Ecuador, Peru and Galapagos, 15 days - Luxury holiday to Ecuador & Peru

We have negotiated this super deal so you can visit these incredible parts of South America. Experience colonial Quito, cruise on board MV Santa Cruz in the Galapagos islands and visit the fascinating Inca ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru.

From £3,289 pp based on two sharing excluding international flights!

Contact our Peru experts now: email or 020 7622 1116

This trip has set dates of departure and cannot be tailor made. However other trips in Peru can be tailor made. Your travel consultant will prepare a tailor made itinerary for you if required. We offer a choice of 3, 4, 5-star and deluxe accommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ecuator
Arrival and transfer to your hotel in Quito. Overnight at Anahi Boutique Hotel.

Day 2: Quito
Scenic Tour of Quito, visiting well known attractions- the Independence Plaza, flanked by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop's Palace.
 
Day 3: Quito-Galapagos
Arrival by plane to Baltra Island and transfer to the MV SANTA CRUZ. Welcome introductory briefing and lunch.

Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island)
After WWII, US military barges were beached and abandoned here. Locals referred to the beach as the barges beach, a name that morphed to "Bachas". Today it is an important nesting area for the east Pacific green sea turtle. Located on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, it is a glorious white beach (wet landing), with several brackish lagoons only a few steps away from the sea. These lagoons are the feeding grounds of various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with snorkelling gear and techniques. Welcome Cocktail, expedition plan for Tuesday and dinner.

Day 4: Buccaneer Cove (James Island)
After breakfast, enjoy a coastal exploration along the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer Cove. Learn about the history of Santiago Island, its relevance for the whalers, pirates and early researchers, including Darwin's epic voyage in 1835, and the conservation projects aimed at eradicating feral species (a fence stretched along the rocky outcrop is visible to save native plants from the once existing enormous goat population). Today the island is free of feral goats, and the cove is home to a large number of marine birds, sea lions, and inter-tidal organisms. Enjoy fantastic natural formations such as the "Elephant Rock", "The Bishop" and an impressive natural cave. This is a great site for snorkelling too! Lunch on board.

Puerto Egas (James Island)
Wet landing for a mid-length walk.  Most of the landscape is tuff-stone layers and lava flows. This is a great opportunity to see land and marine birds.  At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon the algae beds and there is a colony of fur-sea lions.  Opportunity for snorkelling and swimming from the beach after the walk. Expedition plan for Wednesday and dinner.

Day 5: Rábida Island (Jervis)
Disembark at Rábida Island (wet landing) on a red-coloured beach, due to the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material. A gratifying stroll along the beach of this small island (1.9 sq. mi.) allows the observation of a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin's finches. Very close to the beach, hidden behind a strip of green saltbush, is a salt pond where at times greater flamingos migrate. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach, both for beginners as well as for experienced snorkelers, due to the unique combination of underwater species and submarine landscapes. Non-snorkelers will enjoy a ride on the glass bottom boat. During navigation to our next island, dolphins are often spotted. Lunch on board.

Bartolomé Island
Disembark at Bartolomé Island (dry landing) for a hike to the summit. This is a moderately steep climb aided by a wooden staircase resting platforms and handrails; the view from the top is worth the effort. Dinghy ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, then time to enjoy the beach (wet landing) and some snorkelling, possibly with Galápagos penguins, or else a ride in the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.  Expedition plan for Thursday and dinner.

Day 6: Prince Philip's Steps (Tower/Genovesa Island)
The morning starts with a very interesting panga ride along the cliffs and then disembark (dry landing) on rocks for a steep climb (90 feet) up some stairs. Once at the top of the stairs, the land is flat, allowing for a stimulating walk of about a mile to the other side of this small island, observing large colonies of Nazca boobies, red footed boobies, great frigate birds and storm petrels. Those not wishing to disembark can enjoy a longer panga ride along the cliffs (depending on weather conditions). Lunch on board.

Darwin Bay (Tower/Genovesa Island)
In the afternoon, a wet landing for an easy stroll observing hundreds of birds, mainly frigate birds, red footed and Nazca boobies, gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. Optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain for dramatic views, or else return to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkelling at this beautiful natural harbour, or join us in a Glass Bottom boat ride. Farewell Cocktail, departure briefing and dinner.

Day 7: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal (Chatham) Island)
After breakfast, optional departure to see the breeding programme of giant tortoises at Cerro Colorado. Learn about his endangered species, and its promising recovery. This site is 45 minutes by bus, on the south shore of San Cristóbal Island. Return to town and transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland. Arrival in Quito. Overnight at Anahi Boutique Hotel.

Day 8: City tour of Lima
We will enjoy a tour of the Lima city. We will see the most important buildings in the Plaza Mayor, such as the Government Palace, where one can still observe the changing of the guard performed by the Húsares de Junín; the beautiful Cathedral and the residential, commercial and financial districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. Overnight at Casa Andina Classic Miraflores Centro Hotel.

Day 9: Lima - Cuzco
Flight to Cuzco and transfer to the hotel. Visit of the Imperial City of Cusco and the Inca Ruins. Overnight at Casa Andina Classic Korikancha Hotel

Day 10: Cuzco
Visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where we can bear witness to the customs of the local people every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday in this typical Indian market. Overnight at Inkallpa hotel.

Day 11: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu
Visit Aguas Calientes. From here we will board the bus that will take us to the citadel of Machu Picchu, or Lost City of the Incas. Dinner and overnight at La Casona del Yucay.

Day 12 – Machu Picchu - Cusco
Day at leisure. You may choose to return to Machu Picchu, hike Huayna Picchu or relax in the village of Aguas Calientes and its hot springs. Return to Cuzco. Overnight at Casa Andina Classic Korikancha Hotel.

Day 13: Cuzco - Lima
Flight and Arrival in Lima, assitance at the airport to take your international connecting flight.

Price
From £3,289 pp based on two sharing excluding international flights! Based on low season. Travel not permitted in Jul/Aug and on 22/26 Jun during the Inti Raymi Festival in Cuzco. Please contact us for details.

Not included: We have not included the cost of international flights - prices can vary dramatically according to availability and season - but we will be happy to arrange them for you. As specialists in the field, we have access to the most competitive fares at time of booking. Contact us for a quote.

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Ecuador, Peru and Galapagos  Itinerary

Contact us by email or contact us by telephone on 0207 622 1116 and ask to speak to a consultant about this itinerary.