Amazon, Incas & Galapagos

Day 1 : Guayaquil

You will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 : Guayaquil > Galapagos Islands

Morning flight to the Galapagos Islands, situated 1000 km off the coast of Ecuador. On arrival board your comfortable cabin to cruise either the Western Islands (Thursdays) or Northern Islands (Mondays). This afternoon enjoy your first excursion ashore in a small group and begin your wonderful Galapagos adventure.

Days 3-5 : Galapagos Cruise

All the iconic species such as the blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, marine iguana, giant tortoises and Darwin’s finches will be seen along with many other birds and reptiles as you go ashore twice a day in different islands. The vegetation of the Galapagos is unique and for those keen on snorkeling, life beneath the waves is extremely prolific with glass bottom boat options for non-snorkelers. Your expert naturalist guides will bring the geology, wildlife and history of this amazing archipelago alive.

Day 6 : Galapagos > Quito

Your final morning in the islands then fly to Quito.

Day 7 : Quito > Amazon

A short 35 minute scenic flight over the Andes lands you in Amazonia then a two hour river journey arrives you at the award winning and very comfortable Sacha Lodge, set on the shores of a beautiful lake.

Days 8 & 9 : Amazon

Days filled with jungle activities, bird watching, canopy walks, canoe trips and night excursions in pristine jungle. In smalls groups of no more than 8 with both a native Indian guide and an English speaking naturalist guide, the wonders of the Amazon rain forest will be revealed.

Day 10 : Amazon > Quito

Fly back to Quito and transfer to your charming hotel, situated in Quito’s historic centre which features over a hundred Spanish colonial and neoclassical buildings.

Day 11 : Quito

Tour colonial Quito, a UNESCO Heritage listed gem with the finest old town centre of any Latin American capital.

Day 12 : Quito > Lima

Time for further exploration before you fly to Lima.

Day 13 : Lima

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of historical Lima, which in the days of Spanish colonial rule, was the most important city in South America.

Day 14 : Lima > Cuzco

Fly to Cuzco and in the afternoon tour the highlights of the city, visiting the San Pedro Market and the artisan district of San Blas. Then see Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun, and admire the finest examples of exquisite Inca stonework found anywhere in their empire. The tour ends with a visit to the impressive Cathedral – considered one of the most beautiful in Latin America.

Day 15 : Cuzco > Sacred Valley

Visit the weavers at Chincheros then the amazing Inca ruins of Moray and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of the Incas where you will stay overnight.

Day 16 : Sacred Valley > Machu Picchu

Scenic train to Machu Picchu. Enjoy a tour of this awe-inspiring ancient city. Nothing will prepare you for your visit to Machu Picchu! Spend the night in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes.

Day 17 : Machu Picchu > Cuzco

Time for a second visit to Machu Picchu (at additional cost) or to shop in the local markets before returning to Cuzco.

Day 18 : Cuzco

Day at leisure to wander, explore or shop this lovely town.

Day 19 : Cuzco > Puno

Scenic full day coach trip through the Andes to Lake Titicaca, with some very interesting stops in small towns and at impressive Inca ruins along the way.

Day 20 : Puno > La Paz

Depart early from Puno to Copacabana Sanctuary. After exploring the sanctuary, embark on a catamaran cruise to Isla del Sol (Sun Island), the Inca Empire’s birthplace. Also, visit the Inti Wata Cultural Complex. Enjoy a buffet lunch onboard before returning to Copacabana. Finally, transfer to La Paz.

Day 21 : La Paz

City tour including the Witches Market where you will browse an amazing array of medicinal herbs, folk remedies and talismans. You can even have your fortune told by a shaman who specializes in reading fortunes with coca leaves. Also, visit the Moon Valley with a unique lunar-like landscape of pinnacles and canyons.

Day 22 : La Paz

Transfer to the airport for departure.