Peru & Galapagos Combo - 25 days Lima to Quito

ITINERARY

DAY 1 LIMA, ARRIVAL DAY – You are free to arrive and check in at any time. 

DAY 2 LIMA – Morning trip briefing. Join our insightful Lima reality city tour where take you to the historical center for half a day and then visit a local community  project in a colourful shanty in the afternoon. These culturally sensitive tours let you see the real life of locals and gives back to the communities visited. (D)

DAYS 3 & 4 AREQUIPA – A morning flight to arguably Peru’s most beautiful city. Arequipa exhibits delightful colonial past and a visit to the colourful Santa Catalina Convent is a must.  Situated under the volcano “El Misti”, stroll around the city enjoying the local museums, churches and sample some of the many superb regional dishes. (2B)

DAYS 5 & 6 COLCA CANYON – Colca Canyon, home to the famous Andean Condor. View these birds close up, as they soar above us while on the edge of the canyon. Visit local villages, soak in thermal baths and sample the life, music and spectacular scenery.  (2B)

DAYS 7 to 9 PUNO, LAKE TITICACA – We continue through to the city of Puno on Day 7. From the shores of magnificent “Lake Titicaca”, we board a boat bound for the floating islands of Uros and a local homestay in a less touristed community, along the way learning of the legends and the ways of the lake and its people where life has remained relatively unchanged over the centuries. An overnight home stay will allow us to live with a family on the islands. (2B, 1D)

DAYS 10 & 11 SACRED VALLEY INCA RUINS & LOCAL FAMILIES – Depart Puno and travel by road across the Altiplano to Cuzco and then we head out to the beautiful Urubamba Valley (Sacred alley of the Inca’s). We’ll explore the valley including ancient township and Ollantaytambo Inca site,  rural villages & Pisac. We’re very privileged to visit a local farming community, where we’re welcomed with a ceremony to Pacha Mama (earth mother). Spend time learning the ancient and traditional ways of life, from medicinal herbs and wool dying to helping with farm projects.  Later explore the  vibrant Pisac market. (2B, 1L)

***Inca Trail Option: If you still prefer to do the trail, we can book it for you as an independent tour. You will be with another group and have to advise us early, so that trail permits can be obtained. You would then stay in Cusco on day 10 and meet the group back in Cusco on day 14. Inca trail supplement will be approximately USD380 on a twin share basis.

DAY 12 MACHU PICCHU – Take an train to Aguas Calientes (now known as Machu Picchu village) where we’ll check in to our hotel and make our way to Machu Picchu. You’ll have free time until mid afternoon to wander around this amazing site, then join our guided tour once the crowds have subsided. Relax at your own pace for the rest of the day in Machu Picchu, head down to the village or soak in the hot springs. (B)

DAYS 13 & 14 CUSCO – An early morning train and bus takes us to the imperial city of the Incas, Cusco, visiting some interesting sites on the way. Rich in history and surrounded by ancient Inca sites, churches and museums and markets, there is plenty for all to do and see. Enjoy a half day city tour on day 14, then free time to enjoy the city, before taking part in a unique cooking class overlooking the city. (B,D)

DAY 15 CUSCO – Free time to explore this beautiful city with great shopping, fascinating markets, or just relax in one of the many cafes and soak up the special atmosphere, which makes Cusco a truly unique place. (B)

DAYS 16 & 17  OTAVALO  & HACIENDA STAY – An early morning flight takes us from Cusco via Lima to Quito for your Ecuador adventure.  Head north to South America’s most famous market, Otavalo. We will spend the night in an ancient hacienda over 400 years old and have plenty of time to look around the market and enjoy the sites and sounds. The world famous Saturday crafts market in Otavalo is one of the most well known throughout the Andes. The indigenous weavers from the villages around Otavalo are among the most talented in Ecuador and the Otavaleños, talented at adapting their products to market demands, have won recognition and prosperity on an international level.(2B)

DAY 18 QUITO –  On the way to Quito is the “Mitad del Mundo” (Equator) located 45 minutes from the city. Here we’ll visit the Inti, a local museum with different experiments showing that we’re right on the Equator. Tonight we include a dinner at an authentic Ecuadorian fine dining restaurant. (B,D)

DAY 19 GALAPAGOS – SANTA CRUZ - This morning, you’ll fly to Santa Cruz or Baltra to be exact. Begin your first activity with a stop in the highlands to visit a private giant tortoise reserve. You’ll be able to see these massive creatures in their natural habitat cooling off in a watering hole or munching away. You’ll also have the chance to explore some nearby lava tunnels and gain a better appreciation of the natural forces that created these islands. Santa Cruz is the most populated of all the islands and its bustling port city is the tourist capital of Galapagos. Tonight, your guide will lead you to the Calle de los Kioskos (Kiosks Street). This little back street is closed down each night as the small stall restaurants set up table and chairs in the middle of the street for open-air dining. If you’re looking for where the locals eat, look no further!  (B,L,D)

DAY 20 TORTUGA BAY & ISABELA – This morning we’ll take a short walk that ends in white sand and luscious waves. Tortuga Bay is a gorgeous beach accessible only by foot. A leisurely 45-minute path leads to the beach area and along the way you may spot lava lizards and birds in the surrounding trees.  Upon arrival at the first soft, white sandy beach, you’ll be greeted by some perfect surf. Further along you can reach Tortuga Bay, a calm bay that is sheltered by mangroves and ideal for swimming, sometimes friendly baby sharks can be seen here too! There’s a nice walk through a cactus forest, a chance to spot nesting blue-footed boobies or massive marine iguanas.  We’ll head back to town in time for a quick visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. We’ll learn about the stations successes in repopulating the islands with the once endangered land iguana and several species of giant tortoise. From the collection of the eggs to the age of release, we’ll observe how the giant tortoises are raised and readied for life on their own.

DAY 21 SIERRA NEGRA VOLCANO HIKE – Enjoy a full day hike up Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Galapagos, and with the second largest crater in the world. As we hike to the perimeter of the caldera, we’ll be on the look out for bird species found only in the highlands like the bright red Vermillion Flycatcher and the elusive short-eared owl. Here you can experience a bird’s eye view of this magical landscape. We’ll continue on to traverse the vast lava fields of Volcan Chico in route for a lookout that boasts breathtaking views reaching to the north of Isabela.

After enjoying a hearty sense of accomplishment, we’ll make our way back to town in early afternoon. You are free to take is easy or partake in an optional activity – a leisurely kayak around the sheltered bay area of Puerto Villamil. Galapagos penguins (the only penguin found north of the equator), sea turtles and rays frequent these shallow waters and blue-footed boobies, frigate birds and pelicans may be seen resting along the shore and in some nearby mangrove trees. If you prefer, you also have the option to rent a bike and head to the Wall of Tears. Return to town just in time for a sunset dip before your independent dinner. As always, your guide will be more than happy to help you find a local spot to dine. (B,L) 

DAY 22 GIANT TORTOISE BREEDING CENTER & SAN CRISTOBAL – After breakfast, we’ll head off for a leisurely walk through a coastal lagoon. If we’re lucky, we’ll see some pink flamingos along the way! The mangrove-lined path will lead us to Isabela’s Giant Tortoise Breeding Center where we’ll see giant tortoises in all stages of development. This afternoon, you’ll take an early flight to the island of San Cristobal,  in time for lunch before you head out for your first activity: a visit to La Loberia.

La “Loberia” is an area frequented by sea lions. In other words, it’s a sea lion hang out! There we’ll be able to watch sea lions sunbathing and vying for our attention. They play, they nap and sometimes, they pose for pictures! If you’re keen for a swim, hop on in. On the way back to town, your guide will point out their favorite spots to dine. (B,L)

DAY 23 KICKER ROCK SNORKELLING – Start with a short boat ride to Kicker Rock, observing the abundant marine life that Galapagos is renowned for. On the way, stop off at Isla de Lobos to observe nesting Frigate birds and Blue Footed Boobies, and swim/snorkel with playful young Sea lions. Kicker Rock, the remains of an underwater volcano rising vertically 150m out of the sea is a truly impressive sight! Here we can snorkel keeping an eye out below for Sea Turtles, Manta Rays and maybe the odd harmless Galapagos shark. Then we relax at one of the most beautiful beaches in the islands, feel free to spend your time swimming in the turquoise water or snapping photos of Kicker Rock in the distance. Heading back to town late afternoon and have some time to explore town. Perhaps you’ll want to grab a sunset beer or cocktail by the waterfront and watch the spectacular sunset. Another optional activity is to grab a bike and explore town.

Tonight, we head to one of our favorite spots for some open air dining. It’ll be a well-deserved farewell feast as this is the last night in the Enchanted Islands! DIVING: Occasionally, the option to dive is available. Please inquire in advance (B,LD)

DAY 24 SAN CRISTOBAL, QUITO – Today is the last day of your tour and you get to choose how you’d like to spend your morning. Squeeze in some souvenir shopping, head to the beach for one last swim or visit the Interpretation Center to learn about the history and mystery of the archipelago. This educational center explains how the islands were discovered and what makes them so special. You can learn about Charles Darwin’s visit and the present day efforts to protect this amazing World Heritage site. There’s a short hike to Tijeretas, a panoramic lookout over the town and Kicker Rock, for those who are interested.  This afternoon, you’ll fly back to the mainland for your last night in Quito (B,)

DAY 25 DEPARTURE DAY – Today is the last day of the tour and we’ll be sure to get you to the airport if you have a flight out before noon. If you just can’t bear to leave, our representative will be able to advise you and help with some of the many tours available in and around Quito.(B) SPECIAL NOTE. S.E.T. RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THE ITINERARY DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS AND OR GALAPAGOS NATIONAL PARK REGULATION CHANGES