The Enchanting Galapagos Islands and Peru’s Machu Picchu
Tour Introduction
In this itinerary we have succeeded in designing an unforgettable holiday by combining the top two ‘must-see’ destinations in South America: the magnificent Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru and the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands, far off the coast of Ecuador.
You begin with the majestic Andean scenery and fascinating ancient history found in and around the ancient Inca city of Cusco, before experiencing the breath-taking Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Then enjoy a sensational seven- night voyage around the unique Galapagos Islands for dramatic volcanic landscapes, fascinating human culture and a plethora of specially adapted wildlife on land and underwater.
If you only have one chance to travel to South America, this could well be your ideal trip.
Full Itinerary
Early morning arrival into Lima and connect with flight to Cusco. Met on arrival and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Staying at Tierra Viva Cusco Plaza. Includes In-flight Meals.
Guided tour of Cusco visiting sites such as the Plaza de Armas, Cathedral and Qorikancha, as well as surrounding Inca sites including Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay. Afternoon at leisure.
Staying at Tierra Viva Cusco Plaza. Includes No Meals.
Transfer to Poroy station and travel by train to Aguas Calientes. Transfer by bus uphill to the magnificent Inca citadel of Machu Picchu for a guided tour. Your guide will relate the rise and fall of the ancient civilisations of the Andes, the tragic end of the Incas and the unresolved mystery of that ‘lost city’. Lunch at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, by the ruins. Return to Cusco.
Staying at Tierra Viva Cusco Plaza. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
Transfer to airport, fly to Lima and connect with flight to Guayaquil. Met on arrival and transfer to hotel.
Staying at Oro Verde Hotel. Includes Breakfast.
Transfer to airport and fly to the Galapagos Islands. Begin a 7 nights Galapagos Islands cruise on board a tourist ship. Superior or luxury ships are also available.
Staying at Cachalote. Includes All Meals.
For the next 7 days, you will explore the Galapagos Islands above and below the water on guided excursions. The dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Galapagos Islands offer some of the most unusual wildlife watching in the world. Above water there are plants and semi-tame animals whose geographical isolation and adaptation to the harsh conditions have led to the evolution of many unique natural histories, including marine iguanas, giant tortoises and the famous Darwin finches. Under the water, cool currents have introduced otherwise cold water species to these tropical seas: penguins, orcas and fur seals happily rub along with parrot fish, turtles and manta rays.
Staying at Cachalote. Includes All Meals.
Return to airport and fly to Guayaquil. Connect with your international flight home.
Includes In-flight Meals.
Tour Accommodation
Tierra Viva Cusco Plaza
Overview
The Tierra Viva Plaza hotel in Cusco offers luxurious accommodation close to the main square, the Plaza de Armas, and other attractions such as the historic cathedral and Inca museum.
The hotel has plenty of character, with a majestic colonial courtyard, Spanish art decoration and an impressive wrought iron chandelier.
The accommodation is modern and stylish with attractive wooden floors, comfortable double or twin beds with alpaca or silk throws, heating and cable LCD TV. All the rooms have free Wi-Fi, safety deposit boxes and hair dryers, direct dial telephones, stylish wooden desks, private bathrooms; and some also have a whirlpool bath and balcony overlooking central Cusco.
There is a breakfast bar serving a delicious but simple buffet in the morning and a restaurant and lounge/bar for relaxing in the evening. There are plenty of other restaurants to try and shops to browse close by.
There is a currency exchange, 24-hour reception desk and free Wi-Fi throughout the building.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Private bathrooms, restaurant, lounge and bar area, currency exchange and free Wi-Fi and cable LCD TVs in all rooms.
Optional Activities
Tours of Cusco and activities in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Andean Landscapes.
Oro Verde Hotel
Overview
The Oro Verde group is a small Ecuadorian chain of high quality hotels that pride themselves on offering a European level of service.
The Guayaquil Oro Verde Hotel, one of the Leading Hotels of the World collection, was built in 1983 and refurbished in 2013. It has 236 luxurious rooms and suites and is located in the central part of Guayaquil close to the airport. The hotel has a choice of 4 restaurants.
Nearby is Guayaquil Municipal Library, Municipal Palace, Malecon 2000 and Centennial Park.
The rooms have been designed to offer guests the best of modern amenities such as wide screen TVs, comfortable furniture, air- conditioning, multi-line telephones, safety deposit box, minibar, 24-hour room service and free Wi-Fi.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Free Wi-Fi, TV, 24-hour room service, 4 restaurants, bar, outdoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, massage and spa treatment rooms, hair salon, gift shop, laundry services, luggage storage, currency exchange, bar and lounge.
Optional Activities
Tours of the city can be arranged.
Cachalote Explorer
Overview
Originally a fishing boat built in 1988 in Vancouver, Canada, this spacious motor vessel was converted into a passenger ship in the early 2000’s. There are 8 ensuite cabins each with hot water, air-conditioning throughout, a large salon/dining area with flat screen TV and DVD player, sun deck, and other ample deck areas for relaxing. Cachalote Explorer also carries two kayaks for guest use.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Capacity
Length
Class
Cabins
1 Upper Deck cabin with a lower queen bed, lower single bed and single upper bed, 1 Upper Deck cabin with a lower double and upper single bed, 3 Lower Deck cabins with a double lower and upper single bed, 2 Lower Deck cabins with a lower queen bed, and one Lower Deck cabin with a lower single and a small upper single.
Facilities
Large lounge and dining area with flat screen TV and DVD, air conditioning, sun deck and other ample deck areas.
Route Map
Departure Dates
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Flight Info:
Fly from London to Lima and return from Guayaquil on Latam, or Iberia via Madrid, Avianca via Bogota, Air France via Paris or KLM via Amsterdam.
Best Visited:
January to January
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
John Melton
Area Specialist
The dry season in the Peruvian Highlands is from May to November. The Galapagos Islands are cooler from May to November too.
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
This was our second holiday booked by Reef and Rainforest. It was as excellent this time round. John Melton put together a really enjoyable first week in Peru…Spectacular Galapagos in every respect…Could not have gone better.
