Galapagos, Machu Picchu & Amazon

Lima is a bustling, busy city and one of the most important in South America. Any trip to Peru will likely begin and end in the capital and visitors take advantage of the fact that Lima is widely regarded to be the culinary capital of the continent and home to many of the best restaurants in South America. Home of the ceviche and the Pisco Sour it is a city where the past and present mix beautifully, from the colonial center to modern Miraflores, through to the ancient Incan and pre-Incan culture which can be seen in Lima’s various museums.

A city of almost 11 million people, it is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes mountains. This unique location means it enjoys a microclimate of zero rainfall and is spread along the coast atop cliffs that offer beautiful sunset views and peaceful “malecóns”, even a short trip is guaranteed to be richly rewarding and a perfect introduction to Peru and its culture.

Upon your arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, our transportation service and a representative will take you to your selected hotel.

Meals: (x)

Our guide will pick you up from your hotel to begin your tour of the Historic Center of Lima. You’ll start by visiting the Aliaga House, a colonial mansion with over five centuries of history, considered the oldest house in the Americas. Then, you’ll explore the Plaza Mayor, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can visit the imposing Lima Cathedral. Finally, you’ll visit the Larco Museum, located in the traditional district of Pueblo Libre. The museum boasts a comprehensive collection of pre-Hispanic gold and silver objects and a selection of erotic art pieces.

Meals: (B)

AM: After breakfast, at the scheduled time, you will be picked up from your hotel and privately transferred to Lima airport, ready to board your departure flight to Iquitos!

PM: Our crew will be expecting your arrival at the airport, then transfer all together in our comfortable private vehicle. We will start you off with a lunchbox as we begin the journey to Nauta. Nauta is a small riverside town on the banks of the Marañon River and was the first city founded in the department of Loreto. Once we reach Nauta, you will enjoy a VIP greeting at our private port along the shores of the Marañon River where the vessel awaits you.

At 15:00 we will board the beautiful vessel. Aboard Delfin, you will be served by our qualified staff who will introduce you to your exquisite and cozy suite, specially equipped with all the amenities for an experienced traveler like yourself. Orthopedic beds, pure cotton sheets, pillows of 100% pure natural latex, cotton bathrobes, air conditioning, and a private bathroom with Spanish-style hot water showers are all framed with a spacious private terrace we are sure you will enjoy to the fullest.

While the Delfin begins its initial navigation, you will enjoy the most fantastic panoramic views from the elegantly outfitted observation area located on our third deck. Your naturalist guide will give you an overview of your journey’s schedule, activities, route, highlights, wildlife, and vegetation to keep your eye out for, geographical and historical background, and other useful details.

We head down into the Marañon River to a location known as Pahuachiro. This lovely spot is an ideal place to spend some time in search of birds and playful monkeys. As your naturalist guide spots various creatures for you, The landscape adorned by the usual colors of the sun’s reflections is a great photo opportunity as you witness your first Amazon Rainforest Sunset. Nauta Caño Creek is known for squirrel and silver back tamarillo monkeys, birds, dolphins, and even sloths! We will skim the riverbanks for small caimans and spiders, as well as insects of all colors, shapes, and sizes.

Meals: (B, L, D)

AM: On your first morning with us, you’ll have the very unique opportunity, to get to the only Canopy Walkway in the Amazon Natural Park, an experience unequaled in the rainforest! At a height of over 25 meters (85 feet) and extending for 500 meters (one-third of a mile), the Canopy Walkway provides a view of the rainforest from the treetops, the best vantage point for observing Amazon wildlife and vegetation. The Canopy Walkway is accessible to all and requires no special skills or equipment. The suspended walkway is spread between 14 of the area’s largest rainforest trees and is one of the longest canopy walkways in the world.

PM: You will continue cruising through the Yanayacu and Pucate Rivers, peeking into different creeks and lagoons. This is one of the best-preserved and protected zones of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Your guide will use his expert eye to pinpoint all the biodiversity of this region. If you want to interact directly with the waters of the Amazon, go out on one of our kayaks or paddleboards. You will even have the opportunity to see the famous pink dolphins!

Meals: (B, L, D)

AM: You will start visiting Nauta Caño Creek, known for squirrel and silver-back tamarillo monkeys, birds, dolphins, and even sloths! You will skim the riverbanks for small caimans and spiders. As well as insects of all colors, shapes, and sizes.

PM: The walk at Fundo Casual jungle trail will take you deep into the rainforest on terra firma (non-flooded forest.) Your guide will point out the dynamic creatures and vegetation of the Amazon. Be sure to keep an attentive eye open for spotting surprises! It is almost unbelievable how you find something along the way with every step. Fundo Casual is one of the few places in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Amazon Rainforest where you will spot the elusive 2-toed sloth.

On board the skiffs, you will visit a community to meet local villagers who have called Amazonia their home for generations. You may step into a typical schoolhouse where the children will be happy to have visitors, and then stop by an area to see the women of this community who have a most amazing arts & crafts market. Better known as the “Unión de los Ríos” we will toast and witness the distinguished colors of the three rivers. It is common knowledge that the Ucayali River, which in turn confluences with the Marañón River upstream of Iquitos – Peru, forms what countries other than Brazil consider to be the main stem of the Amazon River.

Meals: (B, L, D)

Your full day tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas will begin by visiting the archaeological sites of Pisac, home to the largest complex of agricultural terraces in the region and a masterpiece of ancient farming techniques. You will also get the chance to explore the Pisac market, where it is possible to find local products such as textiles, carvings, and replicas of ancient Inca pieces.

Next, you will have lunch at a local restuarant before continuing your journey to Ollantaytambo, which preserves its Inca urban planning. Here, you will discover the Ollantaytambo Fortress, renowned as a resting place and lodging for ancient travelers. Finally, go back to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Meals: (B, L)

This day starts in Chinchero, a famous town during the Inca Empire. Here, you will visit a 17th-century church built on an ancient Inca palace and explore its agricultural terraces. Enjoy lunch at a local Restaurant. Next, explore the archaeological site of Maras, renowned for its impressive salt mining complex. Later, discover the archaeological remains of Moray, featuring mysterious concentric circular platforms. Then you are transferred to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Meals: (B, L)

Today is the big day! Get ready to tick one of the New Seven Wonders of the World off your list as we head to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. Leaving the Sacred Valley by train, we enjoy a peaceful snaking route through the mountains, uphill to Aguas Calientes, situated at the foot of Machu Picchu. The views on the way to Machu Picchu itself are an intrinsic part of the trip itself and worth savoring.

Built in the mid 1400s, Machu Picchu acted as a royal estate to two different Inca rulers, Pachacutec Inca Yupanqui and Tupac Inca Yupanqui. After 80 years of occupancy, it was abandoned, possibly due to Spanish infiltration in other parts of Peru, and remained abandoned until the early last century when efforts Hiram Bingham brought its existence to world attention.

Machu Picchu is divided into two sectors, the urban and the agricultural. Our expert guide will take you through both and show you the key spots in the ancient citadel. Enjoy a delicious set lunch at Café Inkaterra while taking in the breathtaking view of the Vilcanota River. The restaurant is known for its unique blend of Andean cuisine and contemporary trends, resulting in a fusion-style meal with a distinctive flavor.

After our extensive tour, return to your hotel in the Sacred Valley for a restful evening.

Meals: (B, L)

Today, we pick you up at your hotel in the Sacred Valley for your transfer to Cusco City. Then, visit the city and the most important archeological sites nearby. Begin with a visit to the Santo Domingo Convent, built on the foundations of the Coricancha temple. Next, discover the impressive Cathedral Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption, the main church in town that houses a rich collection of colonial artworks, featuring impressive golden altarpieces, paintings from the renowned Cusco School, and religious sculptures.

Explore the ancient hills of Cusco, including the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, the Qenqo archaeological complex, and the Puca Pucara military complex. Conclude with a visit to Tambomachay, known as the Inca spa and, finally, return to your hotel.

Meals: (B)

AM: After breakfast, at the scheduled time, you will be picked up from your hotel and privately transferred to Cusco airport, ready to board your departure flight to Quito! You will take two flights connected via Lima, re-boarding here for your flight to Ecuador.

PM: Arriving in Quito, you can take the evening to rejuvenate and re-charge.

Meals: (B)

During this tour, you will visit the largest and best-preserved colonial towns in Latin America, which were declared World’s Heritage Site in 1978 by UNESCO. Along the old streets, plazas, and home facades, it is possible to learn about all the architectural styles developed in Europe during the last five centuries.
There are over twenty-five colonial churches, that summarize the best and most representative samples of the incredible talent of the artists members of the Quito School, one of the best in the Americas during the Spanish colony. We will cover the Main Square, Archbishops’ and Presidential Palaces, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. The rich Jesuit church and the iconic Plaza of San Francisco.
Sometime during the tour, you will have a chance to admire the old city from one of the various lookout points overlooking the city.

Meals (B, L)

AM: After breakfast, at the scheduled time, you will be picked up from your hotel and privately transferred to Quito airport, ready to board your departure flight to the Galapagos Islands! arrive at San Cristobal airport, where our naturalist guide of the National Park will be waiting for you.

PM: In the afternoon, visit Lobos island, a small islet separated from San Cristobal by a narrow channel, forming a sheltered bay where sea lion pups play in tidal pools. Despite its small size, the island is surprisingly packed with wildlife, especially with “lobos marinos”, the Spanish name for sea lions. Groups of sea lions will welcome you at the landing spot, but as you walk a few steps inland, male frigatebirds displaying their inflated red balloons will be perched on the bushes and trees. A small colony of blue footed boobies, which often nest right on the trail, will give you the opportunity to observe their famous courtship dance.

Meals: (B, L, D)

AM: Visit Gardner Beach, whi chis undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and interesting beaches to visit in the Galapagos. Its fine coral sand and turquoise water give it a totally tropical appearance, which contrasts with the presence of sea lions basking in the beach. You will have the opportunity to walk along the beach and learn about the biology of sea lions and other endemic species, such as the Española mockingbird, marine iguanas and Galapagos hawks.

PM: Suarez Point, this is a rocky trail and is one the most amazing nature walks you can do in the Galapagos islands.

From the moment you set foot on the island and all the way along the trail the amount and diversity of fauna is truly amazing. Sea lions and marine iguanas will be the first ones welcoming us, followed by large colonies of sea birds, including Nazca and Blue-footed boobies, gulls and tropicbirds. At the end of the trail we will visit a colony of waved albatross (April to January), the largest bird in the islands and one of the most interesting because of its powerful flight and elaborate courtship. Waved albatross only nest at Española, so this is the only place where you will see them at close range.

Meals: (B, L, D)

AM: Floreana is famous for the tales of German settlers and the baroness during the late 1920’s and 30 ‘s. Assassinations, isappearances and other unsolved mysteries are the ingredients of this fascinating story.

Post office bay was often used by whalers to anchor their ships and go up to the highlands to get fresh water and tortoises. Most boats visiting the Galapagos had to come to this place sooner or later, so a system of mail was established more than 200 years ago: a barrel near the beach became the way to leave messages to other ships and also to the outside world. This mail system is still in use and will allow you to send postcards from the Galapagos to the outside world.

Aside from a small beautiful beach and a lava tunnel, the area is great for dinghy tours to look for sea lions, green sea turtles, shorebirds, small sharks and, with some luck, Galapagos penguins.

PM: After lunch, visit Punta Cormorant, which is is located in the north of Floreana and it is known for its large coastal lagoon with American flamingoes, white-cheeked pintails, black-necked stilts and other shorebirds. There is a beautiful white sand beach which is an important nesting ground for green sea turtles where we can also see rays and reef sharks. In the last years, a small groups of blue footed boobies have started to breed right by the trail. This is also a great trail to look at endemic plants.

Meals: (B, L, D)

AM: Giant Prickly-pear cactus and barren lava rocks surround the landing spot at Santa Fe, located inside one of the most beautiful bays in the Galapagos. Turquoise water and white sand beaches make this location a perfect home for a large colony of sea lions which you will see basking in the sand. Inland, look down for endemic Santa Fe land iguanas, but also look up for Galapagos hawks, which often perch at the top of the cactus looking for prey. Darwin finches, Galapagos doves, mockingbirds and lava lizards are also common along the trail.

PM: Of the two twin islands, only South Plazas is allowed to be visited, while North plazas is kept exclusively for scientific research. This is a small islet, but it packs an impressive amount of wildlife. Right after you land you will see Galapagos land iguanas waiting under prickly-pear cactus feed on their fruits. A large colony of sea lions will give you the opportunity to see playful pups enjoying the tide pools, but also large grumpy males defending their territories. The trail will take you to a cliff where you can observe many sea birds, such as frigatebirds, red-billed tropicbirds, boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and pelicans. A reddish succulent vegetation with scattered cactus covers most of the islands like a carpet, giving this island a unique personality.

Meals: (B, L, D)

AM: The Charles Darwin Station is a nonprofit organization which has been working for decades together with the Galapagos National Park to preserve the biodiversity of these unique islands. During this visit you will learn about the projects that both institutions carry together to protect the native species and eradicate the invasive ones which are threatening the Galapagos environment. One of the most important and emblematic projects has been reproducing giant tortoises in captivity. The visit is mostly outdoors in a beautiful dry native forest with giant cactus and many other interesting native plants. It is also a fantastic place to find several endemic Darwin finches, as well as flycatchers and mockingbirds.

After this final visit, you will be transferred to Baltra airport in time for your flight back to the mainland and return home.

Meals: (B)