Peru and Galápagos Escape Small Ship Cruise

Arrive in Lima, Peru’s thriving capital, and transfer to the convenient Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol Lima Airport hotel, located at 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.

Arrival Time: Anytime after 12:00 p.m.
Arrival City: Lima, Peru

Fly to Cusco this morning and transfer down into the Sacred Valley to Pisac, known for its market and the archaeological site that rises above the town. After lunch, continue through the Sacred Valley and check-in at Tambo del Inka, your hotel for the next two nights.

Drive to Ollantaytambo and admire the archaeological site, then board the scenic train traveling along the Urubamba River 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. Enjoy an afternoon tour of the ruins and return to Machu Picchu Pueblo for the train ride back to the Sacred Valley and Tambo del Inka. Dinner is served aboard the first-class train.  

Departing the hotel, drive through the Sacred Valley to Moray—a visually stunning Inca site with dramatic agricultural terraces in the heart of the fabled and fertile Urubamba Valley. Later, visit Chinchero, a typical Andean village, where National Geographic Grantee Nilda Callañaupa gives us a demonstration of Inca weaving traditions with the women in her cooperative. Here, you'll enjoy a family-style lunch. Continue to Cusco and Sacsayhuamán, the emblematic monolithic stone site standing over the city from the northern outskirts. Like Machu Picchu, the ceremonial center was built during the reign of Inka Pacachuti. Opt to return to Cusco downhill on foot, walking through the eclectic San Blas neighborhood. In Cusco, check into the JW Marriott El Convento Hotel (a former 16th-century Augustine convent), located in the historic center, for two nights. Dinner tonight will be at this truly unique hotel.

This morning, explore Cusco, the center of the Inca universe and UNESCO-designated World Heritage site. Tour the ornate 17th-century cathedral and Plaza de Armas, as well as the sacred Inca Temple of the Sun.  Visit nearby Sacsayhuamán, the emblematic monolithic stone site standing over the city from the northern outskirts. Like Machu Picchu, the ceremonial center was built during the reign of Inka Pacachuti. Opt to return to Cusco downhill on foot, walking through the eclectic San Blas neighborhood.

After lunch, the afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at your own pace: relax, shop, wander or visit one of Cusco's many churches and museums. Dinner is on your own to delve into the culinary scene in this Andean cultural center.

Bid farewell to Peru and continue to Ecuador for the second part of your expedition with flights from Cusco via Lima to Guayaquil.

Fly on Day 7 to Galápagos. Each day here, you'll 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 you'll bid farewell to Darwin's Islands. 

Disembark this morning for a return flight to the mainland. In Quito there are several hotel options. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. You may be able to take advantage of overnight flights home. Ask your expedition specialist about joining a culturally rich post-voyage extension to Quito and Otavalo, a celebrated market town.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board flights home, unless you have arranged for additional nights or an extension.  

Departure Time: Anytime on day 12, or after 7:00 p.m. local time on day 11.  
Departure City: Quito, Ecuador 

Itineraries are subject to change.