Galapagos and Peru Adventure (Inc Inca Trail)

from USD 6565 for 23 days

The ultimate wildlife experience. Cruise through the wildlife paradise of the Galapagos Islands where animals have lost their fear of man, and you can bathe with sea lions and dolphins, encounter a giant tortoise and step over seals basking on the beaches. Snorkel, ride a glass bottom boat, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and walk amongst stunning volcanic scenery. Then continue to Peru visiting Cuzco, the Sacred Valley, trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and the Amazon.

Brief Description Show detailed

Day 1 - QUITO

Arrive and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2 - QUITO - GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Fly from Quito to the Galapagos Islands and transfer onto our first class yacht, the Eden. After lunch we visit Las Bachas, a white sandy beach on the southern side of Santa Cruz Island that is a major nesting site for sea turtles. (BLD)

Day 3 - NORTH SEYMOUR - SANTA FE

We walk along the coast of North Seymour and then towards the interior of the island, observing colonies of blue footed boobies, frigate birds, swallow tailed gulls, sea lions and marine iguanas. In the afternoon we arrive at Santa Fe, to a lovely white beach with colourful turquoise water, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. A forest of Opuntia cactus covers the island. Larger iguanas and many other animals can also be found on the island. (BLD)

Day 4 - ESPANOLA (HOOD)

On arrival at Espanola we visit Punta Suarez and follow a trail to see blue footed boobies and waved albatrosses nesting in their hundreds. We then head to Gardner Bay, which has a brilliant white sandy beach with hundreds of basking sea lions. (BLD)

Day 5 - FLOREANA

After breakfast we disembark at Point Cormorant and take an easy walk to see the flamingos that inhabit a brackish-water lagoon nearby. There is great snorkelling from the beach at the ‘Devil's Crown’, and those who do not wish to snorkel can enjoy a ride in a glass-bottom boat. In the afternoon we land at the historic Post Office Bay to learn more about the history of the islands, their early inhabitants and the adventures of local pirates and whalers. Later, a dinghy takes us to nearby islets to observe sea lions, rays, sea turtles and possibly even the Galapagos penguin. (BLD)

Day 6 - SANTA CRUZ – PUERTO AYORA

Continue to Santa Cruz, the only inhabited island visited during the cruise and visit Puerto Ayora, the largest settlement on the islands and home to the Charles Darwin Research Station which is famous for its tortoise breeding programmes. We then drive to the highlands of Los Gemelos (Twin Craters), two deep craters in the Scalesia forest. It is possible to walk through the giant lava tubes, or visit the tortoise reserve to observe giant Galapagos tortoises in their natural surroundings. Return to Puerto Ayora, where there is further time to explore. (BLD)

Day 7 - SANTIAGO - BARTOLOME

From the black sand beaches of Puerto Egas in James Bay, we hike inland to the salt crater, watching out for land birds such as finches, doves, and hawks. Continuing down the rugged shoreline, we may also spot marine species such as iguanas basking on the rocks, and sea lions and sally light foot crabs lazing in the tide pools. At the end of the trail are a series of sea caves where fur seals and night herons are found resting on the shady ledges and rocky lava fringed rocks. Just north of this is Buccaneer Cove, a particularly scenic area of steep cliffs and dark beaches. Later we reach Bartolome, a small island with beautiful white sandy beaches, luxuriant green mangroves and a colony of penguins. There is the opportunity to snorkel and swim, or to climb to the summit of the volcanic crater for breathtaking views of many of the other Galapagos Islands and the famous Pinnacle Rock. (BLD)

Day 8 - GENOVESA ISLAND

Climb to Prince Philip’s step, where at the end of the trail we can find thousands of band-rumped storm petrels nesting in crevices at the cliff edge. Genovesa Island is formed from an exotic, partially-collapsed volcano famous for its crater walls, and we visit Darwin Bay, at the foot of the crater, where the island attracts large numbers of seabirds that come to nest and breed. A trail leads from the coral beach past tidal lagoons where lava gulls and yellow-crowned night herons can be seen, then along the low shrubs populated by hundreds of magnificent frigates, red-footed boobies, swallowed tailed gulls and brilliant storm petrels, which all mate here. (BLD)

Day 9 - BLACK TURTLE COVE - BALTRA - GUAYAQUIL - LIMA

Early in the morning we travel to Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove) to look for turtles; from December to March, these beautiful animals breed here in peace and quiet. These are not the only animals we can see - if we are lucky, we can see white-tipped reef sharks or the amazing eagle ray and golden rays under our dinghy! Time to say goodbye to our boat and crew. There is time for last minute souvenir shopping in Puerto Ayora before transferring to Baltra for the flight back to Guayaquil on the mainland. Transit for your flight to Peru and Lima. Arrive and transfer to your hotel. (B)

Day 10 - LIMA - AMAZON

We fly from Lima to Cuzco and on to Puerto Maldonado. On arrival we transfer by boat to our remote jungle lodge where we spend two nights. (BLD)

Day 11 - AMAZON

A full day to explore the Amazon jungle on foot and by canoe, accompanied by a local guide who will explain about the abundant flora and fauna. (BLD)

Day 12 - AMAZON - CUZCO

We fly to Cuzco and the rest of the day is free to explore this delightful old Incan city. (B)

Day 13 - CUZCO

A full free day in Cuzco. There is the option to visit the Sacred Valley, home to a number of impressive Inca ruins, bustling markets and friendly villages. (B)

Day 14 to Day 17 - INCA TRAIL

We start our hike through the mountains to Machu Picchu. The going can be tough at times but the views are spectacular and we pass a number of Inca sites on the way. On day 9 we rise very early for the last part of the hike, arriving at Machu Picchu just after sunrise. We spend the rest of the day exploring the ancient city before returning to Cuzco in the afternoon. (Days 14-16 - BLD, Day 17 - B)

Day 18 - CUZCO

A second full day to explore Cuzco. Wander the cobbled streets and markets, see the beautiful colonial churches or ride horses to one of the many archaeological sites outside the city. (B)

Day 19 - CUZCO - PUNO

We take the bus to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. (B)

Day 20 - LAKE TITICACA

We head out onto the sparkling waters of the lake and visit the floating reed islands made by the local Uros people. We then travel further to Amantani island, where we spend the night with local families. (BLD)

Day 21 - LAKE TITICACA - PUNO

After saying farewell to our host families, we visit Taquile Island before returning by boat to Puno. (B)

Day 22 - PUNO - JULIACA - LIMA

Transfer to the airport in Juliaca and fly back to Lima. We stay in Miraflores, a lively district of Peru’s capital city. (B)

Day 23 - LIMA

Tour ends after breakfast. (B)

Itinerary Notes

Note: This is a standard itinerary and it may change due to local conditions. If our vessel, the Eden is fully booked, we may use another boat of a similar standard.

Note: It is possible to spend extra time in Cuzco rather than trekking the Inca Trail. See trip dossier for more details.