Footsteps of the Incas with Quito and the Galapagos Islands
£7,495.00
Being left speechless at the sight of the ancient city of Machu Picchu. Having the chance to get up close and personal with giant tortoises
Discover Peru and Ecuador&s captivating blend of history, culture, wildlife, and natural wonders. To start, we visit Peru, where archaeological treasures are weaved seamlessly among sweeping, unspoiled valleys and the mountain scenery of the Andes. Add into the mix a host of vibrant and friendly locals, and you’ll soon realise there’s much more to discover here than just llamas and knitted chullo. We&ll begin in the coastal capital of Lima and look for condors soaring over vast Colca Canyon, before gliding through the tranquil waters of Lake Titicaca and travelling to mountaintop Machu Picchu, discovering Peruvian history and legend along the way. And if that&s not enough, this adventure extends to Ecuador with nights in Quito and a four-night Galapagos Islands cruise. Picture pristine beaches, crystalline waters, and extraordinary wildlife, from giant tortoises to blue-footed boobies – it&s like a true nature documentary brought to life.
- 21 excursions & visits
- 37 meals
- Adventurer pace
Your itinerary
Day 1 – In flight
Our door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Lima.
In flight
Days 2-3 – Lima
Upon arrival on day 2 you&re free to explore. On day 3 we take a morning tour of the old ‘City of Kings’ (Lima’s original name). The city’s walls are laced with incredible history of political, cultural and economic importance, having played the role of capital of the Spanish dominions in South America from 1535 until the 18th century. We’ll explore the Old Town’s remarkable colonial architecture, Government Palace and the city’s historic squares. And we’ll stop at the cathedral and Larco Herrera Museum, where gold and silver from ancient Peru are displayed. The afternoon is free.
Mercure Ariosto Lima (4-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Tour of Lima, with entrance to Larco Museum (morning day 3)
Breakfast
Free time
Day 4 – Lima – Arequipa
We transfer to the airport for our flight to Arequipa.
Casa Andina Select Arequipa (3-star)
Today includes…
Breakfast
Day 5 – Arequipa
You can enjoy scenic views at every turn in Arequipa thanks to the three snow-capped towering volcanoes – Chachani, Misti and Pichu Pichu – that guard the UNESCO-listed city. This morning we embark on a tour – the city’s architecture is utterly remarkable and many buildings are made from locally sourced white volcanic sillar rock. Explore the fine old quarter of San Lazaro and the spectacular Monastery of Santa Catalina, Peru’s most important religious building and home to a delightful gallery of paintings and sculptures. Spend the afternoon at leisure, or take an optional excursion of your choice.
Casa Andina Select Arequipa (3-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Tour of Arequipa, with entrance to Santa Catalina Monastery (morning)
Breakfast
Free time
Day 6 – Colca Canyon
Today we travel into the Colca Canyon, marvelling at the colourful Andean Valley as we journey to Chivay. This charming small town in the southern Colca Canyon region has a cultural main square with views of terraced hillsides and snow-capped peaks.
Casa Andina Classic Colca (3-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Visit Colca Canyon (all day)
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7 – Colca Canyon – Puno
At Colca Canyon’s Cruz del Condor, Andean Condors can be seen soaring gracefully on thermals rising from the stunning canyon. The scale of the canyon is truly breathtaking, with the summit of the nearby Ampato volcano over 5km higher than the canyon’s lowest point. Later, we travel to Puno.
Sonesta Posadas del Inca Puno (3-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Visit Cruz del Condor (morning)
Breakfast
Day 8 – Lake Titicaca
A full-day excursion to Lake Titicaca reveals an area of unbelievable beauty and legend. Believed by the Incas to be the birthplace of the sun, Titicaca is South America’s largest lake. We’ll see the Uros villages, whose inhabitants live on floating totora-reed islands, and Taquile Island, inhabited by Quechua-speaking natives. Here, we see a demonstration of traditional hand-weaving techniques – a snapshot of the remarkable lifestyle and culture of these Peruvian natives.
Sonesta Posadas del Inca Puno (3-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Excursion to Lake Titicaca (morning)
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9 – Puno – Cuzco
Today we travel from Puno to Cuzco in style, aboard the Pullman-style carriages of the Titicaca Train. This journey is about more than just getting from A to B. The scenery is absolutely spectacular (windswept fields, traditional villages and soaring mountains), but the onboard experience is just as special. Think gourmet Peruvian cuisine and live performances from local musicians. Sit back and take it all in as you weave through the Peruvian Andes. This is a journey of experience.
Xima Cusco Hotel (4-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Puno-Cuzco train journey (all day)
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 10 – Cuzco
Cuzco was the once fabled capital of the Inca Empire, situated in the Peruvian Andes. Enjoy a captivating tour of the ‘Archaeological Capital of South America’, visiting the beautiful Plaza de Armas, Cuzco Cathedral with star-shaped ceilings and a lavish collection of famous paintings including Marcos Zapata’s impeccable ‘The Last Supper’. We also see the semi-circular Temple of the Sun and the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, the massive Inca fortress overlooking the city.
Xima Cusco Hotel (4-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Tour of Cuzco (morning)
Breakfast
Free time
Day 11 – Cuzco – Sacred Valley
We travel to the Sacred Valley, stopping in the charming village of Pisac where Quechua people from the beautiful surrounding highlands come to sell their stock and purchase supplies in the lively market; with jewellery, ponchos, Andean instruments and ceramics it’s a shopper’s delight! Head to Ollantaytambo, where the aged remains include a series of steps and niches carved out of the cliff. Since the 13th century, this beautiful area has been a delightful place to leisurely wander through narrow, cobblestone streets making you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.
Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay, Sacred Valley (3-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Visit Sacred Valley; village of Pisac and fortress of Ollantaytambo (all day)
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 12 – Machu Picchu
Today is a real highlight as we travel to the magnificent lost Inca city of Machu Picchu by train. Tours here reveal the sheer scale of this historic, archaeological masterpiece, once buried in the jungle. The complex is considered to have been constructed at the height of the Inca Empire between the 15th and 16th centuries, and abandoned at the end of the latter. The group of approximately 200 structures were rediscovered in 1911, and declared one of the New7Wonders of the World in 2007. The ruins of temples, palaces, towers and fountains set against a dramatic backdrop of dark green forested mountains remain a symbol of the Inca Empire’s time in power.
Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay, Sacred Valley (3-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Excursion to Machu Picchu (all day)
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 13 – Sacred Valley – Cuzco
Today we transfer to Cuzco for an overnight stay.
Xima Cusco Hotel (4-star)
Today includes…
Breakfast
Day 14 – Cuzco – Quito
The next part of our adventure kicks off bright and early as we fly from Cuzco to Quito (via Lima). Touching down in Quito, we&ll be treated to lunch at a local restaurant – a perfect way to savour the flavours of Ecuador. Afterwards, get ready for a city tour of Quito including a visit to a charming rose plantation. You&ll have the evening to unwind and recharge after a long day.
Hilton Colon Quito (4-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: City tour of Quito (afternoon)
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 15 – Otavalo
Today is all about embracing the vibrant culture of Otavalo. This charming town is renowned for its bustling markets, offering a treasure trove of handcrafted textiles, intricate jewellery, and captivating artwork. After exploring the town, we’ll visit Parque del Condor and enjoy lunch at a local spot, before heading back to Quito.
Hilton Colon Quito (4-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Excursion to Otavalo (all day)
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 16 – Quito – Galapagos Islands
Today, we&ll be flying to the spectacular Galapagos Islands where we&ll board our home for the next four nights, staying in a Junior Suite Cabin. In the afternoon, get ready to explore charming Mosquera Islet. This tiny islet, covered in soft, ivory sand, offers a unique habitat for a variety of wildlife. Watch out for the playful antics of sea lions along the coastline, while curious Sally Lightfoot crabs scuttle around the rocks. The rich marine life surrounding Mosquera Islet is equally mesmerising, making it a fantastic spot for snorkelling and discovering the vibrant underwater world of the Galapagos.
MV Galapagos Legend (3-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Visit to Mosquera Islet (afternoon)
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 17 – Galapagos Islands
This morning we visit Egas Port on Santiago Island, famous for its dramatic coastline of towering cliffs and fascinating rock formations. The black volcanic sand that lines the shore creates a striking contrast to the azure waters, making it a photographer&s dream. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife that calls this place home, including marine iguanas and sea lions. In the afternoon, we&re off to Rabida Island, a must-visit destination in the Galapagos. We’ll be greeted by a shoreline of rich, russet sands lapped by the pristine blue waters. As for the wildlife, look up to spot the majestic Galapagos hawk soaring above, and be sure to say hello to the iconic blue-footed boobies and the ever-curious finches. This island is a true paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.
MV Galapagos Legend (3-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Egas Port, Santiago Island (morning)Rabida Island (afternoon)
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 18 – Galapagos Islands
Today, our journey takes us to Isabela Island, a place bursting with wildlife and stunning landscapes. Our first stop is Urbina Bay, where you&ll encounter giant tortoises, land iguanas, and the remarkable Galapagos flightless cormorant. Take a short stroll, and you might meet playful turtles and spirited sea lions. The scenery features diverse plant life and blossoms that attract various insects, birds and reptiles. If you&re visiting between May and December, watch for whales gracing these waters. Next on our adventure is Tagus Cove, known for its unique U-shaped bay enclosed by towering cliffs. The waters here are teeming with marine life, turtles, penguins and an array of colourful fish.
MV Galapagos Legend (3-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Urbina Bay, Isabela Island (morning)Tagus Cove, Isabela Island (afternoon)
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 19 – Galapagos Islands
This morning we’ll begin with an excursion to Espinosa Point on Fernandina Island, with an otherworldly volcanic terrain, yet an abundance of wildlife. The star of the show here is the extraordinary colony of marine iguanas. Unlike any other iguana in the world, these incredible creatures venture into the sea in search of food. You&ll find them spread out across the stark black lava fields, soaking up the warm sun. In the afternoon, our journey continues to Punta Vicente Roca, famous for its mesmerising marine life and stunning geological formations. This destination is a testament to the raw power of nature, with its coastline carved by countless centuries of natural forces. To get a closer look, we&ll hop on a small boat and cruise along the coast, where you&ll have the chance to marvel at a diverse range of coastal birds, including Nazca and blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, and charming penguins.
MV Galapagos Legend (3-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Punta Espinosa, Fernandina Island (morning)Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela Island (afternoon)
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 20 – Galapagos Islands – Guayaquil – Lima
Today marks the last full day of our Galapagos cruise. There’s time for one last excursion to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. It&s a place where lush, green landscapes provide a striking contrast to the volcanic terrain found on other islands. We’ll find ourselves surrounded by Scalesia – trees endemic to the Galapagos but part of the daisy family, creating a surreal atmosphere. Keep a look out for the Galapagos giant tortoises that roam freely in this area, providing a rare opportunity to observe these ancient and gentle creatures up close. We’ll fly to Lima (via Guayaquil) and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay.
MV Galapagos Legend (3-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Highlands Tortoise Reserve, Santa Cruz Island (morning)
Breakfast
Day 21 – Lima – In flight
Transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight.
Lima – In flight
Today includes…
Breakfast
Day 22 – Departure
Upon arrival, our vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.
