Discover Peru Tour with Galapagos Extension

20 days of fantastic adventure travel through Peru with an optional 9-day Galapagos Islands extension

Peru is a vibrant land of cultural and environmental contrasts. Its people, descendents of the Inca, Spanish conquistadors and Afro-Peruvian slaves, retain rich traditions of language, dress, music and cuisine. It has stunning and diverse landscapes, from the highest snow dusted peaks of the Andes to the lush Amazon jungle. We explore the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, see the intriguing Nazca Lines, walk in the shadows of the mighty Colca Canyon, homestay on an island in Lake Titicaca, wander the ancient plazas and markets of Cusco and Arequipa, head up-river into the Amazon jungle, and much more. The food is fantastic and the language surprisingly easy to pick-up. Wildlife abounds – you’re sure to see flamingos, condor, llamas, the elusive vicuna, and if lucky, the scarlet macaw.

The Galapagos Islands, a volcanic archipelago located around the equator, are simply unique and home to a vast number of endemic species. Cruising among the islands and having close encounters with whales, turtles, iguanas, blue-footed booby’s and innumerable other terrestrial, avian and marine life is an incredible and unforgettable experience – we cannot rate this experience highly enough.

Discover Peru & Galapagos Tour Highlights

• Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas
• Optional 4-day fully supported Inca Trail trek
• Day walks and condors in the Colca Canyon
• Llachon community village stay and insight into rural life
• Lake Titicaca island homestay and the remarkable floating islands of the Uros
• Birds-eye views of the Nazca Lines
• Boating up the Tambopata River to an Amazon jungle eco-lodge
• Amazon jungle canopy viewing tower, short walks and Macaw clay lick
• Towering sand dunes and unique coastal culture
• The historic quarters of Cusco and Arequipa
• Close encounters with amazing wildlife while cruising and walking the Galapagos Islands
• Fantastic food and accommodation
• Very personalized small group experience
• Escorted by fantastic tour leader/s supported by local guides

“We were first time travelers looking for an ‘off the beaten track’ type trip with a bit of adventure. We certainly had this. We enjoyed the company of a great group of fellow travelers. The attention to detail by Pacific Discovery and the tour leaders was exceptional.” Mary-Anne and Trevor Stretton

Discover Peru & Galapagos Tour Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 Arrive Lima, transfer to hotel and welcome
Day 2 Depart Lima, drive to Huacachina, via Pachacamac and Paracas National Reserve
Day 3 Drive to Nazca, flight over Nazca Lines
Day 4 Drive to Arequipa, sightseeing enroute
Day 5 Arequipa, explore historic centre
Day 6 Drive to Cabonaconde, Colca Canyon
Day 7 Colca Canyon, condors, walks
Day 8 Drive to Llachon village on the shores of Lake Titicaca, via Puno
Day 9 Boating on Lake Titicaca to Amantani Island, homestay
Day 10 Boating on Lake Titicaca to Puno, via Taquile and Uros Islands
Day 11 Drive to Cusco, sightseeing enroute
Day 12 Explore Cusco area
Day 13 Depart Cusco for Sacred Valley, explore area
Day 14 Train from Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes, visit Machu Picchu
Day 15 Sunrise at Machu Picchu, train to Cusco
Day 16 Day in Cusco to explore or relax
Day 17 Flight to Puerto Maldonaldo, jeep and boat to jungle lodge
Day 18 Explore Amazon jungle
Day 19 Return to Puerto Maldonaldo, flight to Lima
Day 20 Farewell Peru, depart Lima

Inca Trail option

Day 12 Depart Cusco, Inca Trail trek day 1, camp
Day 13 Inca Trail trek day 2, camp
Day 14 Inca Trail trek day 3, camp
Day 15 Inca Trail trek day 4, sunrise at Machu Picchu, train to Cusco

Galapagos extension

Day 20 Depart Lima, flight to Quito, Ecuador
Day 21 Flight to San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands
Day 22 Daytrip by boat, return to San Cristobal
Day 23 Depart San Cristobal, boat to Isabela Island, via Floreana
Day 24 Isabela Island daytrip
Day 25 Isabela Island daytrip and boating
Day 26 Depart Isabela, boat to Santa Cruz Island, sightseeing
Day 27 Depart Santa Cruz, boat to San Cristobal, via Santa Fe
Day 28 Farewell Galapagos Islands, flight to Quito
Day 29 Farewell Ecuador, depart Quito

Discover Peru & Galapagos Tour Itinerary

20 days of fantastic adventure travel through Peru with an optional 9-day Galapagos Islands extension

BLD = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included

Day 1. Lima

Our arrival day in Lima. We check into a lovely 1930s restored mansion tastefully decorated with European and Peruvian art. Depending on your arrival time, there may be the opportunity to take a walking tour of central Lima's key sites and time to rest from the long flight. There will be a tour briefing once all in the group have arrived.

Day 2. Pachacamac, Paracas National Reserve, Huacachina Oasis

Departing Lima we travel south along the coast stopping to visit Pachacamac, an impressive Inca sanctuary considered, along with Cusco, to be the main place of worship in pre-Hispanic Peru. We enjoy a great lunch at Hacienda del Carmen. Afro-Peruvian culture has thrived in Chincha Alta, and the cuisine of the Chincha Alta area is considered distinct from other parts of Peru, because of its African background. After lunch we drive to the Paracas National Reserve and take a short walk among coastal rock formations with great views of the ocean and abundant bird and marine life. We continue to Ica and the Huacachina Oasis, an area renowned for its vineyards, colossal sand dunes and for being the home of Pisco brandy, which we'll sample poolside at our relaxing hotel.
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Day 3. Sand Dunes, Nazca Lines

Start with a fun early morning exploration of the sand dunes by dune buggy, and the chance to have a go at sand boarding if keen – no experience needed! We then continue south again stopping at the Maria Reiche Museum, dedicated to the woman who devoted her life to protecting and uncovering the mysteries of the Nazca Lines. Our first glimpse of the Nazca lines is from the mirador, an observation tower north of Nazca. We visit the Cemetery of Cauchilla to see tombs and mummies from the Nazca culture dating back to 1000-1300 AD, and the impressive Cantayo Aqueducts, constructed nearly 2000 years ago, and still in use today. Tonight we stay in a lovely restored hacienda.
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Day 4. Nazca Lines Flight, Arequipa

A morning flight (weather permitting) gives us a birds-eye view of the enigmatic Nazca lines, a series of geoglyphs in the high arid plateau of the Nazca Desert. Believed to have been created by the Nazca culture between 200 BC and 700 AD, there are hundreds of individual figures, ranging in complexity from simple lines to stylized hummingbirds, spiders, monkeys, fish, sharks, llamas and lizards. From Nazca we have a long day of travel in our comfortable private bus (approx 10 hours), along the coast, before heading inland to Arequipa, at 2380m, which is nestled at the foot of snow capped El Misti.
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Day 5. Arequipa, Santa Catalina Monastery

This morning we take a walking tour of Arequipa's historic centre, designated a UNESCO world heritage site for its architecture, and the Santa Catalina Monastery, founded in 1580 and characterised by archways and vividly painted walls. In the afternoon we have free time to relax by the hotel pool or wander among the inviting art and craft shops. If feeling adventurous and energetic you might like to take an optional hike up El Misti, or a mountain bike ride down.
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Day 6. Cabonaconde, Colca Canyon

Depart early today in our private 4WD vehicles for the Colca canyon. We migrate across the northern Atacama Desert crossing El Pedregal, a long green valley in the middle of one of the driest areas on earth. From the highest point of our journey in the Andean range, we have a good view of the Ampato, a snow covered mountain where, in 1995, the mummy of 14 year old Juanita was found on the mountain by climbers. On arrival in Cabonaconde there is time to stretch our legs with a walk around this town's historic plaza.
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Day 7. Condors, Colca Canyon

The Colca Canyon is more than twice the depth of the Grand Canyon, and is bordered by a colorful Andean valley with towns founded in Spanish Colonial times and formerly inhabited by the Collaguas and Cabanas people. The local people still maintain ancestral traditions and continue to cultivate the pre-Inca stepped terraces. The canyon is home to the Andean Condor, a species that has seen world-wide effort to preserve it. We have the chance for surprisingly close-up views of the condors as they soar gracefully on the rising thermals. Continuing along the canyon rim, we visit several small villages by vehicle and by foot, before arriving at Corporaque, where we stay in a lovely lodge and have time for a soak in nearby hot springs. This evening we visit the Maria Reiche planetarium for an AV projection and interpretation on how the ancient inhabitants of the Andes interpreted the night sky according to their myths and beliefs.
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Day 8. Llachon village

A travel day in comfortable private vans across the high desert to a Llachon village on the shore of Lake Titicaca (approx 8 hours). Enroute are several interesting stops – the stone forest of Imata which has been eroded over millions of years by the wind, rain and humidity to form shapes of trees, animals and humans; a series of small lagoons where it is possible to see Andean Flamingos and trout farmers on their artisan boats; Patapampa (4850m), the highest pass between Puno and the Colca canyon with great views of snow capped mountains, desert and volcanoes. If lucky, we may catch a glimpse of the elusive Vicuña. This protected species is one of two wild South American camelids, which lives in the high Andes. It is a relative of the Llama and Alpaca. Vicuñas produce small amounts (0.5 kg per year) of extremely fine wool. It is understood that the Incas raised Vicuñas for their wool, and that it was against the law for anyone but royalty to wear Vicuña garments. Tonight we stay in a simple lodge in the village.
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Day 9 – 10. Lake Titicaca, Amantani Island, Taquile and the Uros Islands

We spend the morning with the community in Llachon village, learning about rural life and culture. After lunch we board our private boat and head out onto Lake Titicaca. Our destination, the island of Amantani, has a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Its tranquility and simple subsistence lifestyle is alluring. We homestay with local families for the night, giving us ample time to explore the terraced slopes, significant hilltop ruins, swim in the highest lake on earth (if game!), and soak up the wonderful ambience. On our return journey to Puno the next day we'll stop at Taquile Island and walk across the island for lunch in the village square. Taquile is renowned for its craft production, particularly textiles. Before disembarking in Puno we'll also make a stop to meet the remarkable Uros Islanders, who live on floating islands made entirely of reeds.
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Day 11. Cusco

The road to Cusco stretches across an arid moonscape of mountains, lakes, clusters of earthen homes and scattered herds of llama. We travel in comfortable private vehicles to Cusco (approx 6 hours) with stops enroute at several significant sites – La Raya Pass (4310m), the Pukara and Raqchi complexes, and Andahuaylillas village, whose main attraction is an adobe church built in 1631, after the Conquest, on the base of an ancient Incan temple. For those in the group booked to walk the Inca Trail, you will have an early departure tomorrow morning for the Inca Trail, and will meet up with the group again on Day 15 at Machu Picchu (see Inca Trail description below).
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Day 12 – 13. Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas

We have a day in Cusco to explore the historic quarter, interesting museums and craft cooperatives and then spend the next day exploring the sacred sites of Pisac and Ollantaytambo and interesting local markets. Pisac is famous for its traditional market offering handcrafts, and where local people barter for food, clothing, animals, and other supplies. The ruins above Pisac are surrounded by spectacular Inca terraces, and can be visited by either walking up the steep Inca steps cut into the hillside or by vehicle. Ollantaytambo is remembered as one of the few places that the Spanish lost a major battle during their conquest. It is an impressive fortress accessed by a huge 200-step stone stairway. We stay each night in hotels with views overlooking the plaza and ruins.
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Day 14 – 15. Aguas Calientes & Machu Picchu

Departing Ollantaytambo, we travel by train to Aguas Calientes, check into our hotel, then walk (or drive) up to Machu Picchu for our first experience of this ‘lost city of the Incas'. We have an informative guided tour of the ruins and then free time to explore independently. If you are keen, the climb to Wayna Picchu takes approx 1.5 hrs. We return to Aguas Calientes for the evening, giving us the opportunity to return to Machu Picchu the next morning. Seeing the sunrise over this sacred Incan city is a breathtaking start to the day and to be among the first people in the citadel is one of the best experiences of Machu Picchu. Leaving Aguas Calientes mid afternoon, we catch the train back to Cusco, arriving in the evening.
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Day 16. Cusco

A day to enjoy Cusco at your leisure. From the Plaza de Armas you can visit many of the city's historical sites, on foot - see Incan stone walls serving as the foundations of Spanish architecture and view the Cathedral built atop the ruins of an Incan temple. There are endless craft shops and fantastic restaurants and cafes.
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Day 17. Puerto Maldonaldo, Amazon Basin

We have an early start from Cusco for a short flight to Puerto Maldonado, in the Amazon basin. From Puerto Maldonado we travel by 4WD into the jungle, before transferring to boats for a short trip upriver to our eco-lodge, Posada Amazones. After settling in to our lodge we take a short walk to a 30m canopy tower. From platforms atop the tower are spectacular views of the forest intersected by the Tambopata River. Toucans, parrots and macaws are sometimes seen flying against the horizon, while mixed species flocks regularly alight in the treetops nearby.
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Day 18. Bahuaja-Sonene National Reserve

Tambopata - Candamo and Bahuaja - Sonene National Amazon Reserve is located in the department of Madre de Dios, between the Tambopata and Candamo Rivers. This amazing 275,000 hectare National Reserve was created by the Peruvian government in 1990 to protect the watersheds of the Amazonian plain. The area's environmental diversity had allowed at least 11 different types of forests to co-exist leading to incredible biodiversity. The number of different species identified, to date, in this area of pristine forest includes 700 bird species, 32 parrot species (10% of the world's total), 191 mammals, 1234 types of butterflies, over 10,000 species of vascular plants, 155 varieties of dragonflies, 97 species of fish, 130 kinds of ants, 127 species of amphibians, 75 kinds of reptiles, 40 species of termites, 39 varieties of bees and more than 100 species of New World monkeys (the largest is comparable to a chimpanzee and the smallest is no larger than a pen). Among these are 13 endangered species including the jaguar, the ocelot, the giant otter, giant armadillo, and the harpy eagle.

A 5am start takes by boat up the Tambopata River to enjoy a magical sunrise. This is a great opportunity to see the diversity of wildlife in the jungle - animals such as giant otters, tapir, jaguar and deer in the surrounding virgin forest. We can observe parrots, parakeets and macaws of various species enjoying salt licks along the riverbank. We also take a short ethno-botanical walk with the chance of seeing monkeys. This evening we have the option of a night walk, a time when the mammals, though rarely seen, are most active, and the jungle is alive with sounds.
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Day 19. Amazon Sunrise, Lima

We enjoy a fantastic sunrise in the jungle and breakfast, then depart the lodge and return to Puerto Maldonaldo for a mid morning flight to Lima. On arrival in Lima, we return to our gorgeous hotel, completing the circle of our journey in Peru. We have free time this afternoon by a final group dinner. Tomorrow we continue our adventures with a flight to Ecuador, or complete our travel and return home.
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Day 20. Tour end or fly to Ecuador for Galapagos extension

Farewell Peru and transfer to the airport for flights home or onward to Quito, Ecuador.
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Inca Trail Option

Day 12 – 15. Inca Trail Option

Day 1 (12km hike): Depart Cusco at 5:30 and travel by private van (3 hrs) through the Sacred Valley to the start of the trail at Kilometre 88. The trek begins by crossing the Vilcanota River and then climbing steadily with great views of the Urubamba mountain range and the extensive Llactapata Inca ruins. Continue hiking to the small village of Wayllabamba (3000m), to camp for the night.
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Day 2 (12km hike): Hike up to the first and highest pass of the Inca trail, Abra Huarmy Wañusca (Dead Woman's Pass) at 4200m. Lunch at the pass, having completed the most difficult section of the trail. IAfter lunch a steady decent takes us down to Paqaymayo valley (3600m) and our camp for the night.
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Day 3 (15km hike): Climb 1 hour to the ruins of Runkuracay, then another hour the top of the second pass, Abra de Runkuracay (4000m). A steep descent through beautiful terrain brings us to the Sayaqmarca pass for lunch. After lunch, the trail is gently undulating as it passes through cloud forest full of orchids, hanging mosses, tree ferns and flowers and an impressive Inca tunnel. The last climb of the day brings us to the Puyupatamarca pass (Town in the Clouds) at 3700m with spectacular mountain views. Our trail from the pass descends an impressive Incan stairway of a thousand steps then continues through cloud forest to Wyñay Wayna (Forever Young), and our last camp before Machu Picchu.
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Day 4 (5km hike): We have a very early pre-dawn breakfast (4am) and hike up to the last pass of the trail, Inti Punku (Sun Gate) to reach Machu Picchu for sunrise. We have a guided tour of the ruins and then time to explore independently, with the chance to climb up to Wayna Picchu, before meeting up with the rest of the group to return to Cusco. We arrive in Cusco around 8pm.
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Note re. Inca Trail price and service:

If you choose the Inca Trail option, you will have a private trek – a guide and equipment just for members in our group, instead of being put together with a large group of other people wishing to start the same day. The price of the ‘private service' varies depending on the number of people in the group who choose to join the Inca Trail. The current price is an estimate (US $775 / NZ $1000). The exact price will be confirmed with you, if you choose the Inca Trail, prior to final payment, and will be invoiced to you, with your final payment.

Galapagos Extension Itinerary

9 days exploring the Galapagos Islands and Quito, Ecuador

Day 20. Quito

We depart Lima, Peru for Quito, Ecuador, one of the highest capital cities in the world. We have time to explore the historic quarter of this colourful city, before a briefing about our Galapagos trip and a welcome dinner. The Galapagos Archipelago is a unique world heritage. Situated on the equator nearly 1000km off the coast of South America, this remote volcanic archipelago remains much as it was millions of years ago. Over centuries, animal and plant life from the Americas reached the islands and gradually evolved into new forms. Many of its species are found nowhere else on earth and each of the archipelago's islands has its own character and unique qualities. Since Darwin's famous voyage, the archipelago's marine and terrestrial ecosystems have provided a wealth of information and a source of inspiration for people throughout the world. The "Enchanted Islands" continue to play an important role in our understanding of life on earth. The Galapagos experience offers us a way to step back in time, to visit an isolated, relatively untouched place on earth.
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Day 21. San Cristobal Island

Our voyage begins with an early morning flight from Quito to San Cristobal Island, Galapagos. Once checked in to our hotel on the island, we make our way to the top of San Cristobal from where we have panoramic views out over the Pacific towards Santa Cruz, Floreana and Santa Fe. On the return journey you have the option of sedate car travel or an exhilarating bike ride through the lush highlands of the island, to the township of Puerto Barequizo where we visit the Interpretation Center and unfold the mysterious history of Galapagos, ‘The Enchanted Islands'. Late afternoon we visit Mann Beach for a swim and to observe playful sea lions and frigate birds gliding on the thermals. Dinner showcases the fresh fish and produce of the island.
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Day 22. Isla de Lobos and Kicker Rock

The day begins with our first boat trip in the MV Christine to observe the abundant marine life that Galapagos is renowned for. We stop off at Isla de Lobos to swim and snorkel with playful young sea lions, and then continue on to Kicker Rock, the remains of an underwater volcano rising 150m vertically out of the sea – an impressive sight. Here we can snorkel or watch from the boat, keeping an eye out for sea turtles, manta rays and maybe the odd harmless Galapagos shark. We finish up the day at Puerto Grande, one of the most beautiful beaches in the islands before returning to San Cristobal port in the late afternoon.
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Day 23. Floreana and Isabela Islands

We depart San Cristobal for Floreana Island. Keep an eye out for dolphins and the magnificent albatross along the way. At Champions Bay or Devils Crown we have the opportunity to experience some of the best snorkeling in the islands. We depart Floreana for Isabela Island after a full day of boating and snorkeling.
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Day 24. Isabela Island, Sierra Negra Volcano

A full day tour takes us up Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos, and the second largest crater in the world. After taking in the incredible views from the volcano we visit the Breeding Centre of the Giant Tortoise, the largest in Galapagos. This evening we relax beachside to enjoy sunset with a cold beer or cocktail.
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Day 25. Isabela Island, Flamingos, Turtles, Penguins

By foot and vehicle we make our way along the wall of tears, built by convicts many years ago. Enroute we make several stops at lookouts, natural pools, short walking trails, beaches, mangrove swamps and to see pink flamingos. After lunch we can swim and snorkel at the Concha Perla and observe resting marine turtles. In the afternoon, we take a zodiac tour of the bay where to observe, the only penguins found close to the equator.
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Day 26. Santa Cruz Island, Giant Tortoise, Lava Tunnels

An early morning departure today for the Island of Santa Cruz. We visit the highlands of Santa Cruz, observing The Galapagos Giant tortoise in its natural surroundings, see amazing lava tunnels (some over 1km long), and take in panoramic views of the islands. This afternoon we head to Tortuga Bay, a stunning beach with fine white sand to see marine iguanas.
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Day 27. Santa Cruz, Santa Fe and San Cristobal Islands

We start today with a visit to Lonesome George at the Charles Darwin Research Station where we can observe many species of tortoises and land iguanas in captivity, brought back from the brink of extinction. We then depart Santa Cruz for Santa Fe Island for a relaxing swim or snorkel in a beautiful bay where we can observe marine iguanas feeding off rocks and schools of sturgeon fish just below the surface. This afternoon we return to San Cristobal for our final night in the Galapagos.
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Day 28. Quito

Farewell the Enchanted Islands and fly from San Cristobal Island back to Quito. This afternoon will be free to explore the 'old town' of Quito – its narrow streets, restored colonial architecture, lively plazas and markets – a fascinating place to wander.
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Day 29. Tour end

We transfer to the airport for international flights home and the conclusion of a truly amazing month-long journey in South America.

Discover Peru & Galapagos Tour Notes

20 days of fantastic adventure travel through Peru with an optional 9-day Galapagos Islands extension

Suitability

This tour is suitable for anyone who is moderately active - we’ve had 10-80 year olds join us on our itineraries. For the active, you may like to choose the 4-day Inca Trail option, perhaps try sand boarding (no experience needed), and hike or bike a volcano. On the Galapagos Islands extension there will be day walks on the islands, snorkeling on offer, and the option to explore by mountain bike. For the less active, there are shorter walk options and transport can usually be arranged without problem – either taxis or burros (donkeys) depending on location.

Accommodation

Our accommodation is diverse, comfortable and carefully chosen to enhance our experience. On this itinerary we enjoy: 16 nights in locally owned boutique hotels and guesthouses with private bathroom/ensuite and air conditioning; 2 nights in simple clean homestay with shared facilities; 2 nights in jungle lodge with ensuite and mosquito nets. If choosing the Inca Trail option: 3 nights will be camping in tents with basic shared facilities. On the Galapagos extension we enjoy: 9 nights in locally owned character hotels and guesthouses with ensuite.

Meals

Food is a highlight when traveling in South America and throughout there will be the opportunity to eat authentic Peruvian or Western style food, and fresh seafood in the Galapagos. Special dietary requirements are catered for. Most meals are included as indicated in the itinerary but we do have some independent meals enabling a choice of where, when and what you eat.

Transport

The itinerary has been designed to maximise comfort and safety whilst also giving you the opportunity to experience local transport and take part in daily life. We utilise private vans, taxis, boats, and take two flights within Peru, and if on the Galapagos extension, two flights within Ecuador.

Tour Cost

Tour cost is from $4,800 USD (change currency).
Refer to the information booklet for optional Inca Trail and Galapagos Islands costs.

Tour inclusions

› All tour related travel and transport from tour start to finish including two flights within Peru, two flights within Ecuador for Galapagos extension, and airport taxes
› Visas and permits
› All accommodation*
› Most meals as indicated in the itinerary
› All excursions, activities and entry fees as described in the itinerary (unless noted as optional)
› Escorted by a Pacific Discovery tour leader and the services of English-speaking local guides
› Online image library for your tour
›› Refer information booklet for international flight options and exclusions
*Twin or double share basis. Single supplement available for additional $600 USD (change currency)