Peru and the Galapagos Islands

Day 1 UK to Lima

Depart London Gatwick on the British Airways non-stop flight to the Peruvian capital Lima. Peru’s largest and capital city of Lima is made-up of old colonial architecture, beautiful churches, first-class museums and innovative restaurants. (N)
Accommodation in Lima: Miraflores Park Plaza Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 Lima

Today explore Peru’s capital city with your guide. Visit the Plaza Mayor which was the original site on which Lima was founded by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535. Other highlights include the grand Presidential Palace, historical cathedral and Church of San Francisco. The Archaeological Museum is a must-see whilst in Lima which depicts the progression of Peru’s various early civilizations from the Chavin in 1,000 BC to the Incas. End the day with a drive along the Lima’s Pacific coast through the enchanting neighbourhoods of San Isidro, Miraflores and Larco Mar as you watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. (B)
Accommodation in Lima: Miraflores Park Plaza Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 Lima to Cusco – by air

This morning fly to Cusco; the former ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Take a walking tour of Cusco that afternoon and visit the beautiful Plaza de Armas and soak up the city’s wonderful atmosphere and marvel at some of the finest colonial architecture the continent has to offer. (B)
Accommodation in Cusco: Belmond Hotel Monasterio (or similar)

Day 4 Cusco

Early this morning depart Cusco and drive to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This enchanting valley is home to captivating Inca ruins and the surrounding traditional colonial village of Pisac which you will visit. Enjoy lunch at Huayoccari Hacienda – a private residence overlooking the mountains offering fabulous views of the valley. After lunch continue to the 13th century village of Ollantaytambo; wander through its narrow cobbled streets and then visit the rose-coloured fortress which once housed barracks, baths, fountains and temples. (B/L)
Accommodation in Cusco: Belmond Hotel Monasterio (or similar)

Day 5 Cusco to Aguas Calientes – by train

Today visit the legendary Machu Picchu; the ‘Lost City’ of the Incas. Take a train to Aguas Calientes and then a twenty-five minute bus ride will bring you to the ruins of this famous Inca city. With its breathtaking location Machu Picchu is the foremost archaeological site on the continent and the highlight of a visit to Peru. This world-famous landmark was unknown to the outside world until the 20th century. During your visit explore this UNESCO protected citadel with your guide whilst enjoying the incredible views. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Aguas Calientes: Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (or similar)

Day 6 Aguas Calientes to Cusco – by train

Rise early this morning to witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu. Later explore this magnificent citadel on your own or take a hike with your guide, perhaps to the famous Sun Gate for excellent views of the ruins or up Huayna Picchu for a unique panorama of the entire city. In the early afternoon return by train to Cusco. (B/L)

Accommodation in Cusco: Belmond Hotel Monasterio (or similar)

Day 7 Cusco to Lima – by air/ Lima to Quito – by air

This morning transfer to Cusco Airport and fly to Lima. On arrival in Lima connect onto a flight to Quito. Capital of Ecuador, Quito is one of South America’s hidden gems. With an elegant UNESCO protected colonial centre, the original heart of the city is an eye-catching combination of graceful pastel-coloured homes, narrow cobbled streets, imposing squares and opulent churches including the city’s 450 year old cathedral. (B)

Accommodation in Quito: Casa Gangotena (or similar)

Day 8 Quito

Today tour Quito with your guide. Starting at the Plaza de la Independencia visit the Cathedral of Quito then walk to the Jesuit church of La Compania with its awe-inspiring gold-leaf interior and fine collection of colonial art. From here head to the Plaza de San Francisco to visit the Church and Convent of St Francis – the city’s oldest and largest colonial church – then explore narrow cobbled streets around Calle Morales. End the day atop Panecillo Hill, marvel at the statue of Quito’s ‘winged Virgin’ and enjoy the spectacular views over the city below. (B)

Accommodation in Quito: Casa Gangotena (or similar)

Day 9 Quito to Guayaquil – by air/ Guayaquil to Baltra Island – by air

This morning fly via Guayaquil to Baltra Island in the Galapagos and board the Galapagos Odyssey for a five night cruise. With eight spacious cabins and a maximum of sixteen passengers, there is a resident naturalist on board, large sun deck, bar and small library. The diversity of species on these fascinating islands, named after the local tortoise, inspired Darwin’s theories on natural selection and ultimately his book ‘On the Origin of Species’. Due to the strong conservationist efforts and strict regulations in the archipelago, the endemic wildlife and fauna Darwin noted in his studies remain unique to the area even today. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: onboard cruise

Days 10 - 13 Galapagos Islands

Enjoy four full days exploring these fascinating islands with your fellow passengers in the company of an expert naturalist. Endemic species here include fur seal, sea lion, green sea turtle, Galapagos tortoise, marine iguana, Galapagos land iguana and lava lizard. Over 180 species of bird have also been recorded. Please note that weather, water and wildlife viewings will affect your actual day-to-day itinerary but the cruise will visit the main islands and their landmarks. Most expeditions from the Galapagos Odyssey are by pangas – inflatable rubber crafts with outboard motors. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: onboard cruise

Day 14 Baltra Island to Guayaquil – by air/ Depart Guayaquil

This morning leave the Galapagos Odyssey and fly back from Baltra Island to Guayaquil. On arrival in Guayaquil connect onto the evening overnight Iberia flight non-stop to Madrid. (B)

Day 15 Arrive Madrid/ Madrid to UK

Arrive into Madrid in the afternoon and connect onto the onward Iberia flight to the UK. (N)

Peru and the Galapagos Islands

15 days from £6580 per person

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Itinerary: Peru and the Galapagos Islands

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