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Ecuador and Peru Holidays: Galapagos Islands (land-based) + Machu Picchu + Cusco + Lima

Peru + Ecuador: Machu Picchu + Galapagos (on land)

Ecuador And Peru Holidays Galapagos Islands Machu Picchu Cusco Lima

16 NIGHTS FROM:

$5,979

Per person sharing

Scheduled flights quoted separately

PRM16L

• Ecuador and Peru Holidays

• Quito

• Galapagos Islands

• Santa Cruz Island

• Giant Tortoises Reserve

• Yacht Excursions

• Lima City Tour

• Cusco + Sacsayhuaman

• Machu Picchu

• Sacred Valley of the Incas

If you are not a good sailor, our tailor made Ecuador and Peru holidays combine the stunning Galapagos Islands, staying on land on Santa Cruz island, with incredible Machu Picchu, historic Cusco & Lima. Explore the unique wildlife of the Galapagos which is home to giant tortoises, seals, iguana, sea turtles & abundant bird and marine life, as well as the history of Peru. All transfers & specified sightseeing included.

Detailed itinerary ▶

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Days 1 To 2

You will be met at Lima Airport and transferred to your hotel.

Check in and relax in this capital city - the largest in Peru and its gastronomical centre.

Day 3

Transfer to Lima Airport for your onward flight.

Day 4

Today enjoy a full day private tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Our first stop is at the fortress at Ollantaytambo, built to protect the northern entrance to the Sacred Valley from invasion and later the centre of Incan resistance against the Spanish. The fortress and walled terraces of this town provide some of the finest examples of Incan architecture, with the six rose-coloured monoliths of the Temple of the Sun being particularly outstanding. The village itself is the best surviving example of Inca urban planning, with stone-paved streets that have been used since the 12th century.

We then drive to the archaeological site at Moray, where the Incas built enormous circular agricultural terraces on steep hills by hauling topsoil up by hand from the lower land, thereby generating much higher crop yields than would have been possible at such high altitude. This site is believed to be a former agricultural laboratory, an astronomical observatory or a place of worship - or maybe all three.

After an included lunch in a local restaurant, we continue to the Maras Salt Pans, a complex network of nearly 5,000 pre-Inca salt pans that have been hand-harvested by local families for thousands of years. The salt is formed when water from a spring that permeates these pools is evaporated by the intense sun, forming thick crystals in a variety of colours. The naturally pink ‘Sal de Maras’ is one of the finest salts in the world, getting its beautiful hue from trace elements in the spring water.

Day 5

Today transfer to Ollantaytambo Station for the air-conditioned Vistadome or Inca Rail 360 train to the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu - an amazing 1.5-hour journey to this magnificent mountain top city situated in a beautiful cloud forest, that was abandoned and reclaimed by the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911.

This legendary Lost City of the Incas is without a doubt one of the world's most impressive archaeological sites. Built on the summit of Machu Picchu (meaning "Old Peak"), on a natural saddle between steep forested mountains, it overlooks the deep canyon of the Urubamba River some 7,972 ft (2,430 m) above sea level. With its giant walls, terraces and ramps that appear to have been cut naturally out of the rock escarpments, Machu Picchu's history remains shrouded in mystery as the Incas did not leave any written records.

At the gateway town of Aguas Calientes, we leave the train and board the bus for a 40-minute zig zag ride up to Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided tour of this 14th century citadel which contains a Main Plaza, Circular Tower, Sacred Sun Dial, Royal Quarters, Temple of the Three Windows and various burial grounds - although the actual sites you will see will depend on the circuit that you have been allocated.

Afterwards return by bus to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Ollantaytambo Station, where you will be met and transferred back to your hotel.

Note: You must take your passport with you today, as this will be needed to gain entrance, which is restricted to 4-hours (based on either a morning or afternoon schedule). It is mandatory to enter with a guide and you cannot take selfie sticks, tripods, umbrellas, food or alcohol onto the site. You may not wear high heels or hard soled shoes and smoking is prohibited. If you leave the sanctuary for any reason (eg for lunch), re-entry will not be permitted. Only one bag not exceeding 11 lb (5 kg) is allowed as hand luggage on the train, so your main bags need to be left in luggage store at either your Cusco or Sacred Valley hotel, for later collection by yourself or our ground handler. From January to June parts of the rail track may be impassable at times due to mud slides, when a bus transfer will be substituted.

It is also possible to upgrade to the much more luxurious Hiram Bingham train.

Day 6

This morning enjoy a half day shared excursion to Chinchero, a small picturesque Andean village that was an important Inca outpost at the end of the 15th century.

The villagers here have preserved their traditional Andean spinning and weaving techniques, so you can see textile artisans at work and learn about their techniques. You can also buy handcrafts at the market in the town square, visit their small traditional church and see their Inca ruins.

Afterwards transfer 2-hours to Cusco, where you will be dropped off back at your hotel, with balance of day at leisure.

Note: Shared day tours have a maximum of 24 people.

Day 7

Today enjoy a half day shared tour of the magnificent colonial city of Cusco, built on Inca foundations and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Comprising a fascinating mix of colonial churches, monasteries and extensive pre-Columbian ruins, almost every central street in this city has remnants of Inca walls.

We start with a visit to the San Pedro Market, where you can explore the colours, flavours and traditions of modern Cusco. We then visit the impressive Temple of the Sun (Koricancha) whose walls and floors were once covered in sheets of solid gold. On the site of this ancient Inca palace and centre of worship of the Sun God, the Dominicans ordered a church to be built, which survives to this day.

We then leave the city and visit the impressive walled fortress of Sacsayhuaman (meaning 'speckled falcon') on the northern outskirts, believed to have been both a military and ceremonial centre. This enormous Inca structure has massive walls of hewn stone and is strategically located on a hill overlooking the city. We also visit Qenko (meaning 'zigzag') where the sun, moon and stars were worshipped.

Returning to Cusco, we walk along the cobbled streets of the Plaza de Armas - the central plaza around which you will see many magnificent colonial buildings - including the Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).

After your tour you can walk down well-preserved Loreto Street to see the remains of Incan palaces, as well as old colonial buildings. If you walk down Hatun Rumiyoc, a cobbled street near the Archbishop's Palace, keep an eye out for the famous 12-sided stone that fits so perfectly you can't even insert a coin.

Afterwards savour the local cuisine (own account). If you are feeling adventurous you can try guinea pig - a local speciality.

Note: Cusco is situated at high altitude (11,150 ft / 3,400 m), so walk slowly. The Temple of the Sun is not open on Sunday mornings & religious holidays. You will need to carry your passport to gain access to the site at Sacsayhuaman. Shared day tours have a maximum of 16 people.

Day 8

Transfer to Cusco Airport for your onward flight.

Arrive at Lima Airport and make your own way to your hotel situated in the airport complex.

If your hotel is not situated inside the terminal, go to desk 365 and request a free hotel shuttle, which they will order for you. You need to pre-book your return shuttle at the same time.

Day 9

Make your own way (walking or by free shuttle, depending on the location of your hotel) to Lima Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at Quito Airport and transferred to your hotel in this historic Spanish colonial city that straddles the equator and is today a World Heritage Site.

Check in and relax in this capital city in the Andean Highlands, with its many museums, monasteries and churches with golden altars. The prosperous centre of the Kingdom of Quitu during the 13th century, and later the northern capital of the Inca Empire, it has a setting that few cities in the world can match.

Day 10

Today enjoy a full day private tour of Quito, starting with a visit to the equatorial monument that marks the Centre of the World at latitude 0º - about 16 miles (25 km) north of Quito.

Here you can stand with a foot on each hemisphere and visit the Intiñan folk museum that showcases the different Native American groups living in Ecuador, their culture and traditions. There is also a colonial-style tourist village complete with main square, church, post office, bullring and gift shops.

Afterwards enjoy a Quito City Tour, walking through the cobbled streets and main square of the historic Colonial Quarter - the largest and best preserved in South America. Take in its magnificent colonial architecture as you stroll along Independence Plaza - including the Cathedral, President's Palace, Archbishop's Palace and the Municipal Building.

You will see many mansions, monasteries and churches including the spectacular Church of the Society of Jesus ('La Compañía de Jesús) with its awesome gilded interior and the Monastery of San Francisco. This is one the of greatest religious buildings of the New World, with its impressive façade and atrium leading to a Moorish-influenced baroque interior and winged Virgin of Quito at its main altar. This lovely city also has many cosmopolitan galleries and boutiques filled with contemporary paintings, sculptures and exquisite traditional crafts.

Your day ends with a ride on the TelefériQo (cable car) from where you can view at least four snow-capped volcanoes.

Note: Quito is situated at high altitude (9,350 ft / 2,850 m), so walk slowly. As you will be visiting churches (except on Sundays, when this is not permitted), do not wear shorts or mini-skirts as these are not allowed.

Day 11

This morning transfer to Quito Airport for your flight to the spectacular Galapagos Islands, with a touch down in Guayaquil.

This magnificent archipelago is situated on the equator in the Pacific Ocean some 560 miles (900 km) west of the Ecuador mainland. Its volcanic islands are famous for their vast number of endemic species, studied by Charles Darwin during his historic voyage on the Beagle, which contributed to his Theory of Evolution. In this astonishing marine reserve, the unique wildlife does not seem perturbed by human visitors - allowing for extremely close-up encounters.

On arrival you will be met at Baltra Airport and transferred 15-minutes by ferry and 1-hour by road to your hotel on Santa Cruz Island.

Along the way we stop in the highlands to visit a Giant Tortoise Reserve to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat - a once in a lifetime experience. The reserve is on the migration path tortoises take every year as they move to moister higher locations during the dry season (June-September) before descending again to the warmer lowlands during the wet season. Tortoises can be seen grazing on the vegetation, or wallowing in muddy banks and small red-coloured ponds all year round. The area is teeming with birdlife including chirping small-tree, large-tree and woodpecker finches, mockingbirds and flycatchers, as well as ducks, herons and gallinules.

Afterwards you will be dropped off at your hotel in Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galápagos Islands.

Note: Wear suitable outdoor clothing including closed shoes and long socks, as your visit to the Tortoise Reserve may require the use of boots, which will be provided if necessary.

Day 12

Rise early today for an exciting full day excursion to explore one of the nearby Galapagos Islands by yacht, accompanied by an experienced naturalist guide.

Depending on the weekly schedule of the National Park Authority, you will visit one of the following islands:

North Seymour Island and Bachas Beach

South Plaza Island and Carrion Point

Sante Fe Island

Bartolome Island and Sullivan Bay.

Lunch is included onboard the yacht, with the opportunity to enjoy swimming and snorkelling in these crystal clear waters.

Day 13

This morning enjoy a full day shared excursion to the Charles Darwin Research Station and Tortuga Bay.

The Darwin Centre has a giant tortoise breeding centre situated in a prickly pear cactis forest that is home to many birds and land iguana. Diego is now their most famous giant tortoise, following the death of Lonesome George in 2013. This is the headquarters of the Galapagos National Park's administration, where much important scientific and conservation work is done.

After an included lunch, we walk 1-hour to Tortuga Bay on the south coast. This is a great birding walk through an arid deciduous forest. Remember to take the essentials: hat, sunscreen, binoculars, camera and water bottle. When you reach Tortuga Bay you will understand why this is often referred to as Ecuador's most beautiful beach - with over one kilometre of snow-white sand and turquoise waters, with the never-ending sound of the swells caressing the island.

Protected by a natural lava barrier, this large calm bay is surrounded by a gallery of mangroves that provide an ideal habitat for many different marine and terrestrial birds, as well as young sharks and rays who spend their youth in these protective, mildly bracky conditions. These are nesting grounds for sea turtles and you should also see foraging marine iguanas and sea lions. Activities include swimming, snorkelling and sea kayaking in these calm clear waters.

Day 14

Rise early today for an exciting full day excursion to explore one of the nearby Galapagos Islands by yacht, accompanied by an experienced naturalist guide.

Depending on the weekly schedule of the National Park Authority, you will visit one of the following islands:

North Seymour Island and Bachas Beach

South Plaza Island and Carrion Point

Sante Fe Island

Bartolome Island and Sullivan Bay.

Lunch is included onboard the yacht, with the opportunity to enjoy swimming and snorkelling in these crystal clear waters.

Day 15

At leisure to enjoy more of the flora and fauna of magnificent Santa Cruz Island.

You can relax on a white sandy beach and swim, snorkel and kayak in crystal clear waters full of marine life.

Day 16

Transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight to Guayaquil.

You will be met at Guayaquil Airport and transferred to your hotel.

Day 17

Transfer to Guayaquil Airport for your flight home.

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