Peru & Galapagos Discovery - 15 Days

Peru & Galapagos Discovery - 15 Days

30 Views
15 Days From

$9485

$8537

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:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

2673/PAGD

Specialist Group:

Family/Kids

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 16

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

12-

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Cruise

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

From: $9485 $8537 Operator discount: -$949

NB: Prices correct on 22-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

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

  • Lima - Explore the capital of Peru with its vibrant plazas and Spanish colonial architecture.

  • Machu Picchu – Take a scenic train ride to explore the spectacular Inca citadel.

  • Cusco – Discover the captivating capital of the Inca Empire, including the Sacsayhuaman Fortress.

  • Sacred Valley of the Incas – Visit the Pisac ruins and the temple of Ollantaytambo.

  • Lake Titicaca – Cruise to the floating reed Uros islands on South America's largest lake.

  • Galapagos Islands - Encounter incredible wildlife on a four-night cruise with guided island tours and snorkeling.

  • Guayaquil - Explore Ecuador's largest city, including open-air markets and colonial shipyards.

Places You'll See

Lima

Itinerary

Expand All

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.



.

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

  • Accommodation
    3-4 Star

  • 10 nights 3-4 star hotels

    Stay in comfortable 3-4 star hotels for 10 nights during the tour.

  • 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.

  • 14 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners

    Meals include 14 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners throughout the tour.

  • 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.

  • 5 economy flights

    Includes economy flights: Lima - Cusco, Cusco - Lima, Lima - Guayaquil, Guayaquil - Galapagos Island and Galapagos Island - Guayaquil.

  • Transfers and transportation

    Transfers and transportation are provided in private air-conditioned vehicles and by train.

  • Guided tours

    Guided tours of Cusco including Sacsayhuaman, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Sillustani in Puno and Guayaquil.

  • Lake Titicaca Uros Islands boat trip

    Experience a boat trip to the Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca.

  • Galapagos Islands guided visits

    Guided island visits and snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands.

  • Tour leader and guides

    Escorted by an experienced English-speaking tour leader in Peru and services of local English-speaking specialist guides.

show more

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visas

    International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.

  • Tipping

    Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.

  • Wetsuit for snorkelling

    Wetsuit for snorkelling is not included and costs $10 USD a day.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • 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+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Paul Kelly (Google Reviewer)  

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9...

26-Feb-2023

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9 day tour of Morocco visiting many main cities and places of interest. The coach was very comfortable and we felt safe with the driver Suliman. The guide was Hicham Touraouine and he was fantastic. He spoke perfect English as well as French, Arabic and Berber. He was so kind and considerate and made a good tour great. We particularly enjoyed ‘glamming in the Sahara Desert. So much to see and do and great food and company. We would definitely use On The Go Tours again, especially if Hicham was the guide. Paul & Penny

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

Save on this tour

Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!

Send me one now.

1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Friday

Dec 06, 2024 - Dec 20, 2024
$9485

Friday - Friday

Jan 17, 2025 - Jan 31, 2025
$9485 $8537

Operator discount: -$949

Friday - Friday

Feb 14, 2025 - Feb 28, 2025
$9485 $8537

Operator discount: -$949

Friday - Friday

Mar 28, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025
$9485 $8537

Operator discount: -$949

Friday - Friday

May 23, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025
$9485 $8537

Operator discount: -$949

Friday - Friday

Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
$9485

Friday - Friday

Dec 05, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025
$9485
Prices last published on 21-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

Enquire for huge savings

Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.

By submitting this form, I accept Travel Club Elites terms & conditions and privacy policy.

Similar Tours