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17 Days Land of the Inca & Galapagos Islands Cruise Luxury Tour Package
Duration: 17 Days / 16 Nights
Priced From: $6,675 pp dbl. occ.
Dates: Jan - Jul, Oct - Dec, Jan - Apr
From the Colonial era treasures of Lima to the splendors of Machu Picchu, to the natural wonders of the Ballestas Islands, Peru is a land of thrilling contrasts.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart USA – Arrive Quito, Ecuador
Upon arrival in Quito, check into your hotel.
Hotel: Dann Carlton
Day 2 - Quito – Baltra Island – Santa Cruz Island
Fly to Baltra, one of the remote Galapagos Islands. Transfer to your deluxe cruise ship, the M/V Galapagos Explorer II. This afternoon, visit Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) on Santa Cruz Island. This is a great place to spot land iguanas, flamingoes, Darwin’s finches, stilts, pintail ducks and flycatchers. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 3 - Bartholome Island – Santiago Island
Bartholome Island is best known for its volcanic features. After a short hike past salt bushes and cactus, delight in the dramatic view. Next, stop in a cove with a chance for snorkeling next to Galapagos penguins, the only penguins north of the equator. Perhaps, ride on a glass bottom boat. This afternoon visit Santiago Island. Keep an eye open for sea lions, marine iguanas and sally light foot crabs. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 4 - Fernandina Island – Isabela Island
Cruise to Fernandina Island. From Punta Espinoza, walk through a mangrove forest and across black volcanic rock to see marine iguanas and sea lions. This afternoon visit Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela. This promontory is set overlooking two coves. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 5 - North Seymour Island – Santa Cruz Island
The flat island of North Seymour is home to sea lions, marine iguanas, bluefooted boobies and frigate birds. This afternoon on Santa Cruz Island, board a coach for a tour of the highlands. Here, giant tortoises live wild. There’s also time to hike the tunnels made by cooling lava. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 6 - San Cristobal – Guayaquil – Lima
Visit the Interpretation Center, focusing on the history and wildlife of the Islands, or Loberia, keeping watch for sea lions and birds. Then board your flight to Guayaquil and connect with your Lima flight. Arrive in the early evening; you will be met and transferred to your hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 7 - Arrive in Lima, Peru
You will be met and transferred to your hotel where your room is ready for check-in. Your Lima tour starts with a special “Be My Guest” lunch at Casa Diez Canseco. Take a tour of the private home of the Diez Canseco family, listening to stories of the Spanish conquerors and Peruvian Presidents from which the family descended. After a delicious three-course meal, continue on to see the Plaza Mayor, with its Colonial era treasures – the Government Palace, the Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace. Next to the magnificent 16th century San Francisco Monastery, whose cloisters are adorned with tiles from Seville. Return to your hotel, where your evening is free. (Breakfast / Be My Guest lunch)
Hotel: Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores
Day 8 - Lima – Cuzco – Sacred Valley
Fly to Cuzco this morning to begin your adventure in the Sacred Valley. Head into the scenic countryside and stop at the market in Pisac. There is time to bargain for Peruvian arts and crafts before driving across the Valley. This is one of the most beautiful areas found anywhere in the world. At Ollantaytambo, a walking tour introduces you to the quaint village. Just outside of town, admire the ruins of a mighty Inca fortress. Later, travel to your hotel in Yucay. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Hotel: Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay
Day 9 - Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu
This morning, transfer to the train station for the Vistadome Valley train journey to Machu Picchu. There is time to explore the magnificent ruins of the “Lost City of the Incas” on your own after a guided walking tour with a local expert. Enjoy lunch before making the short trip to your hotel in Aguas Calientes, at the foot of spectacular Machu Picchu. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Hotel: Sumaq Hotel
On the train to Machu Picchu, only hand luggage can be taken. Your main suitcase will be transferred to Cuzco and stored.
Day 10 - Machu Picchu – Cuzco (2 nights)
Return to Machu Picchu with your local guide for last impressions of this extraordinary monument. Hiking enthusiasts may want to climb Wayna Picchu. The view from the top of the mountain is unforgettable! Later, travel by train and coach back to Cuzco, where the evening is free. (Breakfast / Lunch)
Hotel: Casa Andina Private Collection Cuzco
Day 11 - Cuzco
Cuzco is a city enveloped in myth and legend. With a history of more than 3,000 years, it is one of the oldest existing cities in the Americas. Traces of its Incan and Spanish heritage can still be seen today. A morning city tour shows you the Plaza de Armas and the impressive Cathedral. Then, visit the San Blas district, with its historic church and its wealth of arts and crafts. Also, visit several Inca ruins including the fortresses of Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay. The remainder of the day is free to continue exploring the city the Inca called the “home of the gods” on your own. Dinner tonight is at a popular local restaurant complete with festive Peruvian folkloric music. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 12 - Cuzco – Puno (2 nights)
A day of great scenery and history as you head to Lake Titicaca, the cradle of the Aymara civilization, the birthplace of the Inca Empire and a sacred site to the Inca. Along the way, visit the charming highland villages of Racchi, with its interesting and important archaeological complex, and Andahuaylillas, known for the 7th century church, considered the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” because of the beautiful works of art and wall murals. Your last stop is ancient Sillustani and its necropolis, where you can see the intriguing “chullpas” or burial towers of the Colla people. This site pre-dates the Inca in Peru. End the day in Puno, founded in 1668 and 12,600 feet above sea level. Tonight, relax at your hotel, which overlooks Lake Titicaca. (Breakfast / Buffet lunch / Dinner)
Hotel: Jose Antonio Puno
Day 13 - Lake Titicaca excursion
Set sail for a fascinating day on Lake Titicaca. Bordering Peru and Bolivia, this is one of the highest navigable lakes in the world. First, visit one of the floating islands of the Uros. For hundreds of years the livelihood of this unique “water tribe” has been based on the benefits of the totora reed. The reed is used to build their homes, boats, and the islands they live on. Call in on one of their traditional communities and learn of their intriguing lifestyle. Next, travel to Taquile Island and meet the Quechua-speaking natives who are renowned for their hand-weaving techniques, an art developed over the centuries. After lunch, return to Puno. (Breakfast / Lunch)
Day 14 - Puno – Lima – Ica (2 nights)
Depart from Puno this morning and fly to Lima. From here, coach along the famous Pan American Highway, dotted with villages and vistas of the blue Pacific. Arrive in sunny Ica, founded in 1563, and where some of the best “Pisco,” the local wine, is made. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Hotel: Hotel Las Dunas - Sun Resort
Day 15 - Ica – Nazca Lines flight
Start the day with a highlight: board your aircraft for the flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines – a series of drawings of animals and geometric figures etched into the parched soil thousands of years ago, some up to 1,000 feet long. The drawings include the “Spaceman,” the “Monkey” and the “Condor.” After this breathtaking experience, enjoy lunch, then on to visit the Hacienda El Catador. Here, see how Pisco is distilled. There is a chance to taste it and perhaps buy a bottle or two to bring home with you. Finally, visit the Ica Archaeological Museum with its collection of Nazca Indian artifacts. Later, relish dinner at the hotel. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 16 - Ica – Ballestas excursion – Lima
Board a motorboat and cruise to the Ballestas Islands, which are inhabited by a wide variety of sea mammals and exotic birds, including sea lions, boobies, and Humboldt penguins. The bay’s beautiful red and white flamingos supposedly inspired General San Martin to design the independence flag for Peru. The huge Candelabro, a candelabra-shaped etching on the Paracas cliffside, can also be seen as you cruise back to shore. Leave Ica, stopping for lunch at a favorite restaurant. Later, savor a Farewell Dinner in Lima. (Breakfast / Lunch / Farewell dinner)
Hotel: Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores
Day 17 - Depart Lima
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)
Highlights:
Lima
Sacred Valley
Ollantaytambo
Machu Picchu
Cuzco
Lake Titicaca
Taquile Island
Ica
Ballestas
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