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Peru, Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands Cruise

17days from

£7,776^*per person

Overview

Breathtaking world wonders, the treasures of the Incas and some of the planets most unusual creatures await on this unforgettable tour and cruise combination.

Unearth the lost cities of the Incas, soak up exquisite natural landscapes and follow the legendary voyage of Charles Darwin’s HMS Beagle with an unforgettable 17-day tour and cruise holiday. Beginning your South American adventure with a visit to Peru’s Sacred Valley, where the Inca civilisation once thrived, and the magnificent ‘lost city’ of Machu Picchu. You’ll also explore Cusco, home to a unique blend of Inca architecture and colonial style, and Peru’s cosmopolitan capital, Lima, before flying to lofty Quito, where you can explore the Ecuadorean capital in its spectacular Andean setting.

Next is an internal flight to Baltra where you’ll be greeted by the friendly, experienced crew of MV Galápagos Legend, your home for the next four nights. As the ship charts an expertly crafted route, showcasing the very best of the remote Galápagos Islands, you'll have access to some of the lesser visited islands and panoramic views of the unique landscapes. With two fascinating shore excursions each day, explore the islands of Santa Cruz, Santiago, Isabela, Fernandina and Rabida, with an experienced naturalist as your guide and embrace encounters with the extraordinary creatures that make the islands their home.

Itinerary

Fly to Peru - Fly overnight, via Colombian capital Bogotá, to Lima.
Arrive in Lima - Upon arrival in the Peruvian capital, transfer to your hotel to rest and relax.
Included tour of Lima - Today’s tour will introduce this thriving city, founded by conquistador Francisco Pizarro, where Spanish colonial influences abound, especially around its central Plaza Mayor, the Plaza de Armas. See the Presidential Palace and the city's Baroque cathedral, explore the ultra-modern San Isidro and Miraflores districts, which overlook the Pacific Ocean, and enjoy a second evening in the city.
Fly to Cusco & the Sacred Valley - Fly to Cusco and transfer into the fabled Sacred Valley of the Incas for two-night stay, where today’s highlights will include a visit to the tiny Andean town Ccaccaccollo, known for the ancient art of fabric weaving.
Included Sacred Valley excursion - Continue your discovery of the Sacred Valley, taking in the Inca ruins and market of ancient Pisac, as well as the fortress at Ollantaytambo. Visit a ‘Potato Park’ where you’ll learn about the importance of the tuber to the valley’s indigenous community. Spend a second night in the valley.
Included tour of Machu Picchu - Today you'll travel by narrow-gauge railway and bus to breath-taking Machu Picchu, the iconic Lost City of the Incas. On arrival, your guide will introduce the layout of the original citadel, after which you are free to wander around the site. Magnificently set in the heart of the Andes, Machu Picchu seems to have been a military outpost, a secret retreat of Inca rulers and a sanctuary built in honour of Inca chief Pachacutec. With its Royal Tomb, Temple of the Sun, Priest’s House, Temple of the Three Windows and Sunken Plaza, it is undeniably one of the true wonders of the world. At the end of the day, you’ll head back down to nearby Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay in this lively Andean jungle spa town.
Optional visit to Machu Picchu Citadel and travel to Cusco - Those in search of more breath-taking views of famous Machu Picchu can return to the ancient citadel this morning with an optional morning excursion. Under the guidance of a local expert, you’ll learn more about the history, culture and lifestyles of the Inca civilisation as you soak up the region’s spectacular mountain landscapes. Reconvening at the hotel later this morning, the tour will continue to Cusco by train and bus for a two-night stay.
Included Cusco tour - Join your guide for an introduction to one of The Americas’ most enthralling cities, with its ancient palaces and temples, and its roll call of colonial buildings. Highlights will include the Santo Domingo monastery, built over the Inca Temple of the Sun, the monumental cathedral and the Spanish glories of the main square, the Plaza de Armas. You will also visit San Pedro market's colourful stalls, and journey out into the surrounding hills to take in the ruins at the Inca sites at Sacsayhuaman, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay, before spending a second night in the city.
Fly to Quito - Bidding farewell to Cusco, today you'll head to the airport to board the flight into the high Andes and to the extraordinary Ecuadorian city of Quito. Stunningly set just 22 kilometres south of the equator, over 9,300 feet above sea level and beneath the volcanic slopes of towering Pinchincha, Quito is a Spanish colonial treasure trove nestled around its UNESCO-listed historic centre. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local tour manager and be transferred to the hotel for some time at leisure before a welcome brief this evening.
Included visits to Quitzalo Solar Clock, the ‘Middle of the World’ and Otavalo Market - This morning, pay a visit to the ‘Middle of the World’, where the equator is marked with a monument and visitor centre, before continuing to the highland town of Otavalo, the most famous of all South America’s colourful, indigenous markets. Enjoy lunch in Pijal, a small village in the heart of the Andes, where you'll visit the sustainable 'Sacha Warmi Kuna Project'. You'll then return to Quito.

Fly to the Galápagos Islands and begin your cruise - Bid farewell to Quito and fly to the Pacific’s remote Galápagos archipelago, touching down in Baltra where you’ll meet members of MV Galápagos Legend’s expert crew before transferring to the ship. As the Galápagos Legend sets off on an unforgettable voyage, take some time to settle into your new surroundings. Later this morning, you’ll head out on a zodiac (small dinghy) to Santa Cruz Island, home to Galápagos’ famous giant tortoises. Disembark in the shallow surf at Bachas Beach, with its rugged coastline marked by the ruined hulls of WWII-era naval barges, and opt to either explore the local area under guidance on foot or dive beyond the waves on an hour-long snorkelling experience. After some time on the island, reboard Galápagos Legend as it continues north. This evening, you’ll be free to make the most of ship’s onboard amenities and will have some time to relax before rejoining your fellow guests. Later on, head out on deck as the sun sets (weather permitting) for an al fresco dining experience at sea.
Included visits to Santiago and Rabida islands - Wake up to sunrise views of Santiago Island, one of the most biodiverse spots in the archipelago, and get ready this morning’s fascinating shore excursion with breakfast onboard the ship. Stepping ashore at Puerto Egas, witness the same coastal ecosystems that helped inspire Charles Darwin’s ground-breaking research with a guided walk along the island’s famous black-sand beaches. Keep an eye out as you go, and you might catch a glimpse of the archipelago’s impressive native wildlife, from colonies of Galápagos fur seals to the diminutive lava lizards that reside on the island’s dryer areas. You’ll also have the opportunity to take a closer look at life beneath the waves with another snorkelling excursion. Reboard MV Galápagos Legend and witness more of Santiago Island’s dramatic volcanic landscapes from afar as the cruise continues to Rabida Island, positioned at the heart of the archipelago. Here, you’ll be introduced to more of the Galápagos’ endemic species under the guidance of an expert naturalist guide, with opportunities to view the colourful birdlife and subtropical plant life further inland. If you prefer to set out in search of the region’s amphibious and aquatic life, you can opt to join yet another snorkelling experience, a guided canoeing tour or a scenic ride onboard a glass-bottomed boat. Return to MV Galápagos Legend this afternoon and have dinner onboard ahead of an evening spent under your own steam.
Included Isabela Island excursion - Today, take in the coastal wonders of Isla Isabela, the largest of the Galápagos Islands. Docking first at Urbina Bay, overlooked by the magnificent Alcedo Volcano on the island’s western side, you’ll join an experienced guide for a walk along the unique exposed coral blocks that dot its rugged shores. Known for its abundant reptile population, this island is also a hotspot for iguana sightings and is home to 15 subspecies of Darwin’s famous Galápagos Tortoises. Continue north along the coast to your next stop, Tagus Bay, a former pirate anchorage which was visited by Charles Darwin and the crew of the HMS Beagle. Here, you’ll explore the island’s most picturesque vistas on foot with stops in the Alcedo foothills and Darwin Lake before returning to shore for further wildlife-spotting opportunities on the water. This evening, return to the ship for dinner and the evening at leisure.
Included stops at Fernandina Island and Punta Vicente Roca - Mark your final full day onboard your Galápagos cruise with a shore excursion to Fernandina Island, the Galápagos’ marine iguana capital. While here, you can spot these peculiar lizards both on the rocks and as they hunt underwater with opportunities to snorkel in the nearby coves. Also of interest will be the native Galápagos penguins and their secluded nesting grounds, nestled in the crags and crevices left behind by cooling lava. Later this afternoon, sail back to Isabela Island for a final afternoon in the biodiverse haven of Punta Vicente Roca, a popular nesting ground for sea turtles and seabirds alike.
Included Santa Cruz Highlands visit and flight back to Quito - Spend your last morning in the Galápagos back on Santa Cruz, taking in the island’s lush central highlands. A short walk will bring you closer than ever before to the islands’ famous giant tortoises. Afterwards, return to Baltra for a flight back to Quito, and transfer to your hotel for the final night of your tour.
Included Quito tour and return flight to the UK - Join your tour manager for a guided introduction to the Ecuadorian capital, including the historic centre, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the tour transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight.
Arrival in the UK - You'll land back in the UK, today, at the end of a truly memorable South American adventure.

What's Included

Holiday Highlights

Experience the Galápagos Islands in a unique and intimate way with a five-day cruise onboard the acclaimed MV Galápagos Legend
Take in the Peruvian capital, Lima, also known as the ‘City of Kings’
Discover spectacular Machu Picchu, the ‘lost city’ of the Incas
Witness the Galápagos’ most impressive local wildlife, from nesting sea lions and marine iguanas to blue-footed boobies and giant tortoises
Browse Otavalo’s colourful market – the largest of its kind in South America
Fly to Cusco and marvel at Peru’s fabled Sacred Valley
Explore Quito’s colonial-era landmarks on a guided tour

Our Price Includes

10 nights’ mixed-board accommodation, staying in the Sacred Valley (2 nights), Aguas Calientes (1), Cusco (2), Lima (2), and Quito (3), plus two nights on the aircraft
Four nights’ half-board accommodation onboard the MV Galápagos Legend
23 meals, including 14 breakfasts, five lunches and four dinners
Guided tours of Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Quito
Visit Ollantaytambo and the Inca sites of Sacsayhuaman, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay
Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Visit the Middle of the World in Quito (Quitzalo Solar Clock)
Visit Otavalo and its market
Shore excursions on the islands of Santa Cruz, Santiago, Rabida, Isabela and Fernandina
Return flights to Cusco and from Quito
Internal flights from Lima to Cusco, from Cusco to Quito (via Lima), from Quito to Baltra and San Cristobal to Quito
The services of a tour manager and local guides
Comfortable coach transfers throughout
Entrances and Galápagos National Park fees
All mandatory local taxes and charges

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Dates and Prices

Accommodation

Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos Cruise Touring Hotels -

Introduction
You'll be staying in a series of comfortable hotels that are conveniently located for your tour itinerary.

Hotel Jose Antonio Miraflores, Lima (nights 2-3)
This four-star hotel is at the heart of Lima's Miraflores district, a visitor-friendly haven lined with vibrant shopping areas and charming cafés to explore. It features an onsite restaurant, offering traditional Peruvian dishes as well as popular international classics, and a cocktail bar. Stylish guestrooms include free Wi-Fi, are air-conditioned throughout, and feature TVs, minibars, safes, radios and tea/coffee-making facilities.

Hotel Augustos, Urubamba (nights 4–5)
Located in the centre of Urubamba, the Hotel Augustos provides guest accommodation in spacious, comfortable rooms, along with a restaurant, a bar and a garden. Rooms are well equipped, and feature air conditioning and terraces.

Casa Andina Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes (night 6)
This modern hotel is located right beside the train station and local markets. It has a restaurant and a bar, and each of the guest rooms has TV and free Wi-Fi. Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in a conveniently located, alternative hotel of a similar standard.

Costa del Sol Wyndham, Cusco (nights 7–8)
Set in a 17th-century colonial-style mansion located in Cusco’s centre, a few steps away from the Main Square and La Merced Church, the hotel offers the Paprika Cusco Restaurant serving international and Peruvian dishes. There is free Wi-Fi and the well-appointed rooms feature 24-hour room service.

Sheraton Quito Hotel, Quito (nights 9-10 & 15)
Positioned in the centre of Quito in front of Quicentro shopping centre, this modern, stylish hotel boasts a view of Pichincha Volcano. Two restaurants offer international menus and there is a lobby café with live piano music, a deli, an 11th floor-fitness room and spa with a Jacuzzi. Comfortable, air-conditioned guestrooms have TVs, mini-bars, hairdryers, safes and Wi-Fi.

MV Galápagos Legend (nights 11-14)
Boasting comfortable modern amenities and spacious private cabins, this charming expedition ship is the ideal base from which to experience the Galápagos Islands from a unique perspective. Ondeck, there are two restaurants, serving international and traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, as well as well-equipped sundeck, complete with sun loungers, an outdoor swimming pool and two Jacuzzis. Drinks are served from the ship’s sleek bar area and there’s also a public library and a theatre offering daily entertainment. Stylish cabins are furnished with safes, irons, hairdryers and private ensuite bathrooms. Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in conveniently located, alternative hotels of a similar standard.

Other Information

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately one hour.

Passports and Visas

British Citizens do not require a visa for this tour. Your passport must have a minimum of six months' validity remaining from your entry date to Peru. We require full passport details in order to book attractions and entrances on tour. Please ensure you provide this information to us as early as possible, either by calling us or on ‘Manage My Booking’.

Foreign Office Travel Advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In many developing countries, access is sometimes not as easy as at home. Should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. Should you have any concerns whatsoever, please do contact us prior to travel.

Galapágos Island landings

Given the lack of docking infrastructure on the Galapágos Islands, travel between excursions will be via Zodiac (small dinghy), and landing on the islands will involve disembarking directly into shallow water. Therefore, it is highly recommended that waterproof footwear and a change of clothes be brought on excursions. Customers with limited mobility may find landing difficult and should consult us before travelling.

Combining hotel transfers

We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Luggage allowance

You're permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 20kg. Please take an overnight bag, though, as luggage is limited to 5kgs for night six while staying in Aguas Calientes.

Tipping

Tipping and gratuities for your tour manager or driver are generally expected for good service and are very much appreciated in the country you're travelling to. Recommended amounts range between $7 and $10 per day, and the exact amount will be advised in your Final Travel Documents.

Mandatory Galapagos Islands' Cruise Insurance

If you are joining a cruise in the Galapagos Islands, it is mandatory for you to have travel insurance. Please ensure you have adequate cover in place before departing the UK.

Holiday code

N2913

Holiday provided by Newmarket Holidays (for Metro Travel Offers)

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: This holiday is sold and operated by Newmarket Holidays (ABTOT 5509, ATOL 2325, ABTA V7812), you can be 100% sure that your money is safe.

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