Peru and Galápagos Escape

Arrive in Lima, Peru’s thriving capital, and transfer to the convenient Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol Lima Airport hotel, located at the airport. Most international flights arrive in the late evening. Opt to arrive early for a Lima pre-voyage extension staying at the iconic Country Club Lima Hotel. The extension adds just a day to the expedition and gives you a chance to rest, relax and see this UNESCO World Heritage designated city.

Arrival Time: Anytime.
Arrival City: Lima, Peru

Upon arrival in Cusco, drive through the Sacred Valley to Chinchero, a typical Andean village, where National Geographic Grantee Nilda Callañaupa joins you for lunch and a demonstration of Inca weaving traditions. Continue to Tambo del Inka, where you'll stay two nights. Dinner tonight is at the hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive to Ollantaytambo and admire the archaeological site, then board the scenic train traveling along the Urubamba River to Machu Picchu. Perched at nearly 8,000 feet in the “eyebrow of the jungle,” the sanctuary is surrounded by tropical mountain forest with diverse birds and orchids. Linger after daytime visitors have departed, returning to Machu Picchu Pueblo for the train ride back to the Sacred Valley and Tambo del Inka this evening. Dinner is served aboard the first-class train.  

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast this morning, depart for Cusco with a full day to explore. Tour the ornate 17th-century cathedral and Plaza de Armas, the sacred Inca Temple of the Sun and other treasures of this burgeoning cultural capital. Explore the center of the Inca universe, where colonial buildings stand atop Inca foundations. Check in at Palacio del Inka in the historic center. Dinner is on your own tonight to explore nearby celebrated restaurants or rest and relax at the hotel.  

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Bid farewell to Peru and continue to Ecuador for the second part of your expedition with flights from Cusco via Lima to Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city. Overnight at Hotel del Parque. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Fly on Day 7 to Galápagos. Each day here, you'll hike, swim, snorkel or explore by kayak or Zodiac—all the while witnessing incredible interactions between animals in their natural habitat. Start exploring on Isla Santa Cruz with a trip over the highlands of Santa Cruz upon arrival. Over these few days, walk in a cactus forest with endemic land iguanas on Santa Fé. Wander among sea lions and admire soaring sea birds on Plaza Sur. Search for penguins on stark black lava at Sullivan Bay on Santiago. Snorkel in crystal-clear water at Sombrero Chino. And sail across the Equator and into the flooded caldera at Genovesa, a seabird paradise where you'll bid farewell to Darwin's Islands. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Disembark this morning for a return flight to the mainland, where you'll transfer to Hotel del Parque in Guayaquil. In Quito there are several hotel options. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. You may be able to take advantage of overnight flights home. Ask your expedition specialist about joining a culturally rich post-voyage extension to Quito and Otavalo, a celebrated market town.

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board flights home, unless you have arranged for additional nights or an extension.

Departure Time: Anytime on day 11, or after 7:00 p.m. local time on day 10.
Departure City: Guayaquil or Quito, Ecuador