Day 1: Arrive Lima, Peru
Welcome to Peru. On arrival at Lima Airport, you will be met by your tour representative and transferred to your hotel.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided city tour of Lima, beginning with a visit to Huaca Pucllana, an impressive pre-Inca archaeological site located in the Miraflores district.
Continue to Lima’s UNESCO World Heritage listed historic centre and explore the Plaza de Armas, surrounded by impressive colonial and Republican-era architecture. Visit the grand Lima Cathedral before continuing to the historic San Francisco Convent.
Your tour also includes a visit to the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Peru’s oldest public museum, home to an extensive collection of ceramics, textiles, metalwork and other artefacts spanning the country’s ancient cultures through to the Inca, colonial and Republican periods.
After the tour, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.
APPROXIMATE AIRPORT TRANSFER TIME: Up to 2 hours 30 minutes
APPROXIMATE CITY TOUR TIME: 4 hours
MEALS: Nil
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Allpa Hotel & Suites, Lima
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Jose Antonio Lima Hotel, Lima
Day 2: Lima ~ Cusco
After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to Lima Airport for your flight to Cusco.
On arrival in Cusco, you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at leisure, giving you time to relax and acclimatise to the altitude, explore the city at your own pace or choose from one of the optional excursions available.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 3 hours 30 minutes from your Lima hotel to the airport, plus approximately 20 minutes from Cusco Airport to your hotel
APPROXIMATE FLYING TIME: 1 hour 30 minutes
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Hacienda Cusco Plaza Regocijo, Cusco
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Jose Antonio Cusco Hotel, Cusco
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS:
- Cusco City Tour
- Cooking Class
- Folklore Show and Dinner
Day 3: Cusco ~ Free Day
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Cusco, with time to explore the city at your own pace, relax at your hotel or choose from one of the optional excursions available.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Hacienda Cusco Plaza Regocijo, Cusco
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Jose Antonio Cusco Hotel, Cusco
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS:
- Sacred Valley Tour
- Rainbow Mountain
- Maras & Moray
Day 4: Cusco ~ Aguas Calientes
This morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco and transferred to Ollantaytambo Train Station for your journey to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Board the Expedition Train and enjoy a scenic journey through the Andes, passing river valleys, rolling hills and dramatic mountain landscapes along the way.
On arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will have the remainder of the day at leisure to explore the town, browse the local markets or relax in the nearby natural thermal hot springs. Settle into your hotel and prepare for your early start and visit to Machu Picchu the following morning.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 2 hours
APPROXIMATE TRAIN TIME: 2 hours
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Hotel Susanna Inn, Aguas Calientes
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Hatun Inti Boutique, Aguas Calientes
Day 5: Aguas Calientes ~ Machu Picchu ~ Cusco
After an early breakfast, your guide will collect you from your hotel at approximately 5:40am. Walk to the bus departure point and travel up the winding mountain road to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
Accompanied by your guide, enjoy an approximately two-hour walking tour through this remarkable Inca archaeological site. Your visit will follow the specific circuit and entry time confirmed on your entrance ticket, with each circuit providing access to 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 is 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 may 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 offering elevated views of Machu Picchu but does not provide 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.
After your visit, travel by bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you will have time to relax and enjoy lunch at your own expense. Later, board the Expedition Train to Poroy. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Cusco.
APPROXIMATE BUS TIME: 50 minutes return
APPROXIMATE TRAIN TIME: 3 hours 45 minutes
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 30 minutes
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Hacienda Cusco Plaza Regocijo, Cusco
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Jose Antonio Cusco Hotel, Cusco
OPTIONAL EXCURSION:
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – advance booking required and subject to availability
Day 6: Cusco ~ Puno
After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to the bus station for your scenic journey from Cusco to Puno along the famous Ruta del Sol. A bilingual guide will accompany you as you travel through the spectacular landscapes of the Peruvian Andes, with several cultural and archaeological stops along the way.
Your first stop is Andahuaylillas, home to a beautifully decorated colonial church often referred to as the Sistine Chapel of South America. Continue to Raqchi to visit the impressive Temple of Wiracocha, an important Inca archaeological complex.
After enjoying an included buffet lunch, continue through the Andes to La Raya, the highest point of the journey at approximately 4,335 metres above sea level. Take in the dramatic mountain scenery and look out for native Andean animals such as llamas, alpacas and vicuñas.
Your final stop is Pukara, one of the oldest and most important ceremonial centres of the Altiplano. Afterwards, continue to Puno, arriving in the late afternoon. On arrival at the bus station, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 390km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 10 hours 35 minutes including hotel and bus station transfers
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Casona Plaza Puno, Puno
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Jose Antonio Puno Hotel, Puno
Day 7: Puno ~ Lake Titicaca ~ Taquile Island ~ Luquina
After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to the port of Puno to begin your Lake Titicaca adventure. Board a motorboat and travel to the fascinating floating Uros Islands, where you will learn about the history, traditions and daily life of the local communities who have lived on these remarkable reed islands for generations.
Continue across Lake Titicaca to Taquile Island, a traditional Quechua-speaking community renowned for its ancient agricultural terraces, distinctive weaving traditions and strong cultural heritage. Explore the island on foot, take in spectacular views across the lake and enjoy lunch before continuing your journey.
In the afternoon, travel by boat to Luquina on the Chucuito Peninsula, a small rural community where you will be welcomed by a local family for an authentic homestay experience. Spend time learning about traditional village life and local customs, with the opportunity to take part in community activities.
In the evening, enjoy dinner with your host family and experience local music and traditional dancing before settling in for the night. Accommodation is simple but comfortable, offering a unique opportunity to experience everyday life on Lake Titicaca.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 10 minutes
APPROXIMATE BOAT TIME: 3 hours 30 minutes
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Traditional Homestay, Luquina
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Traditional Homestay, Luquina
Day 8: Luquina ~ Puno
Enjoy breakfast with your host family before taking part in local community activities and learning more about daily life in Luquina. Depending on the activities available, you may have the opportunity to assist with traditional tasks such as farming, tending animals or other village activities.
Later, enjoy lunch with your host family before saying goodbye and walking to the harbour. Board the boat for your return journey across Lake Titicaca to Puno.
On arrival in Puno, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
APPROXIMATE BOAT TIME: 2 hours
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Casona Plaza Puno, Puno
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Jose Antonio Puno Hotel, Puno
Day 9: Puno ~ Lima ~ Guayaquil, Ecuador
After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel in Puno to Juliaca Airport for your flight to Lima.
On arrival in Lima, connect with your onward flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 1 hour from Puno to Juliaca Airport
APPROXIMATE FLYING TIME: 4 hours 15 minutes total, excluding connection time in Lima
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Ibis Styles El Malecon, Guayaquil
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Oro Verde, Guayaquil
Day 10: Guayaquil ~ Galápagos Islands: Santa Cruz
After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to Guayaquil Airport for your flight to the Galápagos Islands.
On arrival at Baltra Airport, you will be met by your naturalist guide and begin your Galápagos adventure on Santa Cruz Island.
In the afternoon, visit the highlands of Santa Cruz, where the island’s lush green interior provides a striking contrast to the volcanic coastal landscapes. Explore this unique environment and enjoy your first introduction to the remarkable scenery and wildlife of the Galápagos.
Following your excursion, continue to the harbour and board the M/Y Galaxy Bonita. Settle into your cabin and enjoy a welcome briefing as your four-night Galápagos cruise begins.
AFTERNOON: Santa Cruz Island – Highlands
APPROXIMATE FLYING TIME: 2 hours
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: M/Y Galaxy Bonita
Day 11: Galápagos Islands: Floreana Island ~ Cormorant Point ~Devil’s Crown ~ Post Office Bay
This morning, explore Floreana Island with visits to Cormorant Point and Devil’s Crown. At Cormorant Point, discover the island’s distinctive landscapes and wildlife, before continuing to Devil’s Crown, one of the Galápagos Islands’ most well-known marine sites.
In the afternoon, visit historic Post Office Bay, famous for its long-standing mail tradition dating back to the whaling era. Learn about the unique history of the bay and enjoy time exploring this fascinating part of Floreana Island.
MORNING: Floreana Island – Cormorant Point / Devil’s Crown
AFTERNOON: Floreana Island – Post Office Bay
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: M/Y Galaxy Bonita
Day 12: Galápagos Islands: Española Island ~ Suarez Point ~ Gardner Bay ~ Osborn Islet
Today is dedicated to exploring Española Island, one of the most distinctive islands in the Galápagos.
In the morning, visit Suarez Point, known for its dramatic coastal scenery and abundant wildlife. Follow the walking trails through this remarkable landscape and enjoy opportunities to observe some of the island’s unique birdlife and marine species.
In the afternoon, continue to Gardner Bay and nearby Osborn Islet. Relax on the beautiful white-sand beach, explore the shoreline and enjoy further opportunities to experience the wildlife and natural beauty of Española Island.
MORNING: Española Island – Suarez Point
AFTERNOON: Española Island – Gardner Bay / Osborn Islet
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: M/Y Galaxy Bonita
Day 13: Galápagos Islands: San Cristobal Island ~ Interpretation Center ~ Kicker Rock ~ Lobos Island
Today, explore San Cristobal Island, beginning with a visit to the Interpretation Center where you can learn more about the natural history, geology and conservation of the Galápagos Islands.
Continue to Kicker Rock, one of the most recognisable landmarks in the archipelago. Rising dramatically from the ocean, this striking rock formation is a popular location for observing marine life and seabirds.
In the afternoon, visit Lobos Island, a small wildlife-rich islet just off San Cristobal. Explore the shoreline and walking trails where you may encounter sea lions, marine iguanas and a variety of birdlife.
MORNING: San Cristobal Island – Interpretation Center / Kicker Rock
AFTERNOON: San Cristobal Island – Lobos Island
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: M/Y Galaxy Bonita
Day 14: Galápagos Islands: Santa Cruz Island ~ Bachas Beach ~ Quito
Your final morning in the Galápagos takes you to Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island. Explore this beautiful stretch of coastline and enjoy your final opportunity to experience the unique landscapes and wildlife of the archipelago.
After your morning excursion, return to the vessel before disembarking and transferring to the airport for your onward journey.
Fly to Quito, where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
MORNING: Santa Cruz Island – Bachas Beach
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Ikala Quito Hotel, Quito
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Dann Carlton, Quito
Day 15: Quito ~ City Tour & Middle of the World Tour
After breakfast, enjoy a guided city tour of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage listed city renowned for its rich history, colonial architecture and well-preserved historic centre.
Explore the cobblestone streets and visit some of Quito’s most important landmarks, including the Basilica del Voto Nacional, San Francisco Church and La Compañía de Jesús Church.
In the afternoon, travel north of the city to the Middle of the World monument. Stand on the equatorial line with one foot in each hemisphere and learn about the geographical and cultural significance of this unique location. You may also have time to visit the nearby museum and discover more about the equator and local traditions.
After the tour, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 40km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 3 hours
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch
OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION): Ikala Quito Hotel, Quito
OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION): Dann Carlton, Quito
Day 16: Depart Quito
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 Galápagos adventure.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 40km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 1 hour
MEALS: Breakfast
