Peru & Galapagos Explorer

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. With Indigenous cultures dating back millennia, this country is a fascinating land of Amazonian rainforests, diverse wildlife and mountain landscapes. Your adventure officially begins in Lima with a welcome meeting at 4 pm this afternoon at your hotel. If you arrive early, you might like to visit the Gold Museum or do the Lima Discovery Tour with Urban Adventures to explore hidden hangouts, markets and street food vendors loved by Limenos (people who live in Lima).

Set out on a walking tour of downtown Lima this morning, where the streets are lined with old mansions, palaces and churches. Take in Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral of Lima, the San Francisco Monastery and the Central Market, where you’ll get a glimpse into Peru’s abundant produce. Then, board a local bus to Paracas – it may stop three or four times along the way. There are no activities planned in Paracas, so maybe seek out a bar serving Peru's national drink – the Pisco sour.

This morning, wildlife enthusiasts might like to visit the Ballestas Islands in Paracas National Reserve for a chance to spot pelicans, red-footed boobies and flamingos on a two-hour boat tour. Otherwise, you could take it easy with some self-paced sightseeing in Paracas. Then, hit the road to Nazca – home to a fascinating archaeological site – the Nazca Lines. This group of geoglyphs etched into the ground of the Nazca Desert was created between 500 BC and AD500 and covers an area of about 450 sq km (173 sq mi). You’ll stop in the town of Huacachina – a little settlement next to a small lake surrounded by sand dunes. Take in the sights from the viewing platform or opt for a scenic flight for the ultimate bird’s eye views.

This morning, you’ll explore the desert graveyard of Chauchilla – where the arid conditions have naturally interred the remains of the Nazca people buried here. Later in the afternoon, you'll board a local overnight bus from Nazca to Arequipa. The journey is long, so you'll want to stock up on snacks.

You’ll arrive in Arequipa this morning. Check into your hotel room, freshen up and have breakfast before enjoying free time for the rest of the day. Standing at the foot of El Misti Volcano, Arequipa vies with Cusco for the title of Peru's most scenic city. Built out of a pale volcanic rock called sillar, the old buildings dazzle in the sun, giving the city its nickname – the White City. The main plaza, with its cafes and nearby cathedral, is a lovely place to while away the day. Maybe wander the plaza, tuck into local dishes like rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy peppers) or visit the Andean Sanctuaries Museum which houses Peru’s famous Ice Maiden (also known as ‘Juanita’) – the Inca mummy of a girl who died in the 1440s.

Travel by minivan to the traditional market town of Chivay today. Look out for llamas, alpacas and vicunas along the way – not sure how to differentiate between these adorable creatures? Your leader will help you! You'll also stop to stretch your legs, take photos and try local coca tea. The third stop takes you to the highest point on the trip at Patapama (4800 m/15,748 ft) before descending to Chivay. Have lunch in town, then maybe wander around the plaza or enjoy a soak in the Colca Canyon Hot Springs. Tonight, why not try llama steak at a local restaurant and watch some live Andean music at a pena (bar)?

Visit the Colca Canyon this morning – more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyonand making for some epic views. See terraced crops cultivated since pre-Inca times by local villages and look out for the Andean condor – one of the world’s largest flying birds – soaring above and below you from a prime viewing point. Later, board a bus to Puno. It’s a long drive, but the views of the Altiplano – part of the Peruvian highlands – make it an exceptionally scenic one. Puno is on the shores of Lake Titicaca, which you’ll explore in the coming days. When you arrive, you might like to get familiar with the town by exploring on foot. Known as Peru’s folklore capital, Puno is home to several Indigenous cultures, including the Aymara and Quechua peoples.

Take a tour of immense Lake Titicaca by motorboat today. Stop at the floating Uros Islands that were built by the Uros people hundreds of years ago to protect themselves from encroaching Inca forces. The islands are constructed from many layers of totora reeds that grow in the lake’s shallows. You’ll get a closer look at contemporary life here during a homestay with a local community. Help your host family with their daily activities, learn a few words in the Quechua language and maybe join a soccer game to make some friends on the makeshift pitch. Tonight, sit down and swap stories with your hosts over a homecooked meal.

This morning, board another motorboat and cruise to Taquile Island – where the locals are known for crafting intricate textiles. Here, knitting is strictly men’s domain and women do the spinning. It's a great place to pick up high-quality knitted goods while supporting local craftspeople. After, hike uphill to the main area of the island, where you can shop for more handicrafts. Descend about 500 steps to the boat and cruise back to Puno, where you might like to gather the group and find a local watering hole to enjoy a drink or two. Chilcano or another Pisco sour, anyone?

Take a scenic bus ride across the Altiplano to Cusco – the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city. The buildings that stand here today are built on foundations from ancient Inca times. Spend some time acclimatising to the high altitude of 3450 m (11,319 ft), then set out to explore some of Cusco's lesser-known sites on a guided walking tour. See the facade of Qoricancha temple, San Pedro market, the main square, the Twelve Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. End the tour at Cusco's Chocolate Museum to sample a cup of hot chocolate made from local cacao beans. There’s also a small store where you can browse artisanal chocolate treats.

Enjoy a free day in Cusco – the heart and soul of Peru. You may like to visit one of the city’s many museums and archaeological sites with a boleto turistico (tourism ticket). This includes the Contemporary Art Museum, Regional History Museum, Qosqo Native Art Museum and the Inca ruins of Saqsaywaman, Q'enqo, Puka Pukara, Pisac and Ollantaytambo. The most easily accessible among these sites is Coricancha, which was once the Inca empire's richest temple, until the Spanish built a Dominican church on top of it. Just speak to your leader to organise this pass or for recommendations on how to make the most of your time.

Depending on the travel arrangements you made before the trip, you’ll either spend the next four days hiking the Inca Trail (Route 1), hiking the Quarry Trail (Route 2) or staying in Cusco for two days before taking the train to Aguas Calientes (Route 3). All routes visit Machu Picchu. While away from Cusco, most of your luggage will be stored at your hotel. If you’re hiking the Inca or Quarry Trails, you'll receive a small duffle bag the evening before you leave to carry your clothes (5 kg/11 lb maximum). Your team of porters will carry these bags for you, together with the food and camping equipment. You won't have access to these items until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. If you’re travelling to Aguas Calientes by train, you'll be able to leave most of your luggage at the hotel in Cusco and travel with only a small bag for the overnight stay in Aguas Calientes. Route 1 Inca Trail: Travel by minivan to the 82 km (51 mi) marker and meet your guide, cook and crew of porters. Your first day will include uphill trekking to the campsite (3100 m/10,171 ft). On the way, you’ll see the Inca sites of Ollantaytambo, Huillca Raccay and Llactapata, as well as incredible views of snow-capped Veronica Peak. In the evening, unwind at the campsite with a nourishing meal prepared by your cook. Route 2 Quarry Trail: Make an early start today and drive to Choquequilla, a small ceremonial place where Incas worshipped the moon. From here, head to the small community near Qory Song’o (Golden Heart) hill to climb to the top for views of the Soqma Perolniyoc, Pachar and Huarocondo valleys. There are also several protected sacred tombs which you can explore and even see some of the original structure crafted from wood and leather – travellers have seldom seen these remains. Continue to the Perolniyoc Cascade lookout to stop for snacks and photos. Arrive at the campsite (3700 m/12,139 ft) around lunchtime. After, set off to explore the Q'orimarca archaeological site – a historic Inca checkpoint. Route 3 Cusco: If you choose the train option, you’ll stay in Cusco so that you have time to visit some of its many museums and archaeological sites. The most accessible is Coricancha – speak with your trip leader to organise optional activities.

Route 1 Inca Trail: This is the most challenging trekking day as you’ll ascend a steep path to reach the highest point of the trail. Colloquially known as 'Dead Woman's Pass', Warmiwanusca sits at a height of 4200 m (13,780 ft), providing amazing views of the valley. After, descend to the campsite in the Pacaymayo Valley (3650 m/11,975 ft). Route 2 Quarry Trail: This is the most challenging and rewarding day. A three-hour walk takes you to the top of the first pass of Puccaqasa (4370 m/14,337 ft). After enjoying the picturesque views, it’s a short walk before stopping for lunch. Then, hike to Kuychicassa (4450 m/14,600 ft), the trek’s highest pass. From here, descend to the sacred site that the Incas called Intipunku. This is a sun gate, where the sun streams through at certain times of the year. The Incas built several sun gates, the most notable overlooking Machu Picchu. Continue to the campsite (3600 m/11,811 ft), only a stone’s throw away. Route 3 Cusco: This morning, drive through the Sacred Valley. Known as Wilcamayo to the Incas, it has been a source of livelihood for the locals for hundreds of years, with maize crops covering the terraced valley. Stop for lunch in a local community, where you'll also get the chance to learn about their traditional lifestyle and maybe wrap your tongue around a few words of the Quechua language. Tonight, stay in Ollantaytambo where you can check out the town’s fascinating remnants of an Inca city overlooking the present-day settlement.

Route 1 Inca Trail: Start the day with a climb through the Pacaymayo Valley to Runkuracay Pass (3980 m/13,058 ft). Enjoy views of the snow-capped mountain of Cordillera Vilcabamba before descending for around 2 to 3 hours to the ruins of Sayacmarca. Continue over the trail’s third pass to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca (3850 m/12,631 ft), also known as the 'Town Above the Clouds.’ Then, start the 2-hour descent down Inca steps to a campsite by the Winay Wayna archaeological site. Route 2 Quarry Trail: Today’s hike is all downhill. The first stop is the incomplete Kachiqata quarry, where the Spanish intercepted the Incas. Explore the cobbled streets of Ollantaytambo when you finish the trek, then take a short train ride to Aguas Calientes. This is where you’ll meet the travellers in your group who didn't hike. Spend the night in a hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu. Route 3 Train to Aguas Calientes: Today, you’ll meet up with the travellers in your group who may have hiked the Quarry Trail. You’ll catch a 1.5-hour train through the winding Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes. The city is in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu. Spend the night in a hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu.

Route 1 Inca Trail: This is the final and most spectacular leg of the trek to Machu Picchu – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. You’ll have an early start, with breakfast at 4 am. Say farewell to the porters as they descend to the train station and begin hiking. Once the final checkpoint opens at 5 am, you’ll begin the final 2.5-hour trek to Intipunku (the Sun Gate). Weather- permitting, you’ll be treated to views over the Lost City of the Incas as you enter through the Sun Gate. Route 2 and 3 Machu Picchu to Cusco: Take an early bus up to Machu Picchu at 6 am. The city was built around AD1440 as a country retreat for the Inca nobility, but there’s evidence that the land had been a sacred Inca site for much longer. Take a guided tour around the ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters. This is a day to remember! The whole group will then catch the bus to Aguas Calientes to stop for lunch. From here, take a scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo, then drive back to Cusco, arriving in the evening.

Enjoy free time to relax, shop and explore more of Cusco today. Maybe rest your weary legs at a cafe on Plaza de Armas or head to the San Pedro Market where you’ll find vegetables, meats, local cheeses, chocolates, herbal medicines and handicrafts. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs or ingredients for a picnic. The market is also where many locals (and daring travellers) eat ‘mystery soups.’ Some may be just chicken – but the most popular among the locals usually contains frogs or offal. If you’re looking for something active, why not try mountain biking in the hills surrounding Cusco? Later, join your group for a Pisco sour class and tasting and celebrate your adventure.

Rise and shine for your journey into the Peruvian Amazon. Take an early transfer to the airport, then fly to Puerto Maldonado. Here, you’ll pack a small duffle bag with essentials for the next two days. Board a motorised canoe and cruise deep into the jungle to your eco-lodge in the Madre de Dios region – it'll take a couple of hours, so you’ll stop for lunch along the way. Settle into your thatched-roof lodge before a short orientation walk. Spend the evening taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the jungle and enjoying an I’m-so-far-from-home moment.

Get ready for a day of exploring the depths of the jungle! Set out on a half-day trek guided by local experts on the area's flora and fauna. Learn about the medicinal and practical uses for some of the plants that grow here, which Indigenous people have been studying and using for thousands of years. Along the way, look out for rainbow macaws and butterflies, and listen for the barking call of the peccaries and chattering of monkeys. Capybaras, giant otters and jabirus also live in this part of the Amazon, so keep your eyes peeled. Return to the lodge for lunch, then you’ll have some free time to relax. After sunset, venture out on a night walk in search of caimans, jaguars, anacondas and other nocturnal critters.

Leave the natural wonders of the Amazon behind and return to Puerto Maldonado to board a flight back to Lima. You'll be met by a local representative who’ll take you to your hotel. Time-permitting, the rest of the day is free to explore more of Lima's sights and maybe do some last-minute shopping. In the evening, maybe regroup for one last night out on the town and a celebratory farewell dinner of Peruvian favourites.

You have a free day in Lima today. Maybe you’d like to explore further, take up a fun optional activity or just rest and recharge, ready for the next stage of your trip.

Today, you’ll take a flight to Quito, Ecuador – a city that sits at an altitude of 2850 m with a view of Pichincha Volcano on the horizon. If your flight arrives on time, head to your second welcome meeting at 2 pm and get to know your new group and trip leader. After the welcome meeting, join your local leader for a tour of Quito's historic centre. Catch the metro to the Parque de la Alameda and visit sites such as the Basilica Voto Nacional – a famous neo-Gothic church known for its atypical gargoyles and grotesques depicting Galapagos tortoises, Andean condors and Amazon alligators. You’ll also visit La Compania de Jesus, a baroque church with an interior that's covered in gold leaf and etched with intricate carvings. Your tour of Quito finishes at San Francisco Square, then you’ll have free time to relax or head out for dinner in Quito’s Old Town – your leader will have plenty of recommendations!

This morning, catch an early morning transfer to Quito airport and board a flight to the Galapagos Islands – an archipelago of volcanic islands and a province of Ecuador in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Known for its abundant wildlife and plant species, Charles Darwin famously visited in 1835 and was inspired to create his theory of evolution. The flight includes a stop in Guayaquil to pick up additional passengers (you won't disembark the plane here). When you arrive on San Cristobal, you’ll meet your local naturalist guide at the airport, then transfer to your hotel to drop off your luggage. Maybe head out for an optional lunch to get to know your fellow travellers. Then, stop by a local shop to pick up snorkelling equipment, with the option to rent a wetsuit. Later, you'll travel by private minibus to La Loberia for the first Galapagos snorkelling experience of your trip. Swim alongside playful sea lions and maybe even sea turtles! Return to town for a free evening and maybe head out with the group for some fresh seafood.

Take a 45-minute boat ride to Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) this morning. On the way, you might be able to spot nesting frigates and blue-footed boobies. You might even get the chance to swim among the sea lions again. At Leon Dormido, you can snorkel and look for sea turtles, manta rays and the harmless Galapagos shark. Eat lunch on the boat, then head to the Interpretation Center. Learn about the history of the 'enchanted islands' and the conservation projects that seek to preserve them. Next, walk to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) for stunning views of the bay. You’ll return to town in the late afternoon for a free evening.

Rise bright and early today for a private speedboat trip to Isla Isabela – keep an eye out for dolphins and whales on the journey! On the way, you’ll stop at Isla Floreana where you’ll take a short walk to a black sand beach owned by the Witter family – descendants of some of the Galapagos’ earliest settlers. Here, you’ll learn about the island’s small community and unusual history. Then, put on your snorkelling gear and head into the water to spot colourful fish and sea turtles. For today’s lunch, you’ll sit down for a traditional meal at Leila – a small, family-run restaurant with a genuine community feel. Leila is part of the Floreana Community Tourism Association, meaning your visit directly supports local families and sustainable tourism on this little island. Later today, continue to Isla Isabela, where you’ll spend the night.

This morning, you’ll hop on a small motorboat and cruise to Las Tintoreras (Shark Alley), looking out for blue-footed boobies and the famous Galapagos penguin. Take a short walk through a marine iguana nesting site (watch your step as they camouflage into the surrounding rock!), then stop at ‘Shark Alley’ – a narrow channel where white-tipped reef sharks rest in the clear, shallow waters. Head back to the boat, then put on your snorkelling gear and jump in to look for sea turtles, playful sea lions, colourful fish, eagle rays and sea stars. Return to Isla Isabela for lunch and then visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center, where you'll observe giant tortoises in all stages of development, then visit a brackish lagoon to observe flamingos. Later today, kayak around the Bay of Puerto Villamil, maybe spotting pelicans, frigatebirds and the brightly coloured Sally Lightfoot crabs along the way. Spend your evening resting in the sand and soaking in an Isla Isabela sunset – arguably the most beautiful of all the islands!

After breakfast, travel by private minibus to the trailhead of Sierra Negra Volcano – one of the Galapagos’ most active volcanoes and home to the world's second largest crater! Weather permitting, you’ll take a challenging 17 km round trip hike up the rocky mountain. Starting amid lush highland vegetation, watch the landscape surrounding you transform into stark volcanic terrain as you walk. After your hike, make your way back to town for some free time to relax – maybe curl up with a book, soak your tired muscles or venture down to the water for a relaxing swim before dinner.

Jump aboard a private speedboat this morning and head to Isla Santa Cruz. When you arrive, leave your bags at the hotel and head to the Santa Cruz Highlands. Your first stop is a family-run organic sugar cane farm for a tour of their trapiche (a sugar cane mill used in artisanal sugar production). Here, you'll learn how sugar cane, coffee and cacao are harvested and processed. Next, you’ll watch a cooking demonstration featuring the famed encebollado – a local tuna soup that’s widely considered one of the best in the world! Watch as slow-cooked albacore tuna is prepared in a savoury broth of onions, cilantro and spices. The dish is traditionally served with yuca (a starchy root vegetable) and garnished with lime and green onions. Settle in for a bowl of the soup for lunch, then take a leisurely walk around the grounds, where giant tortoises roam freely.