Peru, Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands
Peru, Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands
Peru, Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands
17 Days Starting in UK and ending in Uk
Visiting: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Quito, Otavalo, Galápagos Islands, Santa Cruz Island, Charles Darwin Research Station, Isla Lobos, United Kingdom
Tour operator:
Tour code:
99505
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
20 - 45
Age range:
21-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
See an unforgettable World Wonder, the treasures of the Inca, the world's highest capital and some of the planet's most unusual creatures.
Beginning with a visit to Peru's Sacred Valley where the Inca civilisation once thrived and to the magical "lost city" of Machu Picchu, this wonderful Small Group Tour will reveal Cuzco's unique blend of Inca architecture and colonial style, and Peru’s cosmopolitan capital, Lima. You’ll fly to lofty Quito, to explore the Ecuadorean capital in its spectacular Andean setting, and spend four nights in the remote Galápagos Islands. Here, encounters with the fearless, extraordinary creatures that make the islands their home will leave you with some astonishing memories, and ensure a wonder-filled conclusion to a very special holiday.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Fly To Peru
Location: Lima
Meals Included: No Meals
Fly overnight, vía Colombian capital Bogotá, to Lima.
Day 2 : Arrival In Lima
Location: Lima
Meals Included: No Meals
Upon arrival in the Peruvian capital, transfer to your hotel to rest and relax.
Day 3 : Tour Of Lima
Location: Lima
Meals Included: No Meals
Today’s tour will introduce this thriving city, founded by conquistador Francisco Pizarro, where Spanish colonial influences abound, especially around its central Plaza Mayor, the Plaza de Armas. See the Presidential Palace and the city's Baroque cathedral, explore the ultra-modern San Isidro and Miraflores districts, which overlook the Pacific Ocean, and enjoy a second evening in the city.
Day 4 : Cusco And The Sacred Valley
Location: Cusco, Sacred Valley
Meals Included: No Meals
Fly to Cusco and transfer into the fabled Sacred Valley of the Incas for two-night stay, where today’s highlights will include a visit to the tiny Andean town Ccaccaccollo, known for the ancient art of fabric weaving.
Day 5 : The Sacred Valley
Location: Sacred Valley
Meals Included: No Meals
Continue your discovery of the Sacred Valley, taking in the Inca ruins and market of ancient Pisac, as well as the fortress at Ollantaytambo. Visit a ‘Potato Park’ where you’ll learn about the importance of the tuber to the valley’s indigenous community. Spend a second night in the valley.
Day 6 : Magical Machu Picchu
Location: Machu Picchu
Meals Included: No Meals
Journey, today, to the fabled ‘Lost City of the Incas’, travelling by narrow-gauge railway and bus to breathtaking Machu Picchu. On arrival, your guide will introduce the layout of the original citadel, after which you are free to explore the site – an experience you’ll never forget.
Today you'll travel by narrow-gauge railway and bus to breath-taking Machu Picchu, the iconic Lost City of the Incas. On arrival, your guide will introduce the layout of the original citadel, after which you are free to wander around the site. Magnificently set in the heart of the Andes, Machu Picchu seems to have been a military outpost, a secret retreat of Inca rulers and a sanctuary built in honour of Inca chief Pachacutec. With its Royal Tomb, Temple of the Sun, Priest’s House, Temple of the Three Windows and Sunken Plaza, it is undeniably one of the true wonders of the world.
At the end of the day, you’ll head back down to nearby Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay in this lively Andean jungle spa town.
Day 7 : Optional Sunrise Visit To The Citadel And Return To Cusco
Location: Cusco
Meals Included: No Meals
A second day’s optional visit to Machu Picchu begins with the unforgettable sight of sunrise over the citadel and the opportunity to explore the site before the bulk of visitors arrive. Travel to Cusco by train and bus for a two-night stay.
Day 8 : Cusco Included Tour
Location: Cusco
Meals Included: No Meals
Join your guide for an introduction to one of the Americas’ most compelling and enthralling cities, with its ancient palaces and temples, and its roll call of colonial remnants.
Join your guide for an introduction to one of The Americas’ most enthralling cities, with its ancient palaces and temples, and its roll call of colonial buildings. Highlights will include the Santo Domingo monastery, built over the Inca Temple of the Sun, the monumental cathedral and the Spanish glories of the main square, the Plaza de Armas. You will also visit San Pedro market's colourful stalls, and journey out into the surrounding hills to take in the ruins at the Inca sites at Sacsayhuaman, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay, before spending a second night in the city.
Day 9 : Fly To Quito
Location: Quito
Meals Included: No Meals
Bidding farewell to Lima, today you'll head to the airport to board the two-hour flight back into the high Andes and to the extraordinary Ecuadorian city of Quito.
Stunningly set just 22 kilometres south of the equator, over 9,300 feet above sea level and beneath the volcanic slopes of towering Pinchincha, Quito is a Spanish colonial treasure-chest arrayed around its UNESCO-listed Historic Centre.
Upon arrival, you will be met by your local tour manager and be transferred to the hotel for some time at leisure before a welcome brief this evening.
Day 10 : Quitzalo Solar Clock, ‘Middle Of The World’ And Otavalo Market
Location: Otavalo, Quito
Meals Included: No Meals, No Meals
This morning, pay a visit to the ‘Middle of the World’, where the equator is marked with a monument and visitor centre, before continuing to the highland town of Otavalo, probably the most famous of all South America’s colourful, indigenous markets. Enjoy lunch in Pijal, a small village in the heart of the Andes. Here you will also make a visit to the sustainable 'Sacha Warmi Kuna Project'. The purpose of this project is to provide women with alternative work to housekeeping so they can help support their families. You will then return to Quito via Cotacachi.
Day 11 : Fly To The Galápagos Islands
Location: Galápagos Islands
Meals Included: No Meals
Bid farewell to Quito and fly to the remote, volcanic Pacific Galápagos archipelago, arriving at the island of Baltra and then transferring to Santa Cruz by boat, home of the giant tortoise for which the Galápagos are famed for.
Enjoy lunch at a local ranch before the chance to go in search of the famous giant tortoise on a gentle guided walk around the island’s volcanic interior. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay.
Day 12 : Santa Cruz Island And Academy Bay Tour
Location: Santa Cruz Island
Meals Included: No Meals
Enjoy an unforgettable cruise across the pristine waters of Academy Bay, stopping to enjoy opportunities for snorkelling or swimming amongst a colourful array of marine species, including turtles and curious sea lions. Ashore, there are marine iguanas to encounter, and an astonishing collection of cacti and red volcanic rocks, at which to marvel.
Day 13 : Charles Darwin Research Centre
Location: Charles Darwin Research Station
Meals Included: No Meals
This morning you’ll call at the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you’ll enjoy a fascinating visit to the centre and learn about vital conservation work across the Galápagos. You’ll also have the chance to meet several subspecies of giant tortoise, many of which are at ease with human contact.
After the tour, catch the boat to San Cristóbal island for a two-night stay in delightful Puerto Moreno.
Day 14 : Isla Lobos
Location: Isla Lobos
Meals Included: No Meals
After breakfast, transfer to the dock to board a boat for the short trip, accompanied by your certified Galápagos National Park guide, to tiny Isla Lobos, where you will not only see the resident sea lions, but colonies of frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. A swim in the calm, clear waters, or a stroll along the white sand beach brings yet more sightings and close-up views of marine life. This evening, enjoy an included farewell dinner.
Day 15 : Fly To Quito
Location: Quito
Meals Included: No Meals
Fly back to Quito, then transfer to your hotel for the final night of your tour.
Day 16 : City Tour And Return Flight
Location: Quito
Meals Included: No Meals
Join your tour manager for a guided introduction to the Ecuadorian capital, including the historic centre, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After the tour transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight.
Day 17 : Arrive Back In The Uk
Location: United Kingdom
Meals Included: No Meals
You'll land back in the UK, today, at the end of a wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime, South American adventure.
What's Included
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14 nights’ carefully chosen accommodation, staying in the Sacred Valley (2 nights), Aguas Calientes (1 night), Cusco (2 nights), Lima (2 nights), Quito (3 nights), Santa Cruz, Galápagos (2 nights) and San Cristobal, Galápagos (2 nights) sharing a twin/dou
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Breakfast each day, four lunches and one dinner
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Entrances and Galapagos National Park fees
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Return flights to Cusco, via Bogotá (returning from Quito via Bogotá)
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Internal flights from Cusco to Lima, from Lima to Quito, from Quito to San Cristobal and from Baltra to Quito
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An inter-island ferry and bay cruise in the Galápagos
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Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers
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Fully escorted by a friendly, knowledgeable tour manager
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Return flights to Cusco (returning from Quito)
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Internal flights from Lima to Cusco, from Cusco to Quito (via Lima), from Quito to Baltra and San Cristobal to Quito
What's Not Included
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time is approximately 30 minutes.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Combining hotel transfers
We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Foreign Office Travel Advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Galapagos Island itinerary
On the departures listed below, the Galapagos section of your tour (Days 12-16) will operate in reverse. The content and inclusions each day will remain the same but in a different order.
22 Oct 20201 Feb 292014 Oct 202110 Feb 202218 Apr 2022
Luggage allowance
You're permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg. Please take an overnight bag, though, as luggage is limited to 5kgs for night six while staying in Aguas Calientes.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time is approximately 30 minutes.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Combining hotel transfers
We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Foreign Office Travel Advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Galapagos Island itinerary
On the departures listed below, the Galapagos section of your tour (Days 12-16) will operate in reverse. The content and inclusions each day will remain the same but in a different order.
22 Oct 20201 Feb 292014 Oct 202110 Feb 202218 Apr 2022
Luggage allowance
You're permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg. Please take an overnight bag, though, as luggage is limited to 5kgs for night six while staying in Aguas Calientes.
Check out our Q&As
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
You're permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg. Please take an overnight bag, though, as luggage is limited to 5kgs for night six while staying in Aguas Calientes.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
45
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1983
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Our company’s mission is to enrich lives and improve wellbeing through travel. A big part of that is ‘Travel for Good’. Our ‘Travel for Good’ hub is our first step in a long journey to reduce carbon, offset anything we produce as a company and travel without harming the planet or the people of the destinations we go to.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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Fitness to Travel
We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. Please make sure that you make us aware of any requirements.
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Low Deposit
Newmarket Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 35% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of newmarket holidays charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 48 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. You can find the travel restrictions for different countries on www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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