PERU – ECUADOR – GALAPAGOS
Get a real flavor of Peru and Ecuador!
Ancient indigenous cultures, Spanish colonial influence, cultural mixture, and an astonishing geography have all shaped Peru and Ecuador throughout the centuries.
Combine Machu Picchu and Galapagos into one trip that will engage all your senses.
23 days / 22 nights
When booking this tour, ask us about its extension in Peru or Ecuador. You have this wonderful opportunity!
Small Group with English-speaking guides
Day 01. Lima. Welcome to Peru! Arrival in Lima, the "City of Kings" famous for its Spanish Colonial architecture, extraordinary museums and cuisine. Upon arrival, you will be picked up at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel in the city's fashionable Miraflores district. We suggest spending the evening relaxing after your flight and getting your bearings, perhaps trying out Peruvian cuisine in one of the city's superb restaurants. Accommodation for 2 nights.
Day 02. Lima City Tour – Larco Herrera Museum. Breakfast at your hotel. Full day Tour of Colonial and Modern Lima. The Spanish colonial influences can be felt throughout the whole city, but Plaza de Armas is the crown jewel and heart of Colonial Lima. A simple walking tour is a great way to learn about Lima’s history. One part of this day you will explore Lima from a different perspective - on foot! Your transport will drop you off at the Plaza San Martin featuring the legendary Hotel Bolivar, the Club Nacional and the Colon Theater. You will then wander along Jr. de la Union street featuring the ‘Casa Courret’, Lima’s oldest photography studio in an eclectic Art Nouveau style and also ‘Casa Welch’, once considered the Limenian Harrods of the 20th century. Colonial sites include the lovely Plaza de Armas with its Cathedral of Lima and Government Palace. Visiting the Church of San Francisco, a spectacular example of Moorish-inspired Spanish baroque colonial grandeur and the spooky labyrinth of catacombs underground. Visiting the exquisite Palacio de Torre Tagle, a Spanish Baroque palace with a strong Mudejar influence. It is considered to have a true "Limeño" architectural originality, harmoniously combining Andalusian, Moorish and Criollo features. After lunch, an incredible collection of pre-Columbian artefacts awaits you at the Larco Museum in an 18th century mansion. Its founder, Rafael Larco Hoyle, amassed thousands of pieces of pottery, textiles, jewelry, and metal objects from the Incas, Nazca, and other tribes. Also, you will see the gallery of erotic pottery located in a small building separated from the main house by a colorful courtyard. In modern Lima, you will be walking along El Malecon (the six-mile walking path on a cliff above the Pacific) one of Lima’s most scenic spots. Visiting El Parque del Amor with undulating mosaic walls and the massive sculpture of lovers in a deep embrace by Peruvian artist Víctor Delfín. Stop here for stunning views of the coastline and cliffs of Miraflores. Soak in the coastal atmosphere on an evening walking tour of Miraflores and learn about the district’s history, culture and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Pacific coast from the cliffs of Lima. Tonight, is a perfect time to have a welcome cocktail in high spirits and we invite everyone for the maracuya Pisco Sour! (Breakfast included)
Day 03. Lima - Cusco - Chinchero - Maras - Moray - Ollantaytambo. Breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to the airport and flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, you will be picked up at the airport and privately transferred to the Sacred Valley to cope better with the altitude. You will spend this night in the Sacred Valley (2,900 m/9,500 ft) upon your arrival in Cusco airport (3,400 m/11,150 ft). Between Cusco and Machu Picchu lies the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Urubamba Valley), home to some of Peru’s most interesting pre-Columbian ruins and attractive colonial towns and villages. Visiting of the Sacred Valley is an essential part of your exploration of the Inca Heartland in Peru. The first our stop will be in the ‘birthplace of the rainbow”, located 40 minutes outside of Cusco on the high plain Pampa de Anta, Chinchero. Here, you will participate in a Weaving Demonstration to learn firsthand how weavers turn alpaca and sheep wool into fine textiles. Then, you will see one intriguing sight, which should not go unnoticed - the ancient salt pans, known as the salt mines of Maras. Strategically dug into the mountainside, thousands of shallow pools filled with salt water eventually evaporate and leave behind the crystallized salt, a process that has been practiced for more than 500 years. Its intense white shine appears on a sunny day - an impressive sight for any visitor. Located on a wide-open hill above the Urubamba Valley, a natural salt water stream runs underground. In pre-Incan times, they have been evaporating the salty water from this stream in order to obtain the salt that gets left behind. The same method has still been used ever since. The local community has exclusive mining rights to the salt pans near Maras. Today there are over 6,000 salt pans near Maras and you will walk some narrow-salted paths between the terraces. The next stop is at Moray. Its circular terraces hidden among the hills resemble a Greek amphitheater. Surrounded by an impressive backdrop of snow-covered mountains, Moray was used as an open-air agricultural lab for adapting crops to different environmental conditions. After that, transfer to Ollantaytambo, the small town at its base still has Inca houses, making Ollantaytambo the only Inca city that is still inhabited today. Arrival and accommodation for 1 night. In the late afternoon, you will explore this town at your leisure, which still boasts mountain water coursing through gutters in the center of its streets, Inca-style, and where many of the inhabitants still speak the Incan language, Quechua. (Breakfast included)
Day 04. Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes. Today morning, you will visit the spectacular fortress of Ollantaytambo and exploring its mystical ruins. Ollantaytambo is must see in Peru! Though Ollantaytambo was a highly effective fortress, it also served as a temple. Ollantaytambo is an ancient Inca complex of stone terraces, a walled fortress and hilltop storehouses. A finely worked ceremonial center is at the top of the terracing. At the top is an unfinished temple of some of the most exquisite stonework remaining from the Inca times. Some extremely well-built walls were under construction at the time of the conquest and have never been completed. These magnificent Incan ruins were part of the royal estate of the Inca emperor Pachacuti. You will climb the Inca stairs to the top of the fortress and only when you get up there you do realize how high you are up and how you can see out to the Sacred Valley. As you climb higher you get a great view of Pinkullyuna Hill that overlooks Ollantaytambo on the opposite side. Here you can clearly see the giant carved head of Viracocha, the Inca creation god, as well as several other buildings including two storehouses or qullqas. These qullqas were used to store food at a higher altitude relying on the wind and cold to preserve not just grain but other crops like potatoes. You will see a number of discarded large stone know as tired stones, the Wall of the Six Monoliths, the important Temple of the Sun, Balcon Pata, the Princess Bath, made from granite rock and a lot of interested and unexplained structures. Archaeologists today, believe Ollantaytambo was built upon the ruins of a far older city and they are not sure of the origins of that city. Evening you will get the 1½ hour train journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas up to the Aguas Calientes, the gate to the legendary Machu Picchu. Arrival and accommodation for 1 night. (Breakfast included)
Day 05. Machu Picchu – Cusco. Early morning a small coach takes you up the steep roads to the entrance of the Machu Picchu - the Lost City of the Incas, which is considered the most powerful energy center of South America, "soaring above the clouds". For centuries Machu Picchu remained undiscovered by the Spaniards and has only been found in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. During a guided tour you will experience the uniqueness of the location and the genius that went into its construction, making this Inca site one of the seven new wonders of the world. The crowning jewel of Peruvian archaeology and tourism, not to mention national pride is Machu Picchu, whose real name is likely the Dwelling Place of the Gods in the Inca Quechua language. Few visitors are told that the Inca were not the first people there, the megalith builders were…and thousands of years earlier. The tour, aside from observing the glory of this wonderful space, focuses on distinguishing between what the Inca made, and the older megalithic aspects that they found already in place. Here, as in no other place, the ancient architects managed to achieve complete harmony and unity between the incredibly complex buildings, causing today more questions than answers, and the surrounding nature. The towers of the local fortresses seem to be a natural complement to their neighboring Andean peaks. Just an amazing balance! In the afternoon, return by train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Cusco. Accommodation for 2 nights. (Breakfast and lunch included)
Day 06. Cusco - Sacsayhuaman - Puca Pucara - Tambomachay. After breakfast you will visit the fortress of Puca Pucara, the sanctuary of Tambomachay and the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which was of strategic importance and was built on a hill towering over Cuzco. This afternoon you walk through the major sites of interest in Cusco. You visit the famous cathedral with its magnificently carved woodwork, ornate altar and many hundreds of canvases from the 17th-century Cusco Painting School. You continue exploring the cultural wealth of Cusco at the Temple of the Sun where we witness the incredible masonry of the Incas, an engineering feat that remains an enigma. Afterwards wander along Hatunrumiyoc Street named after the 12-angled stone clearly visible in the remaining walls of what used to be Inca Roca’s Palace. You make a last stop in San Blas artisan quarter. Its steeped cobblestone alleys not only offer spectacular views of the city but are lined with workshops and galleries, a great way to soak in Cusco's artistic atmosphere. Evening enjoy a dinner show with traditional Peruvian dance, music and Novo-Andean cuisine. (Breakfast and dinner show included)
Day 07. Cusco – Andahuaylillas – Raqchi – La Raya Pass – Puno. Breakfast at your hotel. Today you will be privately transferred to Puno on a comfortable bus with interesting and informative several stops in the most iconic places along this route. At each such stop you will get off the bus and get acquainted with historical and cultural attractions. The first stop in the village of Andahuaylillas, which is known for its church of the Saint Peter the Apostle. The church for its amazing murals is called “the Sistine Chapel “of South America. It was built in 1580 on the basis of the most ancient temple of the Incas. The roof is almost completely covered by a Mudejar kind of decoration with floral and fruit motives and coated with gold leaf. After this we drive to our second stop - Raqchi, by the right shore of the Vilcanota River. The most important building inside this architectonic complex is the "Temple of Wiraqocha" that, according to ancient chroniclers, was built by the Inca Wiraqocha as a tribute to the Supreme God: "Apu Kon TiKi Wiraqocha". Raqchi is very important as an archaeological place, since that had many functions during the Inca times. When the sun sets you will reach La Raya Pass. At 4,319 m (14,170 ft) this pass is the highest point of your journey and offers magnificent Andes scenery with snow-capped mountains. Arrival to Puno and accommodation for 2 nights. (Breakfast and lunch included)
Day 08. Puno - Uros floating Islands - Taquile Island. After breakfast you will start your tour to the Titicaca Lake, one of South America's most iconic sites. The shimmering cobalt-blue waters of the world’s highest navigable lake (3,812m above sea level), surrounded by steep landscapes can be enjoyed from a number of perspectives both around and from on the lake itself. The lake is the natural boundary between Peru and Bolivia. The first stop is on the Uros floating Islands. The surface of the island is soft and springy, the water sometimes seeps through the reed cover, but it is quite safe. You will see the houses, the islands and meet its friendly inhabitants. Uros people are descendents of one of the oldest South American groups. The second stop is on Taquile, the weavers' island and a place that has avoided the metropolitan development of the modern world; the women still wear traditional woven clothes and artisan treasures are created using ancient methods. Across the centuries, ‘Taquilenos’ have preserved traditions, such as a communitarian life where everything is shared. Men always seem to be walking around the island knitting the woolen caps they wear. After lunch including typical Andean dishes take time to soak up the mesmerizing views - deep earthy red color of the soil in the strong highland sunlight contrasts magnificently against the deep blue of Lake Titicaca. The backdrop of the snowcapped Cordillera Real on the far side completes a splendid picture. Return to your hotel in Puno. (Breakfast and lunch included)
Day 09. Puno - Lima - Paracas. Breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to the airport, located in the town of Juliaca. Departure to Lima. In flight 1:45. Arrive in Lima. Meeting at the airport and direct transfer to Paracas (243 km, 4 hours on the road). The road goes along the Pan-American Highway along the Pacific Coast. Arrive at the hotel, ideally located for morning navigation to the Ballestas Islands, which we recommend to make no later than 10 am to avoid the stormy weather, the huge waves observed in these places after 12 noon. Therefore, we will make this navigation the next day at 8 am. Accommodation for 2 nights. Rest on the Pacific coast. (Breakfast included)
Day 10. Paracas – Ballestas Islands – Huacachina. Breakfast at your hotel. Visit the Ballestas Islands on a 2-hour speedboat tour. The Ballestas Islands (Islas Ballestas) are often touted as the “Peruvian Galapagos,” famed for their spectacular variety of birdlife and rugged coastline of soaring cliffs, rocky beaches, and remote sea caves. On the way of navigation, you will see the Candelabra, a gigantic figure of a fork (50 meters) carved into a hill. Etched deep into a Peruvian seaside hill, the Paracas Candelabra, more colloquially known as the “Candelabra of the Andes,” is a massive geoglyph whose origin is still unknown. The mysterious "Candelabra of the Andes" could represent anything from a god's trident to a hallucinogenic plant. Instead a number of theories abound as to its significance. One prominent theory is that the geoglyph is meant to evoke the trident of Incan creator god Viracocha, possibly created in order to curry his favor. Also, the Ballestas Islands are rock formations that inhabit vast colonies of sea birds, Humboldt penguins and sea lions. Return to Paracas and transfer to Huacachina – welcome to the most interesting town you’ve never heard of. At first glance, this village looks like its straight out of the set of a Hollywood movie. Its center is a small oasis, nestled in a valley of mountainous sand dunes. It is a wonderful place for beautiful pictures. Explore Huacachina desert in a dune buggy and go sand boarding. Dune bugging is an experience that’s much, more fun to experience than write about. You will leap, turn and fly over the hills of golden sand... the epitome of an adrenaline-filled experience. Evening return to Paracas. (Breakfast included) Day 11. Paracas – Nazca Lines Flight – Lima-Quito. Breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to the airport of Pisco (20 km, 30 minutes on the road). You will fly in a local Cessna plane over the Nazca lines. You will see the mysterious lines and figures of the Nazca bird's-eye view (about 600 meters). Giant drawings depicting animals (spider, monkey, hummingbird, condor, whale), man (“astronaut”) and perfectly straight lines that traced the desert from horizon to horizon were left in the desert by an ancient civilization 2500 years ago. There are many hypotheses about the purpose of the Nazca ornaments. After that, transfer to Lima international airport. Evening international flight to Quito, Ecuador. In flight 2 hours. Arrive in Quito and accommodation for 2 nights. (Breakfast included) Day 12. Quito – Full Day Sightseeing Tour. After breakfast, you will begin… In order to fall in love with the city, you have to view it from above first. This is definitely accurate in a case of Quito and is exactly what you will be doing starting early in the morning. The city is located 2800m above the sea level, but you will go up even higher, to the slopes of the Pichincha volcano. One of the highest located cable cars will take you in a couple of minutes to a height of more than four kilometers. The view of the city from there is simply mesmerizing. Being here at an altitude of 4100 m, you will enjoy the views of the Ecuadorian capital. In the picturesque slightly elongated plain lies the city of Quito, one of the most colorful cities in South America. The peaks of the great Andes hide in the clouds, there is no horizon in sight- every glance falls on the mountains. Then, you will get acquainted with the colonial Quito - with its unique atmosphere of the 17th century, and a part of the city that has been entered into the list of the Cultural Heritage of Mankind. Visiting these places, you will understand that it is well deserved. Old Quito is a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone paved streets, classic stone and adobe brick buildings, spacious squares, majestic cathedrals, beautiful chapels, graceful churches and monasteries. Quito was built in 1534 on the ruins of Incan settlements and in several centuries absorbed many traditions and cultures. Spanish and Dutch motifs can be traced in its architectural appearance. You will walk along the cobbled streets of the city, looking into cathedrals, monasteries and houses that are more than 500 years old! Quito, of course, at a first glance looks a little like Europe. With its colonial buildings, paving stones and cathedrals. But then you turn around the corner - and there is a grandmother in a ruffled pink skirt and a panama hat on her head. You walk a little further and step into the market - and you are amazed! You get ripples in your eyes from the variety of fruits that are neatly laid out in packages. You will pass along the street of Seven Crosses and through labyrinths of the colonial street of La Ronda, with its narrow wooden doors, leading to the houses with beautiful inner courtyards, with forged balconies, and windows adorned with bright geraniums hanging in baskets. In the 20th century, La Ronda turned into a bohemian district occupied by artists, performers, musicians, poets and artisans. Many old houses are turned into art galleries, restaurants and small shops that sell traditional products made by local craftsmen. Many people think that the spirit of La Ronda cannot be fully felt without a glass of canelazo in hand - a hot alcoholic drink, widely spread in the Andean highlands of Ecuador and Colombia. Also, you will overlook the city from the height of the gothic spiers of the Basilica. Of course, for those who will dare to climb up the stairs to the highest dome it will be quite a daring feat. Continue on to Panecillo Hill topped with a statue of Quito’s Winged Virgin Panecillo Hill from which a sight of colonial and modern Quito can be seen. Evening return to the hotel. (Breakfast included) Day 13. Quito - Otavalo - The volcanic lakes of Cuicocha and San Pablo - Cotacachi. Breakfast at your hotel. Departure to a completely different world, in which time seems to have stopped forever - the famous Indian city of Otavalo. Already the road to Otavalo, running among the most beautiful mountain ranges of the Andes, is a large Indian market. Literally at every step there are a wide variety of goods: clothing, carpets, products, ceramics and souvenirs for every taste. On the observation deck of Miralago you will be able to enjoy the most beautiful view of Imbabura volcano and San Pablo Lake. The market in Otavalo amazes and impresses with the riot of bright colors and entertainment. Also, you are going to visit the sacred lake of Cuicocha. A unique site, this lake is located in the crater of an active volcano. In the center, two small islands protrude from the surface of the water. Marvel at the tranquility and splendor of this magical place. Finally, you will visit the city of Cotacachi, a picturesque city where most of its inhabitants are dedicated to the leather industry: shoes, boots, handbags, jackets and many other beautiful items can be found here. So, take a walk down the main street and do some shopping! Then we go back to the hotel located on the shore of San Pablo Lake. Accommodation for 1 night. (Breakfast included) Day 14. San Pablo Lake – Pululahua Crater – Middle of the World – Papallacta. Breakfast at your hotel. Departure to the complex Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World), located on the line of the equator. The Andes Indians considered this place sacred, built ceremonial centers here and conducted sacral rites. Here is the latitude zero, and you can stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere, and the other - in the Southern. Visiting the Intinan Museum, where you can implement a series of experiments explaining the effects inherent in the equatorial zone, as well as learn about the "solar" culture of the ancient peoples of South America. An overview of the crater of the Pululahua volcano, perhaps one of the few in the world in which people live. You can appreciate the beautiful view of the largest crater of Ecuador. It is a collapsed volcano with great biodiversity and unique geological formations. It is due to this uniqueness that it was declared a Geobotanical Reserve. After lunch we leave for a small mountain village with thermal springs. On the road about 2 hours, after which we arrive in a very quiet and beautiful place - a small valley in the mountains with a rough river and abundant vegetation. Once an enterprising German fulfilled the dream of a tired traveler, having built here a hotel with personal thermal baths. At an altitude of 3300 meters above sea level, in the kingdom of dense forests, full-flowing rivers and Amazonian winds, majestic condors, cougars and spectacled bears, the thermal springs of Papallacta are located. Papallacta is a protected by the government area, in the territory of which lie hot pools of different sizes, depths and temperatures of water. You can enjoy the rejuvenating effect of the streams, breathe in the aroma of the great Andes, and get real pleasure from relaxing effects of natural beauty. A beautiful high Andes landscape and the benefits of the thermal water, make Papallacta a magical place. Awake all your senses, and enjoy new sensations! Accommodation for 1 night. (Breakfast included) Day 15. Papallacta – Banos. After breakfast you will walk through the Canyon Ranch. Here is a protected area of approximately 200 hectares, located at the entrance of Cayambe Coca Natural Reserve. You will enjoy the high primary forest, while walking on an ancient glacial valley where prehistoric plants and wet forest vegetation can be found. The main attraction of this path is that its circuit follows part of the Loreto-Papallacta River through remains of primary forest and grasslands. Throughout the route you can observe many different varieties of orchids and watch several waterfalls, as well as feeling the excitement of crossing the bridges over the river. After lunch departure to Banos. Accommodation for 2 nights. (Breakfast included) Day 16. Banos. After breakfast you will see Banos. It would seem that a small town at the foot of an active volcano, well, what can be remarkable. Banos is situated in a stunning valley at the base of an active volcano called Tungurahua. Don’t worry: the town is far enough away from Tungurahua to be safe, though you might see some smoke or fire coming from the top of the volcano. The town is known for two things: naturally heated thermal baths and adventure sports! Nearby Banos, you’ll find mountains, rivers, waterfalls, hot springs, and the famous Swing at the End of the World. Today, you will stop for the best hot chocolate of your life. Ecuador is one of the chocolate capitals of the world, and Banos is the best place to eat all of that chocolate. Then, you will drive through the so-called Avenue of the Falls, to see the most interesting of them, to enjoy the most famous the Pailon del Diablo, or Devil's Cauldron waterfall, which is powerfully dumping its waters into a mountain gorge. Pailon is an old Spanish word meaning a big cooking pot. Descending into the gorge of the waterfall, you will understand why it was called that way. At the end of the passage in the sheer wall of the gorge there is an observation deck, from where you can get beyond the wall of falling water. Next, you will experience all the beauty and power of the El Manto de La Novia waterfall, crossing the chasm in a hanging basket. Really cool! Hold on to your hats! Then, you will visit Casa del Arbol. Swing on the edge of the world ordered? Without them, traveling around Ecuador is impossible. Ride over the precipice and take the craziest pictures of this trip. And after all this, it is so nice to go to the spa, relax with a massage, dive into the terminal waters and admire the night city from a height. Evening you will relax at the thermal baths with the amazing view from the baths. It is beautiful to watch the lights of the city below come on. (Breakfast included) Day 17. Banos – Cotopaxi National Park - Quito. Today in the morning we say goodbye to Banos and go along the Volcano Avenue to the foot of the handsome Cotopaxi (5897 m). This volcano in the language of the Quechua Indians is called the "brilliant mountain", it shimmers in the sun and is covered with eternal snow. And it is also an active volcano and very capricious - for several years it has emitted clouds of smoke and ash. Visiting Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. You will admire the snow-covered cap of the volcano, walk around the neighborhood, go to a mini-track to Limpiopungo Lake and see also the exotic wildlife while you walk around this lake. Afterwards, you will visit an impressive colonial hacienda - farm house in Ecuador, built over Inca structures! Built on the site of an Inca palace, one of the two most important archaeological Inca sites in Ecuador. This hacienda has served as an Inca fortress, then, Augustinian monastery has a stunning view of the Cotopaxi volcano. After that, move to Quito and accommodation for 1 night. (Breakfast included) Day 18. Quito – Baltra Island – Los Gemelos volcanic sinkholes – Giant Tortoises - Puerto Ayora. Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for a flight to the Galapagos Islands. By now you’ll be deeply in love with a small country at the equator, but this is only the beginning. Because this morning you will take the plane for a thousand kilometers into the Pacific Ocean, to leave you for four days in the Lost World. Here Darwin developed his theory of natural selection, here the fur seals casually sprawled right along the embankments and do not hesitate to sunbathe on the sun beds a few meters away from you. And photogenic iguanas quietly walk on the beaches. The plane flies to the island of Baltra. Your eyes will open to a completely Martian landscape - clay soil, sometimes even red; grass - natural metallic, bare thorn bushes without leaves, woody cacti, and all this against the background of the frenzied azure sea and bright blue sky. Passage of passport control and payment of entry tax to the park Galapagos. After a short time, you will arrive by bus to the bay. You will cross the Straits of Itabata on motor boat on the island of Santa Cruz - the second largest island of the Galapagos archipelago, the highest point - 864 meters. On its south side is the village of Puerto Ayora - the unofficial capital of the islands and the largest populated area. Getting to Santa Cruz will take you around 40 minutes once you have crossed the Itabaca Channel. It´s a great opportunity for some first pictures of the Galapagos: crystal blue waters, lush green foliage, and hot blue skies! Today you will begin your first acquaintance with the wonderful world of the Galapagos. The first stop at Los Gemelos or in English – The Twins are a pair of volcanic sinkholes. They are often referred to as craters but their formation was caused by a collapse of the land beneath rather than an eruption of a volcano. These geologic structures are impressive to see; the lush green of the surrounding Scalesian forest contrast greatly with the immense gray and black volcanic rock walls. You will walk the entire trail at Los Gemelos that lie on opposite sides of the main road that divides the island. Then, you will go and visit the highlands of the island of Santa Cruz with its main attraction - giant tortoises living here freely in their natural habitat. You will be able to approach these ancient giants as they pluck the grass on the luxurious green pastures. In addition, here we will see extraordinary flowering giant trees, in the shadows of which the whole family of giant turtles joyfully hides away. Then, you will continue your journey to the hotel, located in the picturesque village of Puerto Ayora where the real Galapagos adventure will begin. Arrival and accommodation for 4 nights. (Breakfast included) Day 19. Puerto Ayora – Bartolome Island. Today you will be sailing to Bartolome volcanic Island which holds some of the most beautiful landscapes in the archipelago and provides great views of the other islands. The Pinnacle Rock is the distinctive characteristic of this island, and the most representative landmark of the Galapagos. Early departure from your hotel to the Itabaca Channel and sailing on a leisure yacht for the entire day to the unique corner of the Earth, with volcanic lava of a variety of frozen forms, patterns and tonalities that cannot be imagined. You will get to Bartolome Island within 3 hours. With luck, you will be able to see sea turtles and frolicking dolphins. On board of the yacht you will be treated to breakfast, fruit, coffee or tea. Lunch will also be offered. Upon arriving to the Bartolome island, you will march up a special wooden staircase laid across the lava field, while watching the endemic flora of the island - the only three species of cacti and otherworldly surrounding landscapes. Within 30 minutes you will climb a landscape similar to the lunar one to the highest point of Bartolomé Island, from where you can see amazing views of the islands of Santiago, North Seymour, as well as Pinnacle Rock- the remains of an ancient volcano. It is a symbol of the Galapagos Islands, captured by many photographers. Next, you will go to the paradise-like white sandy beach and swim in the clearest transparent waters of the Pacific Ocean, observing the sea stars, bright palettes of fish, sea lions, red Galapagos crabs sitting in the lava crevices, and sea iguanas sitting proudly on volcanic rocks. It is an excellent site for snorkeling, filled with the breathtaking volcanic landscapes that make this corner of the world so unique. You will spend about 1 hour on the beach. After that we will set off on a return journey and in 3 hours, you will arrive to the Itabaca Channel. Evening return to the hotel. (Breakfast and lunch included) Day 20. Tortuga Bay Beach – The Bay of Puerto Ayora Tour. After breakfast you will go to Tortuga Bay beach. This white sandy beach area is one of the most famous in the Galapagos, both for its beauty and for its wildlife. Sightings of marine iguanas, sea lions, crabs, birds and, of course, turtles are frequent. Enjoy swimming and snorkeling. Colorful reef fish, rays and white tip reef shark have all been spotted here. After lunch you will have a tour to the Bay of Puerto Ayora. Landing on a motor boat from the pier of Puerto Ayora, exiting to the bay of Loberia, and in 10-15 minutes arrival to an interesting volcanic islet - the habitat of sea lions. Here they are everywhere- on the island, in the water, and around your boat. They play, frolic, and chase marine iguanas, clearly defining their territory. During a calm wave you can swim with these curious "players" and among colorful fish. Further your way will continue to the "Love Channel" with romantic landscapes and turquoise water. Gannets with blue paws, sea iguanas and sea lions also enjoy this special atmosphere. Nearby lies a Shark Channel with a huge number of reef sharks- they can be seen from the cliff above the canal. Then, you will walk for about 30 minutes through the unreal red landscapes to the "Doggy Beach" with prickly pears and a large colony of sea iguanas. Also, you might encounter pelicans and other species of the Galapagos fauna. The highlight of the tour is a walk along the salt fields of Las Grietas, where the famous Galapagos salt is being mined. The path, leading along the salt fields, passes next to bright flowering cotton trees- here cotton grows on trees! And the last stop will be at an impressive canyon: waves created this canyon between 15-meter walls by breaking through them. It is a great place for a refreshing swim in the barely salty water, protected from the sun by the shadows of the cliffs. Evening return to the hotel. (Breakfast included) Day 21. Puerto Ayora – Santa Fe Island. Navigating to the island of San Fe with landing on the island to observe the huge colony of sea lions and land iguanas with interesting coloring. A great chance to see the marriage of stingrays: they gather in a ball and wiggle their wings so that they are visible above water. There is an excellent opportunity for snorkeling with playful sea lions and tropical fish. (Breakfast and lunch included) Day 22. Puerto Ayora – Baltra – Quito. Breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to the airport of Baltra. Flight to Quito. Arrival and accommodation for 1 night. (Breakfast included) * *We highly recommend no to plan any adjoining flights on that day to avoid trouble due to a likely delay of a plane from the Galapagos Islands. Day 23. Quito – Departure Home. Breakfast at your hotel. Depending on the time of your international flight departure home, you will be offered an additional interesting excursion to or around Quito. Transfer to airport. Departure flight home. (Breakfast included) Now you will have a very important decision - to return home or to stay. If you decide to return home, you will be transported to the airport. If you decide to stay, we will be able to continue with the most interesting program to a continental part of Ecuador or any other country in Latin America. Just let us know about your decision at the following address: milaviainter@gmail.com Price includes: Price does NOT include: Payment: Cancellation policies of the tour and return of the monetary funds: Vouchers: Health Problems: Passports and Visas: Altitude: Temperature: Our Pictures from previous tours:
Rates per person in $USD / Min. 10 adults in the group Double occupancy DBL $4989 Single occupancy SGL $6190
Peru does not have one climate. Because Peru is close the equator, the seasons are hardly affected by changes in the state of the sun. However, there can be observed some differences between the months November to April and from April to November.
Due to the very diverse landscape that Peru has, there are several distinct climate zones. The climate depends on the geographical location, altitude and sea currents.
