Inca and Galapagos Explorer

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Lima

Arrive in Lima at any time.

Day 2 Chincha (B)

Travel two and a half hours to the province of Chincha, where you can relax, tour the hacienda's catacombs, visit the town of El Carmen. Enjoy an included local music show featuring the "cajon".

Day 3 Ballestas Islands, Nazca (B)

Visit the nearby Ballestas Islands to view sea lion colonies, penguins and bird life. From Pisco, drive to Nazca, stopping en route at the sand dunes of Huacachina. Take an optional flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines then visit a fascinating Pre-Inca cemetery in the Nazca desert.

Day 4 Puerto Inca (B)

Journey down the coast to Antiquipa. Enjoy a hike along the coast and don't miss out on the spectacular Pacific coast sunsets.

Day 5-6 Arequipa (2B)

Drive south towards the beautiful Andean town of Arequipa. Relax in this city surrounded by towering mountains or enjoy the peaceful Santa Catalina Monastery.

Day 7-8 Puno / Lake Titicaca (2B)

Fly to Juliaca and take a short drive to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Spend the day at leisure enjoying the town. The next day take a boat trip on Lake Titicaca to visit the floating reed islands of the Uros and continue on to experience the unique culture of Taquile Island.

Day 9 Cuzco (B)

Travel from Puno to Cuzco through spectacular high altiplano countryside. Look closely to see ceramic bulls and crosses that adorn the local houses and provide protection and prosperity.

Day 10 Ollantaytambo (B,L)

Travel through the Sacred Valley on an expert guided tour that includes lunch and a stop at the Pisac market. Spend a night in the valley to get a real taste of village life in the Andes.

Day 11 Aguas Calientes (B)

Ride an early morning train and wind through the Urubamba Valley towards Aguas Calientes. Enjoy the local scenery or the bustling activity along the railway tracks. Archaeology buffs can visit Machu Picchu independently before the guided tour the following morning.

Day 12-13 Machu Picchu / Cuzco (2B)

Rise early to take advantage of viewing Machu Picchu in the early morning light. This is the best time to view the 'Lost City of the Incas'. Our local guide will provide a detailed interpretation of the Inca history before other tour groups arrive at midday. Leave for Cuzco by train in the afternoon of Day 12.

Day 14 Lima (B)

Fly back to Lima and enjoy a night out on the town.

Day 15 Lima / Quito (B)

Fly to Quito. Flight is unescorted, not included and must be pre-booked.

Day 16-18 Galapagos (3B,3L,3D)

Visit several islands, with wildlife and spectacular scenery. Travel with our naturalist guide to explore islands on foot, with lessons on natural history and wildlife.

Day 19 Quito (B)

Visit one last island before flying to Quito. Free night in Quito.