Day 1: Arrive Lima, Peru
Upon arrival in Lima, you will be met by your tour representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or begin exploring this vibrant city.
If time permits, enjoy an afternoon guided city tour of Lima, known as the City of Kings. Discover its rich history, impressive colonial architecture, and beautiful churches as you explore the historic centre.
Visit the ancient ceremonial site of Huaca Pucllana, a fascinating pre Inca archaeological complex.
Continue to the Plaza de Armas, where you can admire the grand Lima Cathedral and surrounding historic buildings, before visiting the Santo Domingo Convent and its extensive monastery.
APPROIXIMATE TRAVEL TIME: 60 min
APPROIXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCSE: 25 km
MEALS: None
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Alpha Hotel & Suites, Lima
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Casa Andina Miraflores Centro, Lima
Day 2: Lima ~ Cusco
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up and transferred to the airport. Continue to Cusco, where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at leisure or you may choose to join one of the optional tours available.
APPROIXIMATE TRAVEL TIME: 90 min
APPROIXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCSE: 1100 km
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Royal Inca I, Cusco
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Casa Andina Standard Cusco Plaza, Cusco
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS:
- Cusco City Tour
- Cooking Class
- Folklore Show and Dinner
Day 3: Cusco Free Day
Enjoy the day at leisure in Cusco, or choose from a range of optional tours to explore the surrounding region.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Royal Inca I, Cusco
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Casa Andina Standard Cusco Plaza, Cusco
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS:
- Sacred Valley
- Rainbow Mountain
- Maras Moray
Day 4: Cusco ~ Aguas Calinetes
This morning you will be picked up and transferred to the train station for your journey to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Enjoy a scenic train ride through the Andes before arriving in this unique town set within a deep gorge surrounded by mountains and rivers. On arrival, enjoy time at leisure and take the opportunity to relax in the natural hot springs.
APPROIXIMATE TRAVEL TIME: 4 hrs
APPROIXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCSE: 110 km
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Humantay Hotel, Aguas Calinetes
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Casa Andina Machu Picchu, Aguas Calinetes
Day 5: Aguas Calinetes ~ Machu Picchu ~ Cusco
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before your guide collects you from the hotel at approximately 5:40am. You will then travel by bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu for your early-morning visit. Depending on the weather and your confirmed entry time, you may have the opportunity to see the sun rising over the surrounding mountains and archaeological site.
Accompanied by your guide, explore Machu Picchu on an approximately two-hour walking tour. Your visit will follow the specific circuit and entry time confirmed on your entrance ticket. Each circuit follows a designated route and includes different viewpoints, terraces, temples and archaeological areas.
IMPORTANT – MACHU PICCHU CIRCUITS: Machu Picchu entrance tickets are limited and must be secured for a specific circuit, route and entry time. We aim to secure Circuit 2A, Circuit 2B or Circuit 3B; however, your preferred circuit cannot be guaranteed and will be subject to availability after your booking has been made.
Circuits 2A and 2B provide a more comprehensive visit through the citadel. Circuit 2A includes the elevated classic viewpoint, while Circuit 2B includes a lower terrace viewpoint. Circuit 3B explores the lower royal and urban areas of Machu Picchu and generally involves less climbing.
These circuits are popular and can sell out several months in advance, particularly during peak travel periods. We strongly recommend booking as early as possible to improve the likelihood of securing one of these preferred routes.
If Circuits 2A, 2B and 3B are unavailable, the local supplier will attempt to secure a suitable route within Circuit 1. Circuit 1 is primarily a panoramic route and offers elevated views of Machu Picchu, but it does not include the same level of access through the main archaeological areas as Circuits 2 and 3.
If no suitable Machu Picchu entrance tickets are available, we will contact you to discuss the available options before proceeding.
Please note that visitors must remain on their confirmed circuit and follow the designated one-way route. It is not possible to change circuits on the day, return to previously visited sections or independently explore areas outside the confirmed route. The exact sites and viewpoints visited will therefore depend on the circuit secured.
Following your guided visit, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you will have time for lunch at your own expense. Later, board the train to Poroy. Upon arrival at the train station, you will be met and transferred back to your hotel in Cusco.
APPROIXIMATE TRAVEL TIME: 6 hrs
APPROIXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCSE: 110 km
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Royal Inca I, Cusco
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Casa Andina Standard Cusco Plaza, Cusco
Day 6: Cusco ~ Puno
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the bus station for your journey to Puno. Travel through the Andes with a guide on board, stopping at several cultural and scenic highlights along the way including Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, La Raya and Pukara. Along the route, enjoy stunning mountain landscapes and views of traditional Andean life.
Continue your journey to Puno, arriving in the late afternoon where you will be transferred to your hotel.
APPROIXIMATE TRAVEL TIME: 10 hrs
APPROIXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCSE: 390 km
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Casona Plaza Puno, Puno
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Casa Andina Standard Puno, Puno
Day 7: Puno ~ Uros ~ Taquile & Luquina Islands
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the port of Puno to board a motorboat to the floating Uros Islands. Visit these unique man made islands and learn about the traditional lifestyle of the local communities, with the opportunity to interact with residents and visit their homes.
Continue by boat to Taquile Island, where you will explore this traditional Quechua community known for its rich culture and ancient traditions. Walk along scenic paths, take in views of Lake Titicaca, and enjoy time at leisure before meeting the group for lunch.
After lunch, travel by boat to the Chucuito Peninsula, where you will be welcomed by a local family. Experience an authentic homestay and take part in daily activities such as fishing or farming.
APPROIXIMATE TRAVEL TIME: 5 hrs
APPROIXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCSE: 70 km
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Home Stay Luquina, Lake Titicaca
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Home Stay Luquina, Lake Titicaca
Day 8: Luquina Island ~ Puno
Enjoy breakfast with your host family before taking part in local activities within the community. Later, say goodbye and transfer to the harbour for your boat journey back to Puno. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.
APPROIXIMATE TRAVEL TIME: 2 hrs
APPROIXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCSE: 40 km
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Casona Plaza Puno, Puno
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Casa Andina Standard Puno, Puno
Day 9: Puno ~ Lima ~ Guayaquil, Ecuador
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Juliaca airport. Continue to Guayaquil via Lima, where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel, noting the transfer may be provided by the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Ibis Styles El Malecon, Guayaquil
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Oro Verde, Guayaquil
Day 10: Guayaquil ~ San Cristobal ~ Lobos Island
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your journey to San Cristobal. On arrival, you will be met by your naturalist guide and transferred to your vessel to begin your Galapagos cruise. Settle into your cabin and enjoy a welcome briefing as your adventure in this unique World Heritage listed destination begins.
In the afternoon, head to Lobos Island, a small yet wildlife rich islet just off San Cristobal. Walk along the shoreline and trails where you will encounter playful sea lions, marine iguanas and a variety of birdlife including blue footed boobies and frigatebirds. The island offers excellent opportunities to observe wildlife up close in their natural environment.
SNORKELLING: Enjoy a guided snorkelling experience in calm, clear waters where you may swim alongside sea lions, sea turtles and rays, as well as a variety of colourful fish.
Return to the vessel in the late afternoon to relax and take in your surroundings as you continue cruising through the Galapagos Islands.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: M/Y Galaxy Orion
Day 11: Espanola Island: Suarez Point ~ Gardner Bay
This morning, explore Suarez Point on Española Island, where a rocky trail showcases an incredible array of wildlife. Encounter sea lions and marine iguanas on arrival, then continue to observe diverse seabird colonies including Nazca and blue footed boobies, gulls and tropicbirds. Keep an eye out for the waved albatross, the island’s largest and most iconic bird.
In the afternoon, visit Gardner Bay, a stunning white sand beach surrounded by clear turquoise waters. Enjoy time to relax, walk along the shoreline and observe sea lions and other native wildlife in their natural habitat.
SNORKELLING: Experience the vibrant marine life beneath the surface, with opportunities to swim alongside sea lions, reef sharks, rays and a variety of tropical fish.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: M/Y Galaxy Orion
Day 12: Floreana Island: Post Office Bay ~ Cormorant Point
Begin your day at Post Office Bay on Floreana Island, a site rich in history and tradition. Learn about the unique mail system still in use today, then explore the surrounding beach, lava tunnels and coastal areas where wildlife such as sea lions and sea turtles can often be seen.
SNORKELLING: Discover the underwater world from the beach, with opportunities to see sea turtles, rays and a variety of fish, and possibly Galapagos penguins.
Later, continue to Cormorant Point, known for its coastal lagoon filled with birdlife including flamingos and other shorebirds. Explore the white sand beach, an important nesting site for sea turtles, and take in the island’s unique natural environment.
SNORKELLING: Enjoy another snorkelling experience in clear waters where you may encounter tropical fish, rays, sea turtles and sea lions.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: M/Y Galaxy Orion
Day 13: Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Station ~ Quito, Ecuador
This morning, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, one of the most important conservation centres in the Galapagos Islands. Learn about the vital work being done to protect native species and preserve the fragile ecosystem. See the giant tortoise breeding program and gain insight into how conservation efforts are helping restore populations across the islands.
Take time to explore the surrounding area, where you may spot Darwin finches, mockingbirds and other endemic wildlife among the dry forest landscape. Your guide will provide further insight into the unique flora and fauna that make the Galapagos so remarkable.
Later, transfer to the airport for your onward journey. Upon arrival in Quito, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Ikala Quito Hotel, Quito
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Dann Carlton, Quito
Day 14: Quito: City Tour & Middle of the World
After breakfast, enjoy a guided city tour of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage listed destination rich in history and culture. Explore the historic centre with its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and iconic landmarks including the Basilica del Voto Nacional, San Francisco Church and La Compañía de Jesús Church.
In the afternoon, travel to the Middle of the World monument, located just north of Quito. Stand on the equatorial line with one foot in each hemisphere and learn about the cultural and geographical significance of this unique location. You may also visit the nearby museum to discover more about the equator and local traditions.
Return to your hotel in the evening, where the remainder of the night is at leisure.
APPROIXIMATE TRAVEL TIME: 3 hrs
APPROIXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCSE: 40 km
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Ikala Quito Hotel, Quito
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Dann Carlton, Quito
Day 15: Depart Quito
This morning, after breakfast and check out, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey. We hope you have enjoyed your South America and Galapagos experience.
APPROIXIMATE TRAVEL TIME: 1 hr
APPROIXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCSE: 40 km
MEALS: Breakfast
