Perfectly paired, neighbouring countries Ecuador and Peru present a fascinating combination of experiences. From the ancient landscapes and rare wildlife of the Galápagos Islands which you’ll explore by boutique luxury expedition ship to Peru’s extraordinary Inca ruins and colonial cathedrals. Snorkel in the Pacific waters, hike in search of giant tortoises and get up close to endemic birdlife during the cruise and in the Sacred Valley of the Incas meet Quechua farmers whose practices have changed little in centuries. It’s a journey sure to inspire.
Journey Highlights
Arrive in tropical Guayaquil, gateway to the Galápagos, where you are met and transferred to your hotel.
Hotel del Parque
Fly to the remote Galápagos island of Baltra, where you join your naturalist guide for the ferry ride to Santa Cruz Island. Disembark and drive up into the island’s mist-shrouded highlands in search of giant tortoises. Continue on to Puerto Ayora and board ‘La Pinta,’ your expedition ship for your four-night cruise through the Galápagos’ northern islands. ‘La Pinta’ is built for adventure, offering spacious cabins, floor-to-ceiling windows and a comfortable atmosphere. The vessel is ecologically sound and comes equipped with pangas (rubber rafts), a glass-bottom boat and sea kayaks that allow for independent exploration. Tonight, dine on board. (Note: On select dates, your cruise follows an alternate route, visiting the Galápagos’ eastern islands).
‘La Pinta’ | Meals: BLD
After breakfast, get fitted for your wetsuit and snorkelling gear. Then, board a panga for a shore excursion to Eden Islet, a biodiverse enclave secluded off Santa Cruz. Here, observe the island’s iconic blue-footed boobies. Take this opportunity to snorkel the reef or view marine life aboard a glass-bottom boat. Back aboard ‘La Pinta,’ cruise onward to Sombrero Chino, yet another secluded islet of the Galápagos archipelago. Disembark your panga to hike wilderness trails, swim in a sandy cove, and snorkel among white-tipped reef sharks and Galápagos penguins.
‘La Pinta’ | Meals: BLD
Disembark on Bartolomé Island to hike the volcanic terrain leading to its summit. After a panga ride to visit the penguins of Pinnacle Rock, snorkel the reef, relax on the beach or take in the local marine life aboard a glass-bottom boat. Later, swim or snorkel along the white coral sand beach of
Sullivan Bay.
‘La Pinta’ | Meals: BLD
This morning, hike and snorkel Genovesa Island, a birdwatcher’s paradise. Explore Darwin Bay, snorkelling along the cliffs or paddling out in sea kayaks. View the island’s cliffs before disembarking to climb the steep, rocky pass of Prince Phillip’s Steps. Your ascent leads to a clifftop frequented by Nazca boobies, frigate birds, storm petrels and the elusive short-eared owl.
‘La Pinta’ | Meals: BLD
Disembark ‘La Pinta’ at Baltra Island, where you transfer to the airport to fly to mainland Ecuador, and then take a connecting flight to Lima, Peru. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport | Meals: BL
Fly to Cusco, located more than 3,350 metres above sea level, where you are met and transferred to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. En route, visit Awana Kancha, a centre where South American camelids, such as llamas and alpacas, are bred. Learn about the valuable fibres created from their coats, and then, visit the beautiful Hacienda Sarapampa, sitting down to lunch on site with the owner, who cordially shares his family’s history in farming, and then shows you around the farm.
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba | Meals: BLD
Today, visit Moray, a fascinating archaeological site comprised of a series of concentric agricultural terraces, some almost 150 metres deep. Then, journey to a remote village seemingly frozen in time, where you experience ancient agricultural methods used for centuries in a challenging Andean mountain environment, on an A&K-exclusive experience. Afterward, stop for lunch at Rancho Wayra, where you are treated to a spectacular equestrian performance of Paso horses. Return to your hotel to enjoy a relaxing scenic sundowner before dinner.
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba | Meals: BLD
Begin your day with a visit to the imposing fortress of Ollantaytambo, with its massive stone terraces that hug the mountain slopes. Next, journey by train deep into the Andes towards Machu Picchu gazing out at the spectacular Peruvian countryside en route. Once on site, explore the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu, guided by a local expert. Overlooking the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century at the height of the Inca empire. Although this “Lost City” was revealed to the rest of the world by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911, its location was long known to locals. Its original purpose, however, remains a matter of some conjecture, as the Incas left no written records. As you wander amid the age-old stone walls, picture life as it might have been in this mystical citadel, set some 2,400 metres above sea level. Tonight, stay in the only hotel on site, designed to echo the soaring natural surroundings.
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge | Meals: BLD
Rise with the sun and join your expert guide to walk through Machu Picchu in the early morning mist before the crowds arrive. After your explorations, bid adieu to this “Lost City of the Incas,” and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Ollantaytambo by train, savouring incomparable views of the mountain scenery that surrounds you. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Cusco, a 400-year-old architectural treasure that was once a monastery. Tonight, relax or stroll this ancient Incan capital on your own.
Belmond Hotel Monasterio | Meals: BL
This morning, discover Cusco on a city excursion that includes the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and the Santo Domingo Temple, a Dominican church built on the foundations of the Koricancha, the Incas’ principal religious building. Later, visit the well-preserved ruins of Sacsayhuaman, a testament to Incan architectural skill. Compiled of colossal stones, the largest of which may weigh as much as 200 tonnes, the walls were cut and placed together with incredible precision and without a single drop of mortar to hold them in place. Back in Cusco, stop for lunch at a local restaurant near the main plaza. This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities:
Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at the elegant MAP Café.
Belmond Hotel Monasterio | Meals: BLD
Relax with a morning at leisure in Cusco. Later today, fly to Lima and connect with your homebound flight.
Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport (dayroom) | Meals: B
Internal air included: Guayaquil/Baltra/Guayaquil/Lima/Cusco; Cusco/Lima
This journey contains some active elements.
Minimum age is 10 years.
First group event: welcome briefing at 9:30 a.m. on Day 2.
Last group event: return to Lima airport in the afternoon on Day 12.
Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests.
Note: Alternate Galápagos Eastern Islands Route.
On select dates, your Galápagos cruise follows an alternate route, visiting Baltra, South Plaza, Santa Fe, San Cristobal, Española and Santa Cruz islands on Days 2–6. Please contact A&K for details.
If scheduled departure dates don’t work for you, or you would prefer to travel privately, please talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey for you, or your own small group with family or friends.
This journey features the following Preferred Accommodations:
Guayaquil might be known to travellers as a port-stop en route to the Galápagos, but the opening of the chic Hotel del Parque puts this s ... Read more
Yacht La Pinta is a spacious vessel operated by an incredibly hospitable team. The crew and naturalist guides onboard have a s ... Read more
Built in the heart of the Urubamba Valley, among the flowers and trees that carpet the mountainous region, Inkaterra Urubamba has been ... Read more
This Belmond hotel stands amidst a place rich in ancient heritage, renowned spirituality and incredible natural beauty. It is the ideal b ... Read more
One of the most unique hotels in Cusco, the Belmond Hotel Monasterio combines centuries-old charm with professional service. A national m ... Read more
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
May 5, 2021 - May 16, 2021 |
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Price AU$21,605pp | Single Supplement AU$10,285 | Internal Air (From) Included | Availability Call for Availability | Enquire |
Jun 2, 2021 - Jun 13, 2021 |
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Price AU$21,605pp | Single Supplement AU$10,285 | Internal Air (From) Included | Availability Call for Availability | Enquire |
Jul 18, 2021 - Jul 29, 2021 |
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Price AU$21,605pp | Single Supplement AU$10,285 | Internal Air (From) Included | Availability Call for Availability | Enquire |
Sep 22, 2021 - Oct 3, 2021 |
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Price AU$21,605pp | Single Supplement AU$10,285 | Internal Air (From) Included | Availability Call for Availability | Enquire |
Oct 20, 2021 - Oct 31, 2021 |
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Price AU$21,605pp | Single Supplement AU$10,285 | Internal Air (From) Included | Availability Call for Availability | Enquire |
Nov 7, 2021 - Nov 18, 2021 |
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Price AU$21,605pp | Single Supplement AU$10,285 | Internal Air (From) Included | Availability Call for Availability | Enquire |
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