The Award-Winning Tour Specialist
The wildlife of the Galapagos Islands is unique, incredible and unusual. These animals, like giant tortoises, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants and much more, you’ll find nowhere else in the world; completely unfazed by human presence, you get to observe them up close in their natural habitats.
Set in a serene stretch of cloud forest in the Sacred Valley, the Santuario de Colibries shelters a variety of brightly coloured hummingbird species that flit between the flowers of beautiful gardens. The perfect place to pause and enjoy the sound of bird song.
Stop at the wonderful Manos de la Comunidad to discover more about the rich indigenous culture of Peru. A showcase for local artisans who craft textiles, pottery and jewellery, you can see traditional skills in action and pick up a souvenir or two.
The MS Santa Cruz II is one of the most comfortable and stylish ways to experience the Galápagos Islands. Purpose-built for exploration yet designed with guests in mind, the ship carries just 90 passengers in 50 cabins, creating a relaxed and intimate atmosphere at sea. Bright interiors, panoramic windows and generous deck space ensure you’re always connected to the scenery outside.
This adventure is ideal for travellers who want to experience two of South America's most iconic destinations. We have designed the tour to showcase the fascinating history and culture of Peru, combined with the unique wildlife and landscapes of the Galápagos Islands.
Fly to Lima, Peru's historical capital. On arrival, transfer to your hotel where you can relax or start exploring this enchanting city.
Fly to Cusco and transfer to the Urubamba, or Sacred, Valley, home to Incan citadels and beautiful scenery. Spend the afternoon in Manos de la Cominidad, learning about the traditional crafts of weaving, pottery and jewellery making from local artisans. Then, make your way to the town of Pisac, known for its hilltop Incan citadel and bustling market, to explore.
Head to Moray to admire the impressive circular terraces curved by the Incas, then to Maras to discover the old evaporation ponds used to harvest salt. This afternoon, visit the Santuario de Colibries, a sanctuary in the cloud forest that shelters hummingbirds and other native bird species. Continue to Ollantaytambo to wander through preserved Incan houses and an old fortress.
Leaving the Sacred Valley behind, board the panoramic Expedition train to Aguas Calientes, gateway to the world-famous Machu Pichu. Transfer into a bus for your journey to the ruins. One of the world's great archaeological discoveries, Machu Picchu sits on a mountain ridge; built around 1450, it was abandoned about 100 years later and left ‘undiscovered’ until 1911 when it was brought to international attention.
Enjoy a free morning in Aguas Calientes, perhaps strolling through the handicraft market. After lunch, hop on the Vistadome train for a scenic journey back to Ollantaytambo before transferring to Cusco.
Embark on a tour of Cusco, the Imperial Capital of the Incas. Start at Sacsayhuaman, the remains of a colossal citadel set above the city. Stop at the Cristo Blanco for panoramic views then browse the wares of San Pedro Market. Back in the city centre, explore Qoricancha and Cusco Cathedral.
Fly back to Lima this morning. Later, take a city tour that takes in the Plaza Mayor with its impressive, UNESCO-listed, colonial buildings and the Larco Museum, packed with fascinating Pre-Columbian artefacts.
Board a flight to Ecuador, arriving in capital city, Quito.
Today you'll be immersed in Quito's rich history and culture. Beginning at Independence Square, admire the exquisite La Compañia Church then wander through the vibrant San Francisco Square before indulging your sweet tooth at a chocolate shop. Then, pop out of Quito to find the Equator, marked by the Middle of the World Monument, and jump between hemispheres!
Transfer to the airport for the short flight to Baltra Island. On arrival, you'll transfer to the port to board your expedition ship. Settle into your cabin and explore the ship's facilities as you prepare for the extraordinary journey ahead. Cast off, sailing along the northern coast of Santa Cruz, heading ashore to explore Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) on a walk that reveals sweeping views of the bay and the chance to spot shorebirds, flamingos and land iguanas.
The day begins on the remote tip of Isabela Island at Punta Vicente Roca, tracing the rugged coastline in a panga with a naturalist guide to point out dramatic volcanic formations and colonies of flightless cormorants and Galapagos penguins. Continue to Fernandina, the youngest island of the archipelago, where you’ll scour the jagged, volcanic shoreline for sea lions, penguins and Galapagos hawks.
Disembark on Santa Cruz Island to explore. Start at the fascinating Charles Darwin Research Station where you can observe just-hatched giant tortoises and Darwin’s finches, the bird that inspired his theory of evolution. Wander through a prickly pear cactus forest, home to plenty of birds and see giant tortoises roaming free in the highlands. What you get up to this afternoon is up to you – choose from activities like mountain biking or exploring a historic sugar plantation.
Hop into a panga and cruise along the north shore of Floreana Island savouring the sights of Baroness Cave and Post Office Bay. Explore the waters of Champion Islet by panga or glass-bottom boat; for the adventurous, don a mask and snorkel for a closer look at vibrant marine environments. The day ends at Cormorant Point, with a stroll along a green beach to observe the birdlife at a brackish lagoon.
Enjoy an easy morning onboard the MS Santa Cruz II, making use on the ship’s onboard facilities, as you anchor at Baltra Island. This afternoon, land at Las Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz, a place of pristine white sand and turquoise waters. Swim or snorkel from the beach in search of sea turtles.
Spend the day in and around the rugged volcanic beauty of Santiago Island. In Buccaneer Cove, take part in a series of marine activities for an up-close look at striking rock formations and dramatic cliffs. Later, visit Puerto Egas, taking a guided excursion through a colony of fur seals and vibrant birdlife, or swimming and snorkelling the life-filled shoreline.
Take a panga around the tiny Rabida Island, admiring the red-hued beach, sea lion colony and variety of birds and iguanas as you go. This afternoon, cruise to Bartolome Island to enjoy its golden beaches and view the iconic Pinnacle Rock. Swim, snorkel or ride in a glass-bottom boat to see the wildlife below the waves and spot penguins along the shore. For awe-inspiring views, hike to the island’s summit.
The day starts energetically with a short but steep climb up Prince Philip's steps to the flat, rocky plateau atop Genovesa Island. Here you can observe large colonies of boobies, frigatebirds and storm petrels. Take to the island's sheltered waters in a kayak for an alternative perspective. Later, discover the pristine beach at Darwin Bay, enjoying a relax on the sand, a swim, or a chance to spot hundreds of birds.
The final morning of the adventure is spent on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, where you'll head into the lush highlands to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat, and walk among Galapagos daisies, orchids and bromeliads. Disembark the MS Santa Cruz II and transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight to Quito.
Fly home to the UK from Quito, arriving the same or following day.
Places Visited: UK – Lima (1N) – Sacred Valley (2N) – Aguas Calientes (1N) – Cusco (2N) – Lima (1N) – Quito (2N) – HX Cruise (8N) – Quito (1N)
All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.
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Departures for Solo travellers only are available for this tour on selected
dates.
In addition to being for solos only these departures feature smaller group sizes, free
airport lounge access and complimentary cocktails on arrival.
There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.
Extend your holiday or break up your journey with one of our extensions and stopovers. Choose from city breaks or some beach time, or spend more time in your chosen destination.
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