Insider Galapagos & Machu Picchu

Arrive in the beautiful city of Quito, the world’s first city to be declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Standing at an altitude of 2,850m, Quito is the second-highest capital in the world after La Paz in Bolivia. 

Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to a heritage boutique hotel in La Ronda, a traditional neighborhood within the historic colonial quarter, offering a glimpse into the city's vibrant history and creativity.

Quito, affectionately dubbed "La Carita de Dios" (The Little Face of God), is a treasure trove of culture and colonial architecture. Its identity is etched in the exquisitely adorned colonial churches and monasteries, contributing to its South American architectural splendor. The city's vibrant essence is mirrored in cobblestone squares, narrow lanes, and meticulously restored neoclassical mansions that line the streets.

Explore the colonial quarter, a charming maze of cobbled paths, picturesque squares, and remarkable colonial edifices. Noteworthy sites include Independence Plaza, the Cathedral, San Francisco church, and La Compañia de Jesus church—celebrated as Quito's pinnacle and one of Ecuador's most opulent religious structures.

Amidst your journey, relish the chance to savour authentic Andean bites, supporting local traditions and economies. Indulge in Ecuadorian tamales, hearty corn pies with tender chicken or beef, embraced by achira leaves. Delight in quimbolitos, delicate corn cakes cocooned in achira leaves, and humitas, corn cakes wrapped in corn husks. Pair these delights with a steaming cup of coffee. For a refreshing option, consider the cherished "helado de paila." This frozen treat, an Ecuadorian favorite, is crafted in a traditional manner using a large metal pan, a "paila," preserving a heritage distinct from modern ice cream production. 

Concluding your Quito journey is an ascent to the 3,016m-high hill, offering breathtaking panoramas of the city and surrounding volcanoes. Crowning the summit is a 41m steel replica of Quito’s Winged Virgin, an awe-inspiring emblem of Quito's spirit. (B)(S)

Fly to San Cristobal Island airport this morning. Upon arrival you will be met by your naturalist guide and transferred to the M/Y Solaris. Specially designed for cruising the Galapagos in comfort with minimum impact on the fragile ecosystem, the M/Y Solaris focuses on reducing its ecological footprint and enhancing the conservation of the Galapagos Islands. Built with energy efficient technologies including advanced propulsion systems, waste management protocols to ensure proper disposal and recycling of waste materials, and smart construction materials to reduce fuel consumption. Partnerships with local conservation organisations such as the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galapagos Conservation Trust help support ongoing projects aimed at preserving the unique biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands. 

Enjoy lunch on board before heading to Cerro Colorado Tortoises Protection and Growing Centre, which is located approximately 40 minutes’ drive to the southeast of the island. This centre was built to improve the status of the population of the island tortoises. It includes a large corral, a visitor centre, a breeding centre and an interpretive trail. Along this trail, it is possible to see different species of native and endemic plants as well as birds including the San Cristobal mockingbird, yellow warblers, many species of finches and the Galapagos flycatcher. (B)(L)(D)

This morning you will visit Gardner Bay. On the north-eastern coast of the island of Española, Gardner Bay offers a wonderful place to swim in the turquoise sea and admire the colourful reef fish. You will also have the opportunity to snorkel side by side with green sea turtles, or to enjoy the proximity of playful Galapagos sea lions. The white sand beach is also an important breeding ground for the green sea turtles. Sometimes whales can be sighted in the crystal-clear ocean.

Spend the afternoon at Suarez Point. Huge ocean waves crash onto the southern basaltic cliffs of Suarez Point, forming a spectacular blowhole, where the water sprays metres high into the air (depending on the season, the tide and how strongly the sea breeze pushes the waves). This rocky area is home to the most impressive and diverse seabirds of the archipelago. Depending on the season, you can admire the endangered Galapagos albatross, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropicbirds, and more. Along the southern coast, high cliffs allow spectacular views of ascending birds and the seawater shot through blow holes. (B)(L)(D)

Today you will explore Floreana Island, known for its diverse ecosystems and historical significance. The peninsula of Cormorant Point forms the extreme north cape of Floreana, which exists out of smaller volcanic cones, covered by a tropical dry forest of palo santo. At the landing beach, you will be welcomed by a small Galapagos sea lion colony. The green sand on this beach contains a high percentage of glassy olivine crystals which have been blown out by the surrounding tuff cones. The “flour sand” beach on the southern side of the peninsula is made up of even finer white coral sand which feels very smooth on the feet. Parrotfish have pulverised it, grinding the calcareous skeletons of living coral. You can spot schools of stingrays who love the sandy bottom to hide. During the first months of the year, Pacific green turtles come ashore to bury their eggs. 

While having lunch you will navigate to Post Office Bay. Post your holiday greetings in the historical barrel or relax on the beach where you may see Galapagos penguins alongside Galapagos sea lions, Pacific green turtles and golden rays. This is the only place in the southeastern archipelago where penguins reside. You can also climb the miniature basaltic cone of Baroness Lookout and take in the paradisaical coastal views. (B)(L)(D)

Your arrival to Sullivan Bay this morning is like a moon landing. The desolate, sprawling fields seem to be mostly lifeless, but this island, which is particularly popular among photographers, still offers a lot to see. Green sea turtles burrow in the small white sand beach, where you can also find crabs, blue herons and oystercatchers. 

Visit the beautiful volcanic islet of Bartholomew this afternoon. Although it looks lifeless at first sight, Bartholomew offers some of the wildest landscapes and best panoramas of the entire archipelago. Climb the stairs to the viewpoint on the top of the island for postcard views of the idyllic “Pinnacle Bay”. Enter a dramatic world of threatening (though extinguished) nearby spatter cones, craters, and lightweight lava droplets that have been spewed out by fiery fountains. The summit trail is also ideal for witnessing how scanty pioneer vegetation, such as lava cactus, struggles to take root in the bare virgin lava fields. (B)(L)(D)

Explore Black Turtle Cove, a small bay located on the north side of the island of Santa Cruz. The landscape makes you feel as if you're in the Amazon rainforest rather than near the sea. Explore the quiet emerald lagoon and surrounding shallow bays with the inflatable dinghy. The crystal-clear water allows you to spot groups of whitetip reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, gold rays and spotted eagle rays. Transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight to Guayaquil where you will connect with your flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, transfer to your hotel. (B)

Embark on an immersive journey into Lima's creative soul. With its exquisite colonial mansions, hidden plazas, vibrant cultural life, quirky museums, designer boutiques and handicrafts fairs, Barranco has emerged as the artistic heart of the city. Stroll along the “malecon” and the iconic “Bridge of Sighs,” while your expert guide unravels the intriguing history of this bohemian neighbourhood. Indulge your senses as you pause for coffee in a local haunt, mingling with the city's denizens. Inside a revered Peruvian artist's studio, the Victor Delfin House and Art Studio, embrace a time-honoured bohemian spirit, and if fortune favours, catch a glimpse of the artist at work. One of the leading sculptors and painters in Peru, Victor Delfin is best known for his monumental El Beso, a large sculpture in the "Love Park" by the Pacific Ocean in the Miraflores district of Lima. You’ll also visit a prestigious muralist's museum, a testament to Barranco's enduring creativity. This artist’s vibrant pieces scatter the streets of Barranco, a living testament to the neighborhood's pulsating heart. 

Next, your exploration shifts to modern Lima's panoramic vistas as you journey to the Historic Centre, and the city's colonial soul. The Main Square, surrounded by historic landmarks, echoes tales of the past. In the Lima Art Museum (MALI), centuries of Peruvian art unfold in a breathtaking array of Peruvian art across eras, from ancient to contemporary. (B)

Transfer to the airport and board your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, embark on a scenic journey to the Urubamba Valley, the “Sacred Valley of the Incas”. Relax at your hotel in the Sacred Valley and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. (B) 

Embark on a day of exploration in the captivating Sacred Valley and immerse yourself in its rich history and customs. Visit Chinchero, a charming village steeped in ancient weaving traditions. Witness skilled artisans at work during a weaving exhibition, where they will unveil their loom techniques and natural wool dyeing.  Explore Chinchero's 15th century archaeological site, blending Andean and Spanish influences, including a colonial church before continuing to Moray, a unique archaeological site featuring expansive concentric terraces that served as an ancient agricultural laboratory for the Inca civilisation.

After a stop at the Racchi lookout to get one of the best views of the Sacred Valley, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant AMA. Through their restaurant, alpaca boutique and regenerative tourism experiences, AMA strives to empower Sacred Valley's marginalised communities, by providing job opportunities and first-hand training. You’ll enjoy lunch in the restaurant where local single mothers work in the kitchen and cook delicious homemade meals using traditional culinary techniques and locally sourced ingredients. Following lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the array of traditional handicrafts available for purchase. AMA collaborates with women weavers from remote Andean mountain communities, fostering the preservation of their ancestral techniques and providing fair compensation, along with opportunities for skill development. 

The journey culminates in Ollantaytambo, known as the Living Inca Town, a truly enchanting place which boasts profound archaeological significance, a majestic fortress and pristine streets preserving an authentic Inca urban layout, making it the sole inhabited site to maintain its original Inca design to this day. (B, L)

Transfer to Ollanta Station for a thrilling full-day Machu Picchu adventure aboard the Inca Rail train. Embark on a scenic train ride to the charming town of Aguas Calientes, nestled amidst the majestic Andean mountains. As you arrive at Machu Picchu, be prepared to be mesmerised by the awe-inspiring beauty of this ancient wonder. Guided by knowledgeable experts, uncover the mysteries and history of this extraordinary Inca citadel. Amidst the breathtaking vistas, capture memories that will last a lifetime. Complete your Machu Picchu experience with an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, nestled along the banks of the Urubamba River. (B, L, D)

The morning at leisure provides an opportunity to bask in the tranquility of Machu Picchu before bidding farewell to this mystical place. This afternoon board the train for your journey back to Cusco and transfer to your hotel. Considered part of the cultural heritage of Cusco, Costa del Sol Hotel is a beautifully restored 17th century colonial-era mansion. A Wyndham hotel, they are part of the Wyndham Green Certification Program and have implemented a sustainable policy reducing single-use plastic, recycling, minimising water use and improving energy efficiencies. (B)

Today, delve deeper into the heart of Cusco, known as the Imperial City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your journey begins at San Pedro Market, the oldest market in the city. Designed in 1925 by Gustave Eiffel, this bustling and vibrant marketplace is a feast for the senses, bringing together hundreds of merchants selling local products, from traditional Peruvian dishes and local fruits to intricately woven textiles, colourful ceramics, and beautiful alpaca wool products.
Continue to the Koricancha Temple, an ancient Inca palace and a sacred centre dedicated to the Sun God. Marvel at the harmonious blend of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture. The temple’s history and spiritual significance will captivate your imagination. Embark on a journey to the impressive Sacsayhuaman Fortress, an awe-inspiring example of Inca military architecture. Marvel at the colossal stone walls, seamlessly fitted together like a puzzle, and imagine the mastery and engineering prowess of the Incas. Your journey takes you to the Q’enqo archaeological site, where important Inca ceremonies once took place. The site’s intricate carvings and underground chambers add to its mystique and cultural significance. Conclude your day with a visit to the main square, Plaza de Armas, where the iconic Cusco Cathedral stands tall, showcasing exquisite colonial art and sacred artifacts. (B)

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)