Wild Galápagos and Peru Escape

Arrive in Lima, Peru’s thriving capital, and transfer to the convenient Wyndham Costa del Sol, connected to the airport. Most international flights arrive in the late evening. Opt to arrive early for a Lima pre-voyage extension staying at the iconic Country Club Lima Hotel. The extension adds just a day to the expedition and gives you a chance to rest, relax, and see this UNESCO World Heritage designated city.

Fly to Cusco this morning. Drive through the Sacred Valley to Chinchero, a typical Andean village where National Geographic Grantee Nilda Callañaupa joins us for lunch and a demonstration of Inca weaving traditions. Continue to Tambo del Inka, where we stay two nights. Dinner tonight is at the hotel.

Drive to Ollantaytambo, where we board our train to Machu Picchu. Perched at nearly 8,000 feet in the “eyebrow of the jungle,” the sanctuary is surrounded by tropical mountain forest with diverse birds and orchids. We linger after daytime visitors have departed, returning to Machu Picchu Pueblo for the train ride back to the Sacred Valley and Tambo del Inka this evening. Dinner is served aboard the first-class train.

After breakfast this morning, depart for Cusco with a full day to explore. Tour the ornate 17th-century cathedral and Plaza de Armas, the sacred Inca Temple of the Sun and other treasures of this burgeoning cultural capital and center of theInca
universe, where colonial buildings stand atopInca foundations. Check in at Palacio del Inka in the historic center. Dinner is on your own tonight to explore nearby celebrated restaurants or rest and relax at the hotel.

Bid farewell to Peru and continue to Ecuador for the second part of our expedition with flights from Cusco via Lima to Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city. Overnight at Hotel del Parque.

Fly on Day 6 to Galápagos. Each day here we hike, swim, snorkel, or explore by kayak or Zodiac—all the while witnessing incredible interactions between animals in their natural habitat. Start exploring on Isla Santa Cruz with a trip over the highlands of Santa Cruz upon arrival. Over these few days, walk in a cactus forest with endemic land iguanas on Santa Fé. Wander among sea lions and admire soaring sea birds on Plaza Sur. Search for penguins on stark black lava at Sullivan Bay on Santiago. Snorkel in crystal-clear water at Sombrero Chino. And sail across the Equator and into the flooded caldera at Genovesa, a seabird paradise where we bid farewell to Darwin’s Islands.

Fly to Guayaquil and transfer to the Hotel del Parque. You may be able to take advantage of overnight flights. Guests may also opt for our post-cruise extension to Quito & Otavalo . Ask your Expedition Specialist for details.

Stay and relax or take an early flight home today.

Departure Time: Anytime on day 11, or after 7:00 p.m. local time on day 10.