12D11N Sacred South America: Peru Culture & Galapagos Wildlife Tour

Day 1 – Arrive into Lima

Upon arrival, be greeted by your English-speaking guide who will be walk you to your accommodation and assisting you with your check-in.

Spend the day recovering from the lengthy flights at the airport hotel in preparation for your flight to the Andean capital tomorrow.

Day 2 – Lima to Cusco

Your English-speaking guide will escort and assist you with the check-in for your domestic flight to Cusco.

Upon arrival, be picked up by your private English-speaking guide and meet up with your personal chauffeur for a private tour of the Sacred Valley.

A region in Peru’s Southern Sierra home to a rich collection of Incan treasures and ruins, the Sacred Valley was so desirable that the emperor himself possessed it. The allure of the attractive Andean villages of Pisac and Ollantaytambo will prove irresistible in your valley journey.

You will be able to observe and take part in the production of chicha de jora, a corn beer prepared by germinating maize, and enjoy a 3-course meal at your stylish accommodation.

Spend a leisurely evening as you acclimatise to the higher altitude.

Day 3 – Sacred Valley

Take a day-trip to Machu Picchu by rail, and go on a private guided walking tour to marvel at the uniqueness of the Inca site.

Machu Picchu or “old mountain” is a pre-Columbian Inca site located 2,430 metres above sea level on a mountain ridge. It is often referred to as “the lost city of the Incas”, and is the most associated icon of the Incas. The ruins are among the most spectacular in the world, and was discovered relatively recently in 1911. It was a remarkably well-hidden place located high up on the mountains, and protected by Inca checkpoints and watchtowers.

During your walking tour, experience the magic of Machu Picchu, and learn about the genius that went into its construction, making this Inca site one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Day 4 – Sacred Valley to Cusco

En-route to Cusco, visit the Andean community of Misminay to observe a weaving demonstration before continuing on to the salt mines of Maras with over 6,000 salt pans.

Your next pitstop is Moray – ringed grass-covered, terraced Incan ruins resembling an amphitheatre. The temperature variance between the top and bottom can be as much as 15ºC, giving rise to a series of micro-climates that many believe served as a test bed for the growth of agriculture crops.

For the adventurous gourmand keen to try “ancestral cuisines” of the Andes, a reservation at groundbreaking Mil by Chef Martinez is highly recommended.

End your day in Cusco.

Day 5 – Cusco

Cusco was the capital of the Incan Empire, a beautiful city with well-preserved colonial architecture. Just walking through the streets gives you a glimpse of the rich culture and history of the place.

Embark on a private walking tour with your English-speaking guide and explore the major sites of interest in Cusco.

The rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy your accommodation, a restored 16th-century monastery built on the foundations of an Incan palace. Spend some time in the tranquil cloistered courtyard complete with lush, scented gardens.

Day 6 – Cusco to Quito

Be privately chauffeured to Cusco Airport for your flight to Quito, Ecuador. Upon arrival, take a short walk to your airport accommodation. Spend the evening catching up on some rest for your Galapagos wildlife adventure tomorrow.

Day 7 – Quito to Galapagos Islands

Make your own way to Quito Airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands.

Red-billed tropicbirds screech across the sky, welcoming visitors to this UNESCO World Heritage Site and living marine museum 926 kilometres west of Ecuador. Raw nature at its finest, the Galapagos Islands is where the story of evolution can be unfolded – where one never tires of discovery.

Upon arrival, take the shared transfer service provided by Pikaia Lodge, located in the heart of its own private giant Tortoise Reserve.

You will be spending four nights here, spending your days meaningfully partaking in the wealth of activities that the lodge has to offer.

Day 8, 9 and 10 – Galapagos Islands

Over the three days of your Galapagos wildlife tour, you will enjoy two full-day yacht and one full-day land excursions. You will be accompanied by an expert naturalist guide for all explorations and have access to equipment such as wet suits, snorkelling gear, mountain bikes and helmets.

NOTE: Your activities and destinations covered will vary accordingly based on the day of the week.

Day 11 – Galapagos Islands to Lima

Board the shared transfer to the airport for your 6.5-hour flight to Lima.

Lima is the capital of Peru and is a modern and orderly city built around colonial architecture. You will find many charming churches, cloisters and monasteries that are definitely worth visiting.

This city is also a foodie’s dream – we will be happy to recommend some top restaurants and assist with the reservations as necessary – there may be no better way to wrap up a rewarding trip than with an outstanding meal!