On this trip you get the opportunity to visit two of the world’s most appreciated destinations; Machu Picchu in Peru and Galapagos in Ecuador. Peru is a country with a very friendly population and here we get to experience magnificent nature combined with exciting history. On the journey we visit the fertile and important Inca sacred valley, which is located just outside the former Inca capital Cuzco. In the valley there are many interesting traces from the Inca era. Among other things, we will to explore the Inca village of Ollantaytambo, the mysterious circular farms of Moray and the colorful Pisac market. One of the highlights of the trip is our visit to Machu Picchu, now one of the world’s seven new wonders. In neighboring Ecuador, we visit the fantastic Galapagos Islands where we get to experience the unique flora and fauna of the islands. Here we get close to the wildlife and get to see i.a. sea lions, giant turtles, iguanas, sea turtles and many different bird species. The combination with a very special nature means that we come home with many memories for life.
Day 1: Travel to Peru (Lima)
Flight to Lima with arrival the same day. We are met by our local representative and head to our hotel for rest. Overnight in Lima. Meals are included on board the long-haul flight. (Lunch)
Day 2: Lima
In the morning we go on a city tour to get to know the capital of Peru. We visit both the historical and the modern part of the city. Later we visit the bohemian districts of Barranco and Chorillo. In the afternoon we head to Pachacamac, which is a ruin area from the Inca and Preinka times. The area is located about 30 km from Lima and covers an area of 4 square kilometers. Here you can see remains of many temples and pyramids from different eras, including the great Sun Temple that the Inca people made a pilgrimage to during the Inca period. The area was an important religious and administrative center. Overnight in Lima. (Breakfast and lunch)
Day 3: Lima – Inca’s sacred valley
In the morning we fly from Lima to Cuzco, the ancient Inca capital. After lunch we head to the sacred valley of the Incas. Here we take a closer look at the Pisac ruins and the beautiful terrace plantations from the Inca era and get a fantastic view of the fertile and beautiful valley. Then we head to the colorful market in Pisac where you can shop everything from fabrics to fruits and vegetables. Overnight in Inca Sacred Valley. (Breakfast and lunch)
Day 4: Inca Sacred Valley
We start early in the morning and drive through small communities along the Vilcanota River. The first visit is to the fascinating circular cultivation terraces in Moray and then we take a closer look at the salt basins in the Maras. In the afternoon we visit the Inca city of Ollantaytambo, whose fortress embraces the city with its squares and temples. There are many different types of Inca architecture here. The streets and water canals remain from the Inca era. Overnight in Inca Sacred Valley (Breakfast and lunch)
Day 5: Inca Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu – Cuzco
The day offers one of the highlights of the trip, namely Machu Picchu! We start with a train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the village at the foot of Machu Picchu. By bus we get from here all the way to the gate to this mythical and fascinating ruined city northwest of Cuzco, dramatically located on top of a mountain-surrounded peak. Today it is one of the most spectacular sights in South America and also one of the seven new wonders. The city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Overnight in Cuzco. (Breakfast)
Day 6: Cuzco
Cuzco was the cultural and religious center of the Inca Empire. Here we go on a city tour and visit the impressive cathedral at Plaza de Armas and the Temple of the Sun, the most important temple during the Inca period. Just outside Cuzco we see i.a. the huge Sacsayhuaman Fortress and the special rock formations of Quenko. Overnight in Cuzco. (Breakfast)
Day 7: Cuzco – Lima – Guayaquil.
Transfer to the airport and flight to Guayaquil. Time to leave Peru and head to neighboring Ecuador in the north. We from Cuzco to Lima and from there on to the city of Guayaquil which is located on the coast of Ecuador. Here we are met by our local representative. After a joint lunch, we go on a city tour before checking in at our hotel. Overnight in Guayaquil. (Breakfast)
Day 8: Guayaquil – Galapagos Islands
After breakfast we are transported to the airport and in the morning we fly to the island of Baltra in the Galapagos. Then we take a short boat trip to the island of Santa Cruz for further transport to our hotel located in the village of Puerto Ayora. Here we will spend the next three nights. Overnight in Puerto Ayora. (Breakfast)
Day 9: Galapagos Islands
We start the day with a visit to the bay outside Puerto Ayora. After breakfast at the hotel we will board a small boat, we will visit different places in the bay at Puerto Ayora. We will discover marine iguanas, sea lions and blue footed sole. We will also have the opportunity to snorkel with sea turtles if we are lucky. This tour is full of beautiful sights and it is a great way to spend the morning or afternoon on the island of Santa Cruz. Overnight in Puerto Ayora. (Breakfast and lunch)
Day 10: Galapagos Islands
Today we visit North Seymour Island, a flat lava island located just north of Santa Cruz. Here are colonies of blue-footed sole and frigatebirds. Along the beaches we get to know sea lions and the famous unique marine guinea pig. Here you can also see pelicans. After lunch we visit Las Bachas with its beautiful white coral beach. On the beach we have the opportunity to see sea turtles and flamingos. Overnight in Puerto Ayora. (Breakfast and lunch)
Day 11: Galapagos Islands
Breakfast at the hotel. We will then go down to the port and take a boat to the neighboring island of San Cristobal. Kl. 08:00 we take the boat about 2 hours San Cristobal. An exciting boat trip that takes us out to sea. Once there, we go to our hotel which is only a few minutes away. Afternoon excursion: Hiking Cerro Tijeretas and Bay snorkeling
Just north of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal are the National Park Interpretation Center, Cerro Tijeretas and Playa Carola. A cobbled path leading up to Cerro Tijeretas has a small network of hiking trails that lead to a panoramic view above a sheltered bay that is great for snorkeling. We continue from Cerro Tijeretas, and eventually to Playa Carola. Known for its lighthouse at that point Playa Carola is a great place to swim with sea lions and soak up the sun. Overnight in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. (Breakfast and lunch)
Day 12 San Cristobal
Breakfast at the hotels before we set out again on an excursion in this beautiful island host. Today we will visit the heart of San Cristobal. The highlands are a special place to visit, as it is home to a variety of biozones that you can see during your hike. The San Cristobal Highlands reach a maximum altitude of 730 meters and have cooler weather than Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Right in the heart of the highlands we find El Junco, a freshwater lake, the only large freshwater lake in the Galapagos. This is a great opportunity for bird watching, as you can observe frigatebirds that will flush their wings from the salt.
Lunch is served on a natural farmhouse and after a break in the hammocks we continue on to the last place of the day, Puerto Chino Beach, an isolated bay located on the southeastern part of San Cristobal. On this beach we can swim and watch the blue-footed sole and curious sea lions. Overnight in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. (Breakfast and lunch)
Additional tour: Excursion to Kickers Rock about 140 USD
This is not for everyone, but for those who like snorkeling and diving, this is one of the absolute highlights of the Galapagos Islands. Here you have the chance to see Hammarhaj and Galapagos shark.
Kicker Rock is the remains of a volcanic cone that has been eroded by the sea. Above the water, the high rock formation hovers over 500 feet over the Pacific Ocean and is home to a number of Tropical Birds, Blue-footed Sula and Splendid Frigates. The real traction takes place below sea level. The natural erosion of this ancient cone has created a channel between the rocks that provides the perfect environment to see a variety of sharks and rays including Spotted Eagle Rays, white reef shark and Galapagos shark, but also Hammarhaj! The unique conditions in this area provide a good opportunity to snorkel with these magnificent animals. Swimming with sharks is incredible, no doubt about it. A lunch stop and swim at Manglesito Beach on Islas Lobos are also included in this Galapagos highlight. After lunch you can snorkel with friendly sea lions or take a walk on the beach.
Day 13: Galapagos Islands – Guayaquil
After some exciting days in the Galapagos Islands, it’s time to head back to the mainland. In the morning we are transported to the airport and fly back to Guayaquil. Then we go to our hotel and check in. In the evening we gather for a farewell dinner. Overnight in Guayaquil. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Day 14: Return from Guayaquil
Free time for your own walks in the morning and afternoon. Transfer to the airport and departure in the evening. Meals are included on board the long-haul flight. (Breakfast)
Day 15: Homecoming
Arrival at the boarding place.
