Transportation is as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary and includes private airport transfers to/from intra-vacation flights. Internal flights to/from the Galápagos (only) are included. Local Guide service is provided in Quito, Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu. A naturalist in the Galápagos is also provided. Intra-vacation flights to and within Peru are not included but can be added. Maximum enjoyment of this vacation requires walking on cobblestone streets, uneven pathways, and climbing stairs. Elevations exceeding 10,000 feet can make even modest exertion a challenge. Maximum elevation on this tour is 12,200 ft. On the Galapagos Islands, we use a small vessel (20 guests) that has three crew members, emergency washrooms, and a snack bar. The excursions are day cruises with landings on the islands, some of which are wet landings. Departure times vary depending on what islands we visit. At times we may visit one island, but we land on different parts of it. These sailings are subject to change and weather related depending on what island we are visiting. The day sailings are around 5 to 6 hours per day, which includes the landings and sightseeing.Further, in the Galápagos, there will be “wet landings” meaning guests will need to be able to jump in the water, out of the boats/zodiacs, and walk a couple of meters to the beaches. Terrain is rocky and uneven. Galápagos itineraries are subject to change.This vacation includes the following intra-vacation air segments in the vacation price: Quito/Galápagos & Galápagos/Guayaquil. All other flights are not included in the vacation price but can be purchased. Galápagos cruise price includes Galápagos National Park entrance fee and transit card.
Itinerary
Day 1 ARRIVE IN QUITO, ECUADOR
Welcome to Quito, where your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.QUITO-COLONIAL-CITY-VIEW.jpg
Day 2 QUITO
Your included private city tour showcases the rich legacy left by the Incas and the Spaniards. See Independence Square, dominated by its formidable cathedral, San Francisco Plaza Church, and the Basilica with its marvelous stained-glass windows. QUITO-SAN-FRANCISCO-PLAZA.jpg
Breakfast
Day 3 QUITO–BALTRA–SANTA CRUZ
Transfer to the airport and fly to Baltra in the Galápagos. Upon arrival, set off toward the Itabaca Channel and begin a scenic drive across Santa Cruz Island. Along the way, pause at Los Gemelos, dramatic twin pit craters, for a gentle walk and photo opportunity. Your journey continues to a local ranch and tortoise reserve, where you’ll come face to face with one of the Galápagos’ most iconic residents—the magnificent giant tortoise. Lunch is enjoyed at a local restaurant before heading to the hotel for check-in and some well‑deserved time to unwind. Please note: Departure times vary depending on what islands we visit. At times you may visit one island, but visit different parts of it. These sailings are subject to change, and weather related depending on what island we are visiting.SANTA-CRUZ-GIANT-TORTOISE-RESERVE.jpg
Day 4 SANTA CRUZ. EXCURSION TO BARTOLOMÉ ISLAND
Join a naturalist guide on unforgettable day to a nearby island within the Galápagos National Park aboard the elegant Sea Lion Yacht. Enjoy a truly personalized experience on board, with attentive crew members, a delicious hot lunch, comfortable air‑conditioned interiors, and spacious outdoor viewing decks ideal for wildlife watching. Arrive at Bartolomé Island, renowned for its iconic Pinnacle Rock, a dramatic volcanic spire rising from the ocean, and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the archipelago. At its base, Galápagos penguins—the only penguin species found north of the equator—carefully navigate narrow lava ledges, while playful sea lions lounge on rocky platforms and eagerly slip into the water to interact with snorkelers.FLOREANA-ISLAND-SEAL.jpg
Day 5 SANTA CRUZ. EXCURSION TO DIVINE BAY
Today’s adventure takes you to the Charles Darwin Research Station, established to help conserve the Galápagos’ natural habitats and protect the area’s famous giant tortoises. Just a short distance away lies tranquil Divine Bay, framed by rugged basalt cliffs on one side and lush mangrove forests on the other. This peaceful haven teems with wildlife, including small egrets, blue‑footed boobies, blue herons, brown pelicans, noddy terns, lava gulls, sea lions, sea turtles, and more—making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Divine Bay is also considered to be one of the premier snorkeling sites in the area, offering exceptional underwater encounters. Return to the hotel for a free afternoon and evening to enjoy the resort’s amenities.SANTA-CRUZ-KAYAKING.jpg
Day 6 SANTA CRUZ. EXCURSION TO SANTA FE ISLAND
Another unforgettable day awaits on the water as you board the Sea Lion Yacht for a scenic voyage to Santa Fe Island, home to one of the most beautiful and sheltered coves in the Galápagos. A crescent of tiny islets protects its striking turquoise lagoon, creating a calm and picturesque anchorage. Located southeast of Santa Cruz and visible from Puerto Ayora, Santa Fe has been shaped by seismic uplift, revealing fascinating underwater lava formations that add to the island’s dramatic natural appeal. SANTA-CRUZ-ISLAND-SNORKELING.jpg
Day 7 SANTA CRUZ–BALTRA–GUAYAQUIL–LIMA
This morning, depart the hotel for the airport in Baltra. Then, fly to Lima where you will be met by your Local Guide, who will take you to your hotel. SANTA-CRUZ-SEAL.jpg
Breakfast
Day 8 LIMA
Your included city tour focuses on Lima’s rich colonial history as well as the modern city. Lima was the bastion of Spanish South America from its founding in 1535 until the independence of the South American republics in the early 19th century. See the cathedral, where the remains of Francisco Pizarro are sealed in a wooden coffin, and the Santo Domingo Convent to see the relics of three famous Peruvian saints—Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martin de Porres, and San Juan Macias. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration.INSIDER PICKSThis evening, you may choose to head over to a nearby park to witness the largest electronic water fountain complex in the world, certified by the Guinness Book of Records. You will enjoy a wonderful show of water, lights, music, and images.LIMA-CATHEDRAL.jpg
Breakfast
Day 9 LIMA–CUSCO
Transfer to the Lima airport and fly to Cusco, high in the Andes, where you will be met by your Local Guide. Your private guided tour visits the cathedral in Plaza de Armas and Santo Domingo Monastery, one of the most important temples devoted to the worship of the sun. It is said it was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Take a short drive outside the city to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, a fortress of gigantic stones—with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons. This is followed by the amphitheater of Kenko and the red fortress of Puca Pucara. CUSCO-PLAZA-DE-ARMAS-ARCHES.jpg
Breakfast
Day 10 CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY
Today, enjoy a short drive into the Urubamba Valley, the legendary Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here, you’ll discover the cultural significance of the alpaca and learn about the ancient weaving traditions that are still practiced today. Continue on to the lively market town of Pisaq, where you can browse colorful stalls offering handmade rugs, cozy alpaca sweaters, and locally crafted jewelry. At the far end of the valley, explore Ollantaytambo, renowned for its remarkably preserved Inca ruins and some of the finest stone masonry of the ancient empire. SACRED-VALLEY-WEAVING.jpg
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 11 SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHU
Journey by train through the heart of the Sacred Valley en route to Machu Picchu, the legendary “Lost City of the Incas,” brought to global attention by American explorer, Hiram Bingham, in 1911. Enjoy a guided tour of this remarkably preserved citadel, where you’ll explore ancient temples, sacred dwellings, and an impressive mile‑long aqueduct system.MACHU-PICCHU-LLAMA.jpg
Day 12 MACHU PICCHU–SACRED VALLEY–CUSCO
A morning at leisure allows you to wake up early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu, with your second included entrance to the ruins. Return to Cusco by train for a free evening to explore this historic city on your own. MACHU-PICCHU-RUIN-DETAIL.jpg
Breakfast
Day 13 CUSCO–LIMA
After a transfer to the airport, fly to Lima today. Transfer to your hotel for a free evening. CUSCO-PEOPLE.jpg
Breakfast
Day 14 LIMA
Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning. LIMA-PERUVIAN-TEXTILES.jpg
Breakfast