Perú & Galapagos

After breakfast, transfer to the airport of Lima in good time for boarding the flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, meeting at the airport with our local representative and transfer to the hotel. The afternoon will be free and dedicated to rest, to allow a gradual adaptation to the altitude. We recommend eating very light. Night at the hotel.

After breakfast, we will visit the San Pedro market accompanied by our guide, to discover Andean flavors, colors, and traditions. Next, we will explore the Inca ruins in the surroundings of Cusco, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay, to then continue with the visit to Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun. Free afternoon. In the evening, we will take a guided walk in the historic center of Cusco, discovering its most hidden and fascinating side, among legends, myths, ghosts, and mysterious tales. Night at the hotel.

Today, with our guide and private transport, we will set off to discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The first stop will be Chinchero, where we will visit the Temple of the Rainbow. We will continue towards Moray, an extraordinary example of Inca engineering and ancient agricultural laboratory, to then reach Maras, with its spectacular community-managed salt pans, still active today after over a thousand years and immersed in a breathtaking landscape. Finally, we will continue towards Ollantaytambo, the only Inca village still inhabited, an extraordinary example of urban planning. In the afternoon we will take the train to Aguas Calientes, gateway to Machu Picchu. Night at the hotel.

Today we will realize the dream of a lifetime: from Aguas Calientes we will go up by bus to Machu Picchu, the legendary “lost city”. This archaeological site, famous for its ruins and the view over the Urubamba valley, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the seven wonders of the modern world. The private guided visit (about 2 and a half hours) will reveal to you the history of this unique place. The most adventurous will be able to climb independently Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or Huchuy Picchu. In the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo (or Poroy) and transfer by bus with other tourists to Cusco. Night at the hotel.

Departure at dawn for the Rainbow Mountain of Palccoyo (100 km from Cusco), still little visited by mass tourism. With private vehicle and guide, after a 4-hour journey and a stop for breakfast, we will start the walk between 4,700 and 4,900 meters. The route takes about an hour and a half and offers spectacular views of the Rainbow Mountain. We will explore a evocative stone “forest” with a view over the “Red Valley”. Lunch and return to Cusco in the evening. Night at the hotel.

Note: as an alternative to Palccoyo, it is possible to opt for Vinicunca. However, we remind that the route to Vinicunca is more strenuous, reaching up to 5,100 meters and the site is often very crowded. For a more authentic, intimate, and relaxed experience, we suggest Palccoyo.

Today we will travel, accompanied by other tourists, to Puno (about a 10-hour journey). The tourist bus (equipped with heating, air conditioning, chemical toilet, and with a Spanish/English guide) will make a few stops: the 17th-century church of Andahuaylillas, the Temple of Wiracocha in Raqchi, and the Museum of Pukara. Buffet lunch included in Sicuani. Upon arrival in Puno, meeting at the bus station with our local representative and transfer to the hotel. Night at the hotel.

After breakfast, we head to the port and embark on a boat to Uros floating islands, located north of Puno’s bay. Then we reach Amantani island where we have lunch and spend the afternoon discovering the island. Dinner and night with a local family.

After breakfast we go towards Taquile, the biggest island of the Lake Titicaca. We disembark on the northern side and walk untill the main part of the island. Lunch in Taquile. We get back to Puno in the afternoon. Night in Puno.

At dawn, departure by minibus with other tourists from Puno towards Chivay. Along the route we will admire the landscapes of the plateau and some lakes in the Lagunillas area, rich in Andean fauna such as alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, and birds. We will make a stop at Patapampa, the highest point at 4910 meters, which offers a spectacular view of the surrounding volcanoes. We will then arrive in Chivay, gateway to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world. In the afternoon, we can relax at the thermal springs of La Calera, immersing ourselves in natural pools with medicinal waters between 35°C and 38°C. Night at the hotel.

Departure at dawn to reach the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, from where we will be able to observe up close the majestic flight of the Andean condor. On the way back to Chivay we will stop in the unique villages of Maca and Yanque and at various viewpoints from which we will be able to admire the spectacular terraces of the Colca and the breathtaking landscapes of the valley. We will then continue the journey by minibus and arrive in Arequipa in the afternoon, crossing the Salinas and Aguada Blanca natural reserve. Night at the hotel.

Free day in Arequipa, the “white city”. We recommend not missing: the Santa Catalina Monastery with its evocative narrow streets and colorful courtyards, the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries where the Juanita Mummy is preserved, the lively and colorful San Camilo market, and the delicious typical dishes of the local cuisine. Night at the hotel.

In the morning, transfer to the Arequipa airport for connecting flights to Lima and onward to Quito or Guayaquil (Ecuador). Self-arranged transfer from the airport to the hotel. Night at the hotel.

In the early morning, we will make our own way from the hotel to the airport to catch our flight to the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival at Baltra, we will take a self-arranged transfer to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island.

We will have the afternoon free—the ideal opportunity to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, located just about a kilometer from our accommodation, where we can observe the famous giant tortoises up close. Night at the hotel in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island.

Today, we will take a boat excursion to Seymour Nord. Despite its small size, this island in the Galapagos archipelago is absolutely worth a visit for its incredible variety of wildlife. During our exploration, we will be able to admire sea lions, marine iguanas basking in the sun, and flocks of pelicans and swallow-tailed gulls feeding just offshore. Furthermore, the island will welcome us as a true natural paradise, famous for hosting one of the most sought-after residents of the Galapagos: the blue-footed booby. Night at the hotel in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island.

Today, we will take a boat excursion to San Bartolomé, a volcanic islet in the Galapagos Islands group considered one of the world’s top destinations for wildlife viewing and a true paradise for nature lovers. During the excursion, we will be able to swim and snorkel around the iconic Pinnacle Rock, where we will have the opportunity to observe penguins, sea turtles, whitetip reef sharks, and many other marine creatures, several of which are unique to this specific ecosystem. Night at the hotel in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island.

Free day, an ideal opportunity to independently visit some of Santa Cruz Island’s wonders, all easily accessible. We can explore “Las Grietas,” unique lava formations perfect for an unforgettable swim, or the twin craters “Los Gemelos” in the heart of the island. We will also have the chance to discover the El Chato giant tortoise reserve and the impressive lava tunnels, not to mention, of course, the splendid beaches of “Tortuga Bay” and El Garrapatero. Night at the hotel in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island.

Last hours on the islands. Self-arranged transfer to Baltra and flight to Quito or Guayaquil. Connecting flight for your intercontinental journey.