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Wild Galápagos and Peru Cruise

FULLY INCLUSIVE, CUSTOM TAILORED PACKAGES INCLUDE LUXURY TRAVEL SERVICES AND EXPERIENCES THAT TRANSCEND ALL EXPECTATIONS

Take in the natural and cultural highlights of the Galápagos and Peru on a compact trip that combines the legacy of the Inca with the incredible wildlife of the Galápagos. Explore the ancient imperial capital of Cusco, delve into the fabled Sacred Valley of the Inca and its stone fortresses, and ponder the mysteries of Machu Picchu. Then journey to the Galápagos Islands for four nights aboard the National Geographic Islander, and walk and snorkel among the famously fearless wildlife that thrives there. This trip is offered in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions.

 

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Experience Highlights

Attend a weaving demonstration by a National Geographic grantee who has helped revive ancient Andean textile traditions. Take a scenic train ride to Machu Picchu, and watch the sunset over the mountaintop citadel. Encounter unique species and pristine landscapes alongside a team of seasoned naturalists in the Galápagos. Meet endangered Galápagos giant tortoises at a National Geographic–supported captive breeding program, and then observe these creatures in the wild.

Luxury Galapagos island

ITINERARY

DAY 1: LIMA, PERU

Land at the Lima airport and transfer to our hotel nearby.

Accommodations:Wyndham Costa del Sol

DAY 2: CUSCO/SACRED VALLEY

Fly to Cusco and enjoy lunch overlooking the elegant Plaza de Armas. Travel through the Urubamba Valley, known as the Sacred Valley of the Inca, to our base for the next two nights. Attend a demonstration of Andean weaving by Nilda Callañaupa, a National Geographic grantee.

Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations:Tambo del Inka

DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU

Explore the stone fortress of Ollantaytambo before boarding the train to Machu Picchu, introduced to the world by Hiram Bingham in a 1913 issue of National Geographic magazine. Spend this afternoon exploring the spectacular ruins, lingering after most visitors have left. This evening, take the train back to the Sacred Valley.

Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations:Tambo del Inka

DAY 4: GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR

Return to Cusco and fly via Lima to Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city. Transfer to our boutique hotel, surrounded by gardens.

Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations:Hotel del Parque

DAY 5: GALÁPAGOS ARCHIPELAGO

This morning, fly to the Galápagos Islands. Meet our naturalist staff for an introduction to the islands and their diverse wildlife; then board our ship.

Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

National Geographic Islander for the remainder of the trip

DAYS 6-8: EXPLORING THE GALÁPAGOS

The Galápagos portion of our expedition begins and ends in Baltra. Each day we will have the opportunity to go on nature walks with local naturalists, swim, snorkel, or explore the coast by kayak or Zodiac. Our adventures will vary subject to the Galápagos National Park regulations. Listed below are some of the islands we plan to visit during our expedition.

ISLA SANTIAGO: Get a close-up look at a range of lava formations, from the smooth pahoehoe to spatter cones, and delve into the geology of the archipelago. Snorkel or kayak around Sombrero Chino, and keep an eye out for Galápagos penguins and marine iguanas.

ISLA SANTA CRUZ: Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in the town of Puerto Ayora, and tour the neighboring captive breeding program for endangered Galápagos giant tortoises run by the Galápagos National Park Service and supported by the National Geographic–Lindblad Fund. In the highlands, observe and photograph giant tortoises in the wild.

ISLA SOUTH PLAZA: Encounter a greeting party of boisterous sea lions and land iguanas. Thread your way through an impressive forest of cactus trees. Walk along seaside cliffs, where swallow-tailed gulls and red-tailed tropicbirds perform aerial displays.

ISLA SANTA FE: Swim from the secluded cove at Barrington Bay, and follow a trail through the island group’s largest cactus trees. Spot the Santa Fe land iguana and Galápagos hawks.

ISLA GENOVESA: Sail north across the Equator into a flooded caldera. Go on hikes, search for fur seals in Zodiacs, kayak along the caldera, and snorkel among rainbow-colored parrotfish.

Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Daily

DAY 9: GALÁPAGOS/GUAYAQUIL/U.S. OR QUITO

After breakfast, disembark the ship in Baltra and fly to Guayaquil. Settle into day rooms at the Hotel del Parque before your evening flight, or continue on to Quito for an optional two-night extension. Or, take advantage of a complimentary night at the hotel and fly home on Day 10.

Meals Included:Breakfast

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