous region with its magnificent panoramas, along roads with farms and small villages to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. En route, stop in Chinchero. Here, enjoy an authentic Peruvian lunch followed by a demonstration of the ancient Andean tradition of making textiles from naturally dyed handwoven alpaca wool. Remarkably, the source for the vibrant colours are dyes that come from plants, minerals, and insects. Wander around the complex and shop for souvenirs among the fine textiles and other local treasures. Time permitting, meet children at a local school before continuing to your hotel in the Urubamba Sacred Valley. This evening, dinner together with music at a lovely restaurant
Overnight: Urubamba Sacred Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Thursday - Sacred Valley & Ollantaytambo Ruins
Enjoy this morning at leisure in the Sacred Valley to explore some of the ancient ruins independently or, join the optional tour to Maras and Moray. The excursion begins in Moray, a remarkable agricultural centre that demonstrates the ancient Incan's mastery of high-altitude crop growing. You’ll be astounded by the large complex of perfectly circular depressions in the earth that historians believe were used to study climatic conditions. Next, travel to the colonial town of Maras, known for its nearby salt evaporation ponds in use since the time of the Incas. This afternoon, visit the impressive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, an ancient complex of temples and terraces towering high over the valley, the last stand of the Incas in their defence against the Spanish conquistadors. Marvel at the architecture of the Incas in this well-preserved settlement, considered a living museum of 15th-century life. Tonight, join the optional traditional dinner with a Peruvian Family in their countryside home. Sample delectable home-cooked Peruvian specialties along with a warm and friendly cultural exchange
Optional: Maras and Moray Tour
Optional: Dinner with a Local Peruvian Family
Overnight: Urubamba Sacred Valley
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Friday - Discover Machu Picchu
Early morning transfer to the Sacred Valley's Ollanta Station to board the Vistadome Train that travels through misty peaks to the astonishing ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas", designated by UNESCO as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Machu Picchu was virtually unknown to the western world until Hiram Bingham's re-discovery in 1911. Spend the morning viewing the unforgettable wonders of this 15th-century retreat, abandoned nearly 100 years later with the arrival of the conquistadors. See the highlights of the site including the imposing Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the intricately carved rock likely used as a sundial by the ancient Incas. The images of this significant archaeological site will be a long-lasting memory. Return to the Sacred Valley in the early evening and transfer to your hotel in Cuzco for overnight 
*Approximate time spent at the ruins of Machu Picchu is 2 hours
Overnight: Cuzco
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Saturday - Full Day in Cuzco
Spend today independently discovering the "Imperial City" of Cuzco, once the capital of the Inca Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This lively city, rich in history, reveals remains of both the Incan and the Spanish presence. Take time to explore some of the city’s stunning sights, or, shop for some of the finest handicrafts and textiles in all of Peru. Participate in the optional Cuzco "Behind the Scenes" tour, offering a glimpse into the other side of life in Cuzco. On this tour, visit a local market and taste fresh-baked Chuta bread. Stop at the Cuzco cemetery to learn more about Andean life and death and meet with a local "shaman" (holy man). After the cooking demonstration, enjoy a delicious meal. In the afternoon, join the optional Highlights of Cuzco excursion that takes you to the impressive Colonial Cathedral with its collection of over 400 paintings, the Temple of the Sun and the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which took over seven decades to complete. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a buffet dinner featuring delectable Andean specialties
Optional: Half Day Cuzco Behind the Scenes (AM)
Optional: Half Day Highlights of Cuzco (PM)
Optional: Highlights of Cuzco & Cuzco Behind the Scenes Combo Package
Overnight: Cuzco
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Sunday - Raqchi & Puno
Depart Cuzco early in the morning on a long drive today. Enjoy spectacular scenery as you drive through the Andes mountain range and the Andean plains to Puno on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca. In this area, South American camelids (llamas and alpacas) graze on the immense plateaus and plains. En route visit the 15th century Temple of Wiracocha, with its elaborate stonework, the largest Inca temple ever discovered. Today, Raqchi remains home to many farmers, ranchers, and artisans. Then, you arrive at pristine Lake Titicaca sitting majestically at 12,500 feet above sea level, backed by the snowcapped peaks of Bolivia's Cordillera Real range. This is the highest navigable lake in the world and South America's largest freshwater lake. A box lunch will be provided en route before arriving in Puno for your overnight
Overnight: Puno
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 8, Monday - Excursion to Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca
This morning, an excursion by boat transports you from Puno to the fascinating Uros Floating Islands where the indigenous people of the area, the Uros, live on islands that dot the lake. The Uros live very much the same as their ancestors did and still follow the ancient customs and traditions. These islands are completely man-made structures, using the totora reeds from the lake to build the islands and houses. Return to Puno for the remainder of the day at leisure. Or, take the optional tour to the Sillustani Tombs, the pre-Incan burial ground on the shores of Lake Umayo. The tombs here are built above the ground in tower-like structures called chullpas, vestiges of the Colla people before they were conquered by the Incas in the 15th century. Evening is at leisure in Puno
Optional Half Day Sillustani Tombs (PM)
Overnight: Puno 
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Tuesday - Fly to Lima, Farewell Dinner
Transfer to Juliaca airport, for your flight to Lima; rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, you bid farewell to your Tour Manager and fellow travellers at a special Farewell Dinner with Peruvian specialties
Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Wednesday - Depart Lima, Arrive in Guayaquil
Depart Lima for your flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador; arrival and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure
Overnight: Guayaquil
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11, Thursday - Guayaquil City Tour & Parque Historico
Your discovery of Guayaquil begins at the main square, with its stirring memorial to the Heroes of the Independence, symbolising the triumph of the Republic against the Spanish. Continue to Seminario Park (Parque de las Iguanas), a favourite place for bird watchers and home to arboreal Iguanas. Next, experience the many ethnological influences present in Ecuadorian culture by viewing the contrasting architecture of a Neo-Gothic Cathedral, a Moorish clock tower, and La Rotonda Monument. Continue to the lovely riverside Garden of Malecon and Santa Ana Hill where the city was founded in the 16th century. Continue to Parque Historico and learn about the history & culture of the region. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure 
Overnight: Guayaquil
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12, Friday - Galapagos Islands, Embarkation, Baltra Island
Embark this morning on a journey to the "beginning of time" as you transfer to the airport for the flight to the astonishing Galapagos Archipelago of volcanic islands, five million years in the making. Arrive at Baltra Airport, meet your naturalist guides and transfer to the pier to board the M/V Santa Cruz II. Lunch on board with time to settle in before this afternoon's excursion to Mosquera Islet, a tiny island resulting from an uplift of sand, made up of coral reefs and rocks, located between the islands of Baltra & North Seymour. After a wet landing, your guides will lead you past sea lion colonies, one of the largest in the Galapagos archipelago. You will have a great opportunity to snorkel, before returning to the ship for an evening briefing and Welcome Dinner 
Overnight: Galapagos Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13, Saturday - Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristóbal Island
After breakfast, disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos province and drive to Cerro Colorado on the southern shore. Here, visit the breeding centre for highly endangered giant tortoises in the midst of a deciduous forest. View a variety of wildlife, including the San Cristobal mockingbird and the San Cristobal lava lizard, both endemic species to this island. Lunch on board, followed by an afternoon excursion to Punta Pitt on the eastern tip of the island. This is the only site in the Galapagos where you can view all three species of boobies: blue-footed, red-footed and Nazca boobies. After free time for hiking, swimming or snorkelling, return to the ship 
Overnight: Galapagos Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 14, Sunday - Santa Fe Island, South Plaza Island
Enjoy a boat ride this morning to Santa Fe Island, one of the oldest in the archipelago with volcanic rocks over 4 million years old. Walk along the idyllic white sand beach with its countless sea lions and hike amid Opuntia cactus plants searching for the famous Barrington land iguana, a unique species endemic only to this island. Snorkelling and swimming is a delight here or, sail on a glass bottom boat with stunning underwater views. Following lunch on board, you land on South Plaza Island. Here, turquoise waters contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline, accented by a carpet of scarlet succulents that change colour every season. View yellow-grey iguanas sitting under luminescent prickly pear cactus waiting patiently for pears to drop. Along the coastline, observe a countless variety of playful sea lions, frigates, swallow-tailed gulls and shearwaters gliding and playing with the thermals. An interesting lecture on board tonight previews tomorrow's adventure
Overnight: Galapagos Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 15, Monday - Puerto Ayora, Charles Darwin Research Station, Santa Cruz Island
An extraordinary visit awaits you today at the iconic Charles Darwin Research Station’s Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre. Nestled in an impressive cactus forest, this centre of research and conservation is renowned for its captive breeding program for giant tortoises. You’ll come face-to-face with 100-year-old giant tortoises eating, sleeping and wallowing in the mud. Get a close-up look at these amazing Galapagos giants and learn about their origin, evolution and threatened extinction. Time to linger and enjoy this unique experience before lunch in the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island, a completely different ecosystem. Later, your choice of hiking, mountain biking or kayaking in calm and beautiful Tortuga Bay. After an enlightening day, return back on board for dinner and to hear about your expedition plan for tomorrow
Overnight: Galapagos Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 16, Tuesday - Punta Suarez, Gardner Bay, Española Island
An early start this morning as you explore the coastline on a panga while your naturalist guide explains the dramatic geology of the area. At Punta Suarez on Española, the southernmost island in the archipelago, you're warmly welcomed by noisy sea lions. Several wildlife species make this island their home, including masked and blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas who lazily bask in the sun on the rocks. On this island, the waved albatross nests in the bushes from April to December, returning to the island to find its lifelong mate. Following the winding trail to the western side of the island, stop at the Galápagos famous blowhole that sends a tall jet of spray gushing through the lava. Back on board for lunch. In the afternoon, a visit to tranquil Gardner Bay that reveals a picture postcard white coral beach surrounded by dazzling blue seas. It’s a beautiful setting for observing sea lions, mockingbirds, finches and to enjoy great swimming and snorkelling. Return to the ship for an evening briefing and dinner
Overnight: Galapagos Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 17, Wednesday - Eden Islet, Santa Cruz Island, North Seymour Island
After breakfast, a panga ride takes you to Eden Islet, located off the coast of Santa Cruz Island. Here, you see a variety of Galapagos wildlife, blue-footed boobies, reef sharks, and frigates. A chance to snorkel, kayak and ride a glass-bottom boat (weather permitting). Continue to North Seymour Island, lifted from the ocean floor by a seismic event. Cliffs that are only a few feet high form the shoreline, where swallow-tailed gulls sit perched on ledges and a tiny forest of silver-grey Palo Santo trees stand just above the landing. This island is teeming with wildlife! You might have to give right-of-way to a passing sea lion or a marine iguana. Along the way, perhaps you may see the famous Galapagos blue-footed booby nesting beside the trail or spot flocks of pelicans in a feeding frenzy. Keep on the lookout for the magnificent frigate bird, with its puffed-up scarlet throat sack, perched in low bushes watching over their chicks. Tonight, bid goodbye to the crew, the naturalist guides and your new-found friends at the Farewell Dinner
Overnight: Galapagos Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 18, Thursday - Disembarkation, Baltra Island, Flight to Quito
Disembarkation at Baltra Island. Then, proceed to the airport for the flight to Quito through Guayaquil. Arrive late afternoon in this historic city in the high Andes at the base of the Pichincha Volcano and transfer to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure to discover this charming city independently
Overnight: Quito
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 19, Friday - Quito City Tour & Visit to the Middle of the World
The morning's tour begins with a visit to the colonial section of Quito to walk along the narrow cobblestone streets and feel the charm of 16th-century Quito. See the Independence Plaza, the Cathedral, Presidential Palace, and the Archbishop's Palace before visiting La Compañia de Jesus Church, with its beautiful gilded interior or the Church and Monastery of San Francisco, one of the great religious buildings of the New World with its impressive facade and atrium. Afterward, visit the Middle of the World Monument, located at a latitude of 0º, and stand with one foot in the Northern and one in the Southern Hemisphere. The balance of the day is at leisure 
Overnight: Quito
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 20, Saturday - Depart Ecuador
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight - Some flights depart shortly after midnight in the very early morning of Day 20 and will require a transfer on Day 19. Transfers depart the hotel approximately 4 hours prior to flight time
Meals: Breakfast

*Not Included: - Optional tours.

Advertised pricing based on 10 Feb 2020 departure with return airfares from Sydney. Please note prices may vary and are subject to availability at time of booking. Multiple departure dates available.

Land only prices available on request.

Call our local travel team on 1300 414 198 for more details or to book your tour.

• Hotel Jose Antonio Deluxe, Lima, 4 stars - This first class hotel is situated in the Miraflores district of Lima.
• Palacio Del Inka A Luxury Collection Hotel, Cuzco , 5 stars - This deluxe hotel is located in the city centre near to many historic monuments and cultural attractions.
• Hotel Oro Verde, Guayaquil, 4.5 stars - This superior first class hotel is located in the commercial and banking area of Guayaquil.
• Hilton Colon Quito, Quito, 5 stars - This deluxe hotel is located in the heart of Ecuador's capital with easy access to the financial district and the colonial sector of the city.
• Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay, Urubamba, 4 star - This colonial style first class hotel is situated in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
• Sonesta Posada Del Inca Puno, Puno, 3.5 stars - This superior tourist class hotel is located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, near to Puno city and local attractions.
• MV Santa Cruz II, 5 stars - The Santa Cruz II is the finest ship in her class to sail the archipelago today. She's versatile, flexible and fun, with an excellent crew committed to making her guests' experience extraordinary.

Is This Trip Right for You?

This active program covers a good amount of ground each day. Expect from two to four hours walking on some touring days. The pace is moderate, however you will encounter some uneven surfaces such as sandy and rocky beaches, stairs, steps and significant slopes. A few early wake-ups, some at 5 or 6 am, as well as one long 10-hour drive to Puno are necessary to cover the territory. Due to the high elevation, travel in the Ecuadorian Andes and the Peruvian highlands may cause some passengers to experience the temporary effects of altitude sickness. The altitude, 11,000 feet in Cuzco and 12,400 feet in Puno, may be a consideration for those who have heart conditions or are otherwise affected by height. We suggest you check with your healthcare provider before signing up for this tour. It takes approximately 2 hours to get to and from the areas populated with wildlife. You will experience wet landings in water, on sand or rocks and dry landings on wooden docks. This trip combines an escorted portion with the services of a Tour Manager and an independent portion with services that include local and naturalist guides. The weather in Galapagos is hot particularly December through June. This is a Partially Escorted program.

Passports:

Your Australian/New Zealand passport should be valid at least 6 months or longer beyond the dates of travel. Passport applications are available at regional Passport Offices.

Visas:

 If a visa is required and cannot be obtained upon arrival in your destination, you should make arrangements with the appropriate foreign consular representative, allowing enough time for mailing and processing.

About Your Train to Machu Picchu

Due to very limited storage space, only one small backpack / daypack / handbag per passenger is permitted onboard trains to Machu Picchu. This applies for overnight stays as well. Additional luggage will be transported to and held at your next hotel for no additional charge.

Peru

While no inoculations are required, vaccination against yellow fever is recommended, especially if traveling to the Amazon. For the latest health requirements and recommendations, please visit World Health Organisation and also consult with your personal healthcare provider. You may encounter mosquitoes in both urban and rural areas, especially during wet season. Travellers are encouraged to bring insect repellent and consider wearing clothing that adequately covers arms and legs.

High Altitude sickness:

Altitude sickness occurs when there is less oxygen in the air that you breath at high altitudes, including Cuzco (11,000 feet) and Puno (12,600 feet). Altitude sickness will affect some travellers regardless of age, gender or physical fitness. Symptoms may include headache, loss of appetite, dizziness and trouble sleeping. For some it will pass within a few hours, however for many the condition if gone untreated may last for several days. We urge you to read and follow these suggestions in order to reduce the chances and/or severity of altitude sickness.

• Prior to departure, speak with your healthcare provider. They may recommend the medication acetazolamide (Diamox), which has been found to reduce the symptoms if taken a day or two before you depart.
• Stick to a light diet the day before traveling to a high altitude area. Foods found easy to digest include fish, chicken and hot liquids. Avoid fried foods, beef, lamb and caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before and during your stay. Many find saline nasal drops/spray beneficial.
• Upon arrival take it easy. Allow your body to adjust by lying down for 10-15 minutes. Rest as much as possible during the trip. Overexertion can exacerbate the symptoms.
• Oxygen can be beneficial, and is easily found in airports, hotels and pharmacies.
• For headaches, over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) have been found to be helpful.
• Coca tea and wild mint (Munia) may ease the symptoms.
• A diet high in carbohydrates, breads, cereals, grains, and pasta can also help alleviate the symptoms.

Once again, we highly recommend that you consult your personal healthcare provider before making the decision to travel to any high altitude destination and before choosing any course of treatment.

Ecuador and Galapagos 

You may encounter mosquitoes in both urban and rural areas, especially during wet seasons. Travellers are encouraged to bring a good supply of insect repellent and consider wearing clothing that adequately covers arms and legs.
The minimum physical demands of your trip are not highly rigorous for a person in good physical fitness but if you choose all the optional walks and excursions available, you’ll spend a lot of time on your feet. You’ll get the most enjoyment out of your trip if you are comfortable walking unassisted for two or three hours each day. Walks may include fairly rough, uneven trails and steep stone steps for which comfortable walking or hiking shoes are recommended. Quito is situated at an altitude of 9,400 feet above sea level. Therefore, you should allow a few hours to adjust to the high altitude by resting and eating lightly. Other areas of Ecuador are also situated at high altitudes including Otavalo (8,400 feet), Papallacta (10,800 feet), and Patate (8,400 feet). 

Climate & Clothing

Peru - The sun is strong, particularly in the higher altitudes. Please bring a sun hat that has a circular brim all the way around (not a baseball cap) and sunscreen. Pack comfortable, cushioned walking shoes for the hard cobblestone streets, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Remember that during your trip you will be traveling between different climate zones and will need to be prepared for all weather conditions. Please check to which season and region(s) you will be traveling and pack accordingly. Winter months (May – October) are cold. During those periods you will need a warm jacket, gloves, a hat and a scarf. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).

Ecuador and Galapagos - The climate varies widely according to geographical area. The highlands are cold and dry. Along the coast it is warm and sunny year round. Bring comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. At times, the temperature drops and a warm jacket is necessary. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).