From only £3645 per person
14 days from only £3645 per person
Go Touring are delighted to offer you the chance to combine the ancient wonders of Peru and the natural wonders of the Galápagos Islands on our fabulous new 14 day tour.
Peru is a magical and enchanting country and, in Machu Picchu, has one of the most breathtaking archeological sites in the world. South America's third largest country was once at the heart of the ancient Inca empire and its rich legacy is still evident in the striking architecture and fantastically constructed temples of the Inca capital of Cuzco and the spectacular 'lost city' of Machu Picchu.
The unique and wonderful wildlife of the Galápagos Islands, situated off the coast of Ecuador, led Charles Darwin to write the Origin of Species and develop his Theory of Evolution. During our cruise on board the M/V Santa Cruz, we will follow in his footsteps and come face to face with many of the same ancient and remarkably tame inhabitants of this unspoilt natural archipelago.
Tour HighlightsLima - Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cuzco - Galápagos Islands - M/V Santa Cruz
Tour itinerary
B - Breakfast
L - Lunch
D - Dinner
Day 1 Arrive Lima
Our flight with Iberia to Lima (via Madrid) departs London Heathrow in the morning, and then it's time to sit back, relax and enjoy Iberia's in-flight service. Our arrival into Lima is scheduled for 17.35. After collecting luggage we will meet our local tour manager and transfer to the José Antonio Hotel in Miraflores, where we will spend our first two nights in Peru. L
Day 2 Lima
After breakfast we take a sightseeing tour of Lima, Peru's capital city. Once considered the most beautiful city in the Spanish Americas, Lima still retains an atmosphere of colonial opulence in its many beautiful squares, fine churches and mansions. Highlights of the tour include the Plaza de Armas, an imposing square at the heart of the city, flanked by the Government Palace and the Cathedral; and one of the best-preserved colonial homes in Peru - the Casa Luna - where the owners welcome you in to their private residence. Our afternoon is at leisure for you to explore this fascinating city at your own pace. B
Day 3 Lima - Sacred Valley
This morning we transfer to Lima airport for our flight to Cuzco with LAN Airlines. On arrival we will make our way to the beautiful Sacred Valley, at the heart of the ancient Inca civilisation. Our first stop is at the famous market in Pisac, where people come from far and wide to barter and sell their produce, and where we have a great opportunity to pick up some traditional hand crafted items. Following an included lunch stop we head to the western end of Sacred Valley and the attractive little town of Ollantaytambo, which is possibly the best surviving example of Inca town planning and is home to a well preserved Inca fortress. Arriving at the hotel La Casona de Yucay, the evening is ours to enjoy. B L
Day 4 Machu Picchu
Today we will experience what will surely be one of the highlights of the holiday - a visit to the awe-inspiring 'lost city' of Machu Picchu. Our adventure begins this morning as we board a train to Aguas Calientes. After the train journey and a short bus ride, we enter one of the most dramatic locations on earth - the citadel of Machu Picchu, perched on top of a mountainous valley swathed in lush forest. The 'Lost City' remained undiscovered until 1911, and our guided tour will explore how it came to be revealed and the enduring mystery of its purpose. Following lunch at the nearby Sanctuary restaurant, we will have ample time to return to the citadel for further exploration or to take a bus to Aguas Calientes for a stroll around the narrow streets and market stalls of the village. B L
Day 5 Sacred Valley - Cuzco
After the previous day's excitement, we enjoy a leisurely breakfast before returning to Cuzco. Cuzco is a lively city and South America's archeological capital, which is evident in its fascinating combination of Inca and Colonial architecture. Following lunch, our sightseeing tour will explore the narrow cobbled streets, ancient ruins, churches and mansions of this fine city. We visit Plaza de Armas, the nerve-centre of the city, surrounded by colonial arcades and its imposing cathedral; and the church of Santo Domingo, most famous as the site of Qoricancha, an Inca temple devoted to sun worship. A final stop is made at Sacsayhuaman Fortress, whose imposing Inca ruins overlook the city bowl. Our home for the next two nights is the Eco Inn Hotel, a short walk from Plaza de Armas. B L
Day 6 Cuzco
A relaxing day strolling around the cobbled lanes and arcaded plazas of this fascinating city is a splendid way to spend our free day in Cuzco. For those seeking further exploration, optional tours include the Inca agricultural centre of Maras and Moray or a half day excursion to San Blas and Awanakancha. This half day tour begins in Awanakancha, where South American camelidaes are bred for their fine fur. We learn about the llamas', alpacas' and vicuñas' superb fibres, as well as the ancient weaving techniques which are still in use today. We continue to San Blas to visit its beautiful colonial church, then stroll through the many handicraft and native art galleries in the little square. B
Day 7 Cuzco to Lima
After breakfast, we leave Cuzco and fly to Lima with LAN Airlines. The rest of the day is free for you to take a stroll around the main square and many shops of Miraflores, or you may prefer to experience the country's fantastic cuisine during an optional half day culinary tour, or possibly visit the nearby Real Felipe Museum. We will spend tonight at the José Antonio Hotel. B
Day 8 Lima to Guayaquil
We transfer to Lima airport this morning for our international flight to Guayaquil in Ecuador with LAN Airlines. Known as the 'Pacific Pearl', Guayaquil is an important sea port and the largest city in Ecuador. Our tour of the city begins with Bolivar Park, which is often called 'the park of the iguanas', as here you will see these friendly creatures roaming undisturbed and perching on the treetops. We continue to Malecon 2000, the recently updated waterfront area which is alive with bustling cafés, bars and shops. Our final stop is the Barrio Las Peñas, one of the oldest neighbourhoods of Guayaquil, whose brightly coloured wooden constructions have been carefully restored and now house many small art galleries. We spend tonight at the Hotel Hampton Inn by Hilton. B
Day 9 Guayaquil - Galápagos Islands
This morning, an adventure of a lifetime begins as we fly to the Galápagos Islands. Remotely situated some 600 miles off the Ecuadorian coast, these volcanic islands are the breeding ground for some of the rarest wildlife in the world. We fly into Baltra Island and transfer to the M/V Santa Cruz, our 90 passenger mini cruise ship. After an introductory welcome talk and lunch, we sail to Santa Cruz Island for our first visit ashore. The Island's walking trail offers our first opportunity to see birds such as sandpipers, stilts and pintail ducks, and further along the trail we enjoy beautiful views of the bay and the western area of the archipelago. Back on board the ship, it's time to unwind with a welcome cocktail and dinner. B L D
Day 10 Galápagos Islands
We disembark at Bartolomé Island after breakfast, where we will have the chance to snorkel next to Galápagos Penguins and take a dinghy ride around the Pinnacle. For the more energetic, a climb to the Pinnacle’s summit is rewarded with some magnificent views. After lunch we sail to Santiago Island, whose pitch black shores are a great place to watch sea birds foraging for food, and at low tide marine iguanas can be seen grazing on the green algae beds. A walking trail brings us to a colony of endemic Galápagos fur seals, and the afternoon also provides outstanding opportunities for snorkelling and swimming. Tonight, weather permitting, enjoy stargazing on deck. B L D
Day 11 Galápagos Islands
Today begins with a wet landing, on tiny Rabida Island. A stroll along the beach will allow us to observe a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin's Finches. During the voyage to our next island, we'll keep our eyes open for dolphins, which can often be found playing in nearby waters. After lunch on board we arrive at North Seymour Island, home to the unique blue footed boobies and the magnificent frigate birds, the male of whose species puff out their striking crimson pouch to attract a mate. Before returning to the Santa Cruz, we visit a wonderful beach teeming with Galápagos sea lions and marine iguanas. B L D
Day 12 Galápagos Islands
Back to Santa Cruz Island today where a morning bus ride will take us up to the highlands for a special opportunity to view the islands' most famous reptile: the giant tortoise in its natural habitat. We will enjoy lunch in a restaurant located in the lush highlands of the island, and afterwards visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to gain a clearer understanding of the region’s dedicated conservation efforts. Later on, there is time for a walk along the main street of the archipelago’s only town, Puerto Ayora, where we can browse the many shops selling hand crafted items before returning to our ship to plan tomorrow's adventures. B L D
Day 13 Depart Galápagos Islands
The final port of call on our Galápagos itinerary is San Cristobal Island. This is the very same island that Charles Darwin first visited back in September 1835, and we will visit the San Cristobal Interpretation Centre to learn more about the natural history of the Galápagos and its people. Later there will be ample time for a look around the small port of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. We will transfer to the airport for our flight to Guayaquil, which is due to arrive on the mainland early in the afternoon. Our onward flight with Iberia leaves in the evening, so we have arranged rooms at the Hampton Inn by Hilton for our use this afternoon, providing a further opportunity for exploration and a chance to freshen up before the final leg of our journey. Our flight with Iberia is scheduled to depart at 20.55. B
Day 14 Arrive UK
Our flight arrives into Madrid and we connect to London Heathrow, arriving late afternoon. B L
Your Hotels
Hotel José Antonio - Lima
La Casona de Yucay - Sacred Valley
Eco Inn Hotel - Cuzco
Hampton Inn by Hilton - Guayaquil