Best of Peru & the Galapagos

(14 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Quito, Galapagos Islands

This tour is the perfect combination of two of South America’s iconic travel destinations: Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands.

Begin with a morning of sophisticated private touring in Lima. This cosmopolitan city is well worth a visit for the opportunity to experience its history as well as Peru’s best museums, shopping and restaurants. Enjoy personalized touring according to your interests, such as an insider tour of the old colonial quarter, a viewing of spectacular pre-Colombian art collections, time for browsing high-quality boutiques and art galleries, or exploring the city’s food markets (including tastings of local specialties).

Next, fly to Cusco, and transfer to the lower elevation of the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Urubamba Valley) for a two night stay. Your private guide will ensure you experience the best of the local culture during visits to indigenous markets and villages, gentle walks or hikes to important Inca and pre-Inca sites, and meetings with renowned local weavers. Active pursuits can also be incorporated, if desired, such as day treks, rafting, horse-back riding or mountain biking. A private Nuevo Andean cooking lesson can also be arranged, upon request.

Board the luxurious Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu and spend one night near the ruins. Your private guide will teach you about the fascinating history of the site and ensure that you have the opportunity to explore the grounds after most tourists have left. Spend the following day exploring the ruins with the option to hike trails to stunning viewpoints around the site before continuing to Cusco by luxury train.

Arrive in Cusco, where an oxygenated room will be arranged at the city’s most historic and distinguished hotel. Your guide will lead you through the narrow cobblestone streets as you learn about the fascinating Incan and Spanish history in the city. During your tour, visit markets, galleries, boutiques and the best artisan workshops. Also opt to see important archaeological sites just outside of the city. In the evenings, enjoy dining reservations at Cusco’s top restaurants. Additional activities can also be arranged, upon request, such as a meeting with a local art expert or an evening cultural performance.

Next, fly to Quito, Ecuador, which is set in a verdant valley in the Andes mountains. With your private local guide, tour the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s filled with Spanish colonial-era architecture. Explore the most interesting back streets, hidden courtyard gardens and historic churches with spectacular interiors. Visit a workshop where the next generation of artisans trains in woodcarving, ironwork, gilding and other traditional crafts. Perhaps shop for a high-quality Panama hat—an Ecuador original—in the best local boutique.

Spend five days exploring the Galapagos Islands—a dream destination for nature lovers—on one of our preferred expedition cruises. Each day, tour different islands with an expert naturalist, and get close to giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and other iconic Galapagos wildlife. See the cycle of life up close, which depending on the season, might include mating rituals, newborns feeding, territorial squabbles, and more. Snorkel among sea turtles, playful sea lions and schools of brightly colored fish. Upon request, we arrange private yacht charters, SCUBA diving and other options in the Galapagos.

Return to Quito for a final night before your return or onward flight.