Peru & Galapagos Discovery - 15 Days
Peru & Galapagos Discovery - 15 Days
Peru & Galapagos Discovery - 15 Days
15 Days Starting in Lima, Peru and ending in Guayaquil, Ecuador
Visiting: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Puno, Guayaquil, Galapagos Islands
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2673/PAGD
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
12-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 15-day adventure through Peru and the Galapagos Islands, exploring vibrant cities, ancient ruins, and breathtaking natural wonders. Begin your journey in Lima, Peru's bustling capital, before heading to Cusco, the heart of the Inca Empire, where you'll visit the majestic Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Experience the serene beauty of Lake Titicaca and the unique floating Uros Islands. Transition to Ecuador, exploring the lively city of Guayaquil before setting sail on a four-night cruise through the Galapagos Islands. Encounter incredible wildlife, snorkel in pristine waters, and explore the diverse landscapes of San Cristobal, Floreana, Espanola, and Santa Cruz. This small group tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and natural exploration, guided by experienced local experts. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and seamless travel arrangements, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Miraflores
Meals Included: Breakfast
Welcome to Peru. Upon arrival at Lima Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to our hotel in Miraflores, a modern middle-class suburb on the coast. The remaining time today is free to spend at leisure exploring the capital.
Day 2: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium
Meals Included: Breakfast
Lima – Cusco. We take a short flight to Cusco, which will be our home for the next two days. Once the centre of the Inca Empire, Cusco is now a vibrant city, home to extraordinary craftmanship, with old Inca walls and bustling squares filled with ornate baroque colonial churches. Stroll around the cobbled streets of this enchanting city as the shoeshine boys and postcard sellers jostle for your attention, shop at the many handicraft stalls and grab a drink at one of the cafes.
The rest of the day is free to independently explore and in the evening experience the city's energy as people flock to the many restaurants, bars and cafés.
Day 3: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we explore Cusco on a guided walking tour. We visit Q’oricancha, also known as the Sun Temple, this was the most significant temple in the Inca empire, a sacred ground dedicated to the Sun God. Following this, we explore the colossal zigzag walls of Sacsayhuaman fortress set on a hill side above Cusco. In 1536 this was the site of a bitter three-day battle was fought between the Spaniards and the Incas.
The rest of the day is free to spend at leisure. Stroll around the cobbled streets, explore Cusco's colourful, bustling markets and splendid churches. The air at this altitude can be thin and the streets are steep, so take your time.
Day 4: Cusco
Location: Sacred Valley
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pakaritampu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Cusco - Sacred Valley. Today we leave Cusco and drive over the high plains and down into the fertile Sacred Valley of the Incas. The valley was densely populated in imperial times and the well-preserved ruins bear witness to the highly developed society that the Incas created. During our drive we pass many of the villages and temple fortress that are scattered throughout the valley. We explore the Pisac complex, which is built on terraces carved into the steep hillside, rising like a staircase to the heavens. We also visit Pisac village before continuing our journey through this beautiful, patchwork valley to the temple of Ollantaytambo, with the magnificent Andes as a beautiful backdrop. Ollantaytambo fortress, the colonial grid plan and the Inca foundations are still intact and there are wonderful views down over the sloping hillsides and into the fertile valley. We spend tonight in this tranquil valley.
Day 5: Machu Picchu
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu. Our day begins with an incredibly scenic 2-hour train journey from Ollantaytambo to the iconic lost city of Machu Picchu. Situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River and surrounded by tropical forest, the Inca city enjoys a truly spectacular setting and it's one of the most fascinating ancient sites in the world. Following a guided tour of the ruins we spend the night in the spa village of Aguas Calientes, a couple of kilometres upstream.
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If you fancy hiking a section of the Inca Trail without disrupting your tour, we can arrange for you to undertake the one day Mini Inca Trail on the same day while still participating in the guided tour of the ruins and staying with the group in the evening. Please note: You must pre-book the Mini Inca Trail as availability is limited, please ask us for more details.
Day 6: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium
Meals Included: Breakfast
Machu Picchu - Cusco. There is the optoin to revisit the ancient citadel to walk one of the many trails around the site. Hike up the steep path to Huayna Picchu for incredible views over Machu Picchu or trek to the Inca Bridge, carved into the steep cliff face. Alternatively, you can relax at the hotel before we return to Cusco by train this afternoon.
Please note: If you want to revisit Machu Picchu you will need to enquire with the office and pre-book as availability is limited.
Day 7: Lake Titicaca (Peru)
Location: Lake Titicaca
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Puno
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cusco - Puno. After an early breakfast, we travel by private bus to Puno on the shore of Lake Titcaca. The journey is incredibly scenic and takes approximately 8 hours, climbing over 4,300m. The road is flanked by majestic snow-capped peaks, and we witness men and oxen toiling in fields surrounded by corn and potato crops. We reach the highest point of our journey, as we make our way across the plains of Altiplano, passing market towns where llamas and alpacas are herded by bowler-hatted women.
Day 8: Puno
Location: Puno
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Puno
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sitting on the Peruvian-Bolivian border beautiful Lake Titicaca is vast, almost like an inland sea. Today's adventure begins with a motorboat journey across the lake to visit the fascinating Uros Islands. These unique floating islands are constructed entirely from the lake's tortora reeds – the same material used for the islanders' canoes, and you can feel the ground subtly shifting beneath your feet.
This afternoon a guided excursion takes us to the Chullpas at Sillustani, imposing stone tombs believed to be the final resting place of ancient Hatun Colla chiefs. These towers stand along the treeless shores of a remote highland lake, surrounded by captivating landscape.
Day 9: Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Miraflores
Meals Included: Breakfast
Puno - Lima. This morning we take a flight back to Lima, a short 1 hour and 40 minutes journey. Upon arrival spend the rest of the day at leisure. There's time for an optional tour of the capital's historic centre, alternatively consider visiting one or two of the world-class museums. In the evening why not celebrate the last night of the tour on the cliff top in Miraflores or Barranco sipping a pisco sour cocktail and watching the sun set over the Pacific.
Day 10: Guayaquil
Location: Guayaquil
Accommodation Name: Hotel Wyndham Guayaquil
Lima - Guayaquil (Ecuador). Today we bid farewell to our Peruvian tour guide and transfer to Lima airport for a flight to Guayaquil. Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city, located on the banks of the Rio Guayas. A city tour takes us through the bustling open-air market at La Bahia, past the colonial naval shipyard and on to the Malecon (the waterfront promenade). We continue our tours, strolling past tropical gardens, busy markets and cafes to our final stop, Santa Ana hill and Las Penas. This charming district has vibrant wooden houses and ramshackle old streets.
Day 11: Galapagos Islands
Location: Galapagos Islands
Accommodation Name: M/C Galapagos Seaman Journey Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Guayaquil - Galapagos Islands. Transfer to the airport this morning for you flight to the Galapagos Islands. Here we embark on a five day cruise around the archipelago aboard a small motor yacht which will be our home for the next 4 nights. Once settled into our cabin, we begin our tour of the the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands. Find a comfortable place on deck, relax and enjoy the views, often trailed by flocks of birds and playful dolphins.
Day 12-14: Galapagos Islands
Location: Galapagos Islands
Accommodation Name: M/C Galapagos Seaman Journey Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We continue our captivating cruise around the Galápagos Islands, with two landings a day to encounter diverse wildlife. There will also be the opportunity to snorkel both from the islands and the boat itself, and two kayaks are available for use. During our cruise we will visit the islands of San Cristobal, Floreana, Espanola and Santa Cruz.
San Cristobal is an old island with volcanic peaks to the north and lush vegetation in the south. Here you can learn about the natural and human history of this island at the The Interpretation Centre, experience snorkelling off Cerro Brujo's beaches and encounter sea lions at Isla Lobos.
Floreana has a rich and fascinating history and highlights of the island include a visit to Post Office Bay and snorkelling around the Devil's Crown, a part submerged crater. There's also a golden beach where green turtles nest and a salt lagoon which is home to a plethora of wading birds.
Espanola is one of the most beautiful Galapagos Islands and also one of the oldest, dating back an estimated 3.3 million years. Espanola has a high percentage of endemism because it is isolated from other islands. Endemic species include the Waved albatross, Darwin's finches and the mockingbird of Espanola, which is the largest species in the islands and has developed carnivorous behaviour. A highlight of this island is a visit to Urbina Bay with its long white beach which is home to a sea-lion colony. There's also a spectacular blowhole where the spray shoots 30m high.
Santa Cruz island has the largest human population of all the islands, mostly living in Puerto Ayora. On this island we see a colony of land iguanas at Dragon Hill in the northwest and giant tortoises in the verdant highlands. We also hope to spot rays and sharks from the comfort of a panga or kayak at Black Turtle Cove.
Day 15: Guayaquil
Location: Guayaquil
Meals Included: Breakfast
Galapagos Islands - Guayaquil. We disembark from our cruise and take a short flight back to Guayaquil where our tour ends upon arrival.
Post tour accommodation in Guayaquil can be arranged upon request. Please contact us for details.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3-4 Star -
10 nights 3-4 star hotels
Stay in comfortable 3-4 star hotels for 10 nights during the tour.
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4 nights on board the M/Y Galapagos Seaman
Enjoy 4 nights on board the M/Y Galapagos Seaman in a twin/double cabin, with en suite, A/C and panoramic windows.
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14 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners
Meals include 14 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners throughout the tour.
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Lima airport arrival and departure transfers
Receive a transfer from Lima airport on day 1 and a departure transfer from Guayaquil airport on day 15.
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5 economy flights
Includes economy flights: Lima - Cusco, Cusco - Lima, Lima - Guayaquil, Guayaquil - Galapagos Island and Galapagos Island - Guayaquil.
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Transfers and transportation
Transfers and transportation are provided in private air-conditioned vehicles and by train.
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Guided tours
Guided tours of Cusco including Sacsayhuaman, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Sillustani in Puno and Guayaquil.
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Lake Titicaca Uros Islands boat trip
Experience a boat trip to the Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca.
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Galapagos Islands guided visits
Guided island visits and snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands.
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Tour leader and guides
Escorted by an experienced English-speaking tour leader in Peru and services of local English-speaking specialist guides.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.
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Tipping
Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.
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Wetsuit for snorkelling
Wetsuit for snorkelling is not included and costs $10 USD a day.
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Galapagos National Park entrance fee
The Galapagos National Park entrance fee (US$200pp) and Migration Control Card (US$20pp) are not included and are subject to change.
Accommodation
Experience a blend of contemporary and colonial charm at Casa Andina Miraflores, Casa Andina Premium, and Hotel Pakaritampu, offering modern amenities, exquisite cuisine, and strategic locations. Enjoy a luxurious stay at Hotel Wyndham Guayaquil and a unique cruise experience aboard the M/C Galapagos Seaman Journey.
Age Policy
Minimum age 12. If booking a family please contact GH to request/check triple rooms / rooms next to each other before confirming the bookingThere is no maximum age. Those 70 or over will be required to fill out a tour suitability tour.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with private air-conditioned vehicles, scenic train rides, and five economy flights connecting Lima, Cusco, Guayaquil, and the Galapagos Islands. Enjoy guided tours and island visits with naturalist guides, ensuring a seamless and enriching journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on the Galapagos Islands cruise?
During the Galapagos Islands cruise, you can expect to see a diverse range of wildlife including sea lions, giant tortoises, land iguanas, and various bird species such as the Waved albatross and Darwin's finches. The cruise offers opportunities to snorkel and observe marine life like rays and sharks.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities available during the tour. For example, you can choose to hike a section of the Inca Trail on the same day as the Machu Picchu visit or revisit Machu Picchu to explore additional trails like Huayna Picchu or the Inca Bridge. These activities need to be pre-booked due to limited availability.
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What is the accommodation like during the tour?
The tour includes stays in 3-4 star hotels and a 4-star cruise vessel. Hotels like Casa Andina Miraflores and Casa Andina Premium offer modern amenities and are strategically located in key areas. The Galapagos Seaman Journey Cruise provides comfortable cabins with private facilities and large picture windows.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 14 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners. Meals are provided at various accommodations and during the Galapagos cruise, where you can enjoy local and international cuisine.
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Is there a tour guide provided throughout the trip?
Yes, the tour is escorted by an experienced English-speaking tour leader in Peru, and you will also have the services of local English-speaking specialist guides. In the Galapagos Islands, naturalist guides will lead excursions and provide insights into the local wildlife and ecosystems.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person 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 on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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