Inca Civilisation, Mountain Landscapes and Enchanted Islands

Sunday, 15 June 2025

Fly from the UK to Lima

Depart on a direct, overnight, flight to Lima. 

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Monday, 16 June 2025

Guided tour of Lima 

Arrive in Lima in the morning and transfer to your chosen hotel for a 1-night stay including breakfast. IN the afternoon, enjoy a tour of Lima your local guide to discover both colonial and modern districts of Lima. Following an earthquake in 1746, the city was elaborately rebuilt, and today wide streets, vast plazas and old houses with ornately carved balconies are a legacy of this period. Visit the Museo Arqueologico Rafael Larco Herrera in the suburb of Pueblo Libre. Founded in 1926 by the Peruvian archaeologist Rafael Larco Hoyle, the Larco Museum showcases remarkable chronological galleries providing an excellent overview on 3,000 years of development of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. Featuring the finest gold and silver collection from Ancient Peru and to the famous erotic archaeological collection, this museum is one of the most visited Peruvian tourist attractions.

Tuesday, 17 June 2025

Fly to Lake Titicaca

Transfer to Lima airport for your morning flight to Juliaca, where you will be met by our local guide and taken to your hotel in Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

This afternoon we venture onto Lake Titicaca to visit Uros Islands. Although the Uros Indians of the floating islands have intermarried with Aymara Indians and no pure-blooded Uros exist, many of the inhabitants of the islands still practice the old traditions of fishing, trapping birds and living on the lake plants. The totora reeds which grow abundantly in the shallows of the lake are used for their boats, houses and islands. The Indians began living on the reed islands over 500 years ago when the Uros built the islands in an effort to isolate themselves from the Collas and the Incas. 

Wednesday, 18 June 2025

Train journey to Cusco 

Crossing the Andes on the Puno – Cusco route is an unforgettable experience all on its own. But doing it aboard the PeruRail Titicaca Train will make this a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The PeruRail Titicaca Train was created to provide passengers with all the luxuries they could want in a trip, while offering them a chance to forge a mystical connection with nature. The PeruRail Titicaca Train features an open-air observatory car, allowing you to take in the majestic views while enjoying the typical music and dances of the Peruvian highlands.

During your trip, you will have the chance to take panoramic pictures of some of the quintessential Andean landscapes. The route covered by the PeruRail Titicaca Train is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world, with a trip that lasts ten and a half hours. At the start of the journey, passengers are welcomed at the Wanchaq Station (Cusco) or the Puno Station, where local musicians will provide background music as you board the train. Once aboard, you can enjoy the two dining cars decorated in the style of the Pullman cars of the 1920s. Also, during the trip, you will enjoy a personalized service and have the finest in gourmet food. When you arrive in Cusco, our guide will meet you and take you to your hotel. Lunch is included today.

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Thursday, 19 June 2025

Sacred Valley of the Incas

An early start today for a full day tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop is at Chinchero to visit the local colourful and authentic market where indigenous people from the surrounding communities congregate to trade their goods, not only trading in money, but in goods as well. The Chinchero Market is also well-known for its woven handcrafts typical of the region. You will also visit a workshop where you can see the artisans of the region working in their place. From here we drive to the Moray ruins, used by the Incas as a type of open-air crop laboratory.

Our next stop is Maras pre-Inca salt mines located on a wide-open hill above the Urubamba Valley. From here we will continue down to the Urubamba River and stop to admire the beautiful views of the valley. Lunch. We cross a small bridge and arrive at a beautiful Spanish Hacienda, overlooking the Urubamba River.

We visit the huge fortress of Ollantaytambo, the archaeological complex believed to have been a gigantic agricultural, administrative, social, religious and military centre. The town itself is geometrically perfect; with straight streets, trapezoidal doors, and Inca drainage systems.

We continue to Pisac a small colonial village built by Viceroy Francisco de Toledo on the ruins of an Inca citadel, standing at the entrance to the immensely fertile Urubamba River valley which was called the "Sacred Valley of the Incas" for the agricultural produce and wealth it brought as the base of the Inca Empire. There is a tourist market with numerous shops full of handicrafts and weaving and also a food market for local people, particularly on Sunday when some women and children dress in their traditional costumes. We drive up the mountain above the town for a short to visit to the Pisac ruins. Entrance fees and lunch are included. Lunch is included today.

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Friday, 20 June 2025

Guided tour of Cusco & nearby Inca Ruins 

Today enjoy a guided tour of Cusco. We visit the Cathedral in the main square of Cusco and the Koricancha, the Spanish church built on Inca stone foundations. The Cathedral, believed to be built on the foundations of the Palace of Viracocha, stands proudly in the main square and houses an interesting picture of the last supper where Jesus and his disciples are about to tuck into a guinea pig, a Peruvian delicacy.

We drive to the mountains above Cusco to visit the archaeological sites of Sacsayhuaman and Kenko. The largest complex and most famous of the ruins surrounding Cusco is Sacsayhuaman, a mighty fortress, built using massive stones some of which weigh over 100 tons, and somehow fitted together so neatly that even now, after so many years and earthquakes, one can still not slip a knife blade between the pieces of this huge jigsaw puzzle.

We also explore Tambomachay ruins, which may have served as a military outpost or a spa resort for the Incan political elite; as well as the Puca Pucara site, a red granite huge fortress. On the return we stop at a vantage point above Cusco for a superb view of the city and the surrounding mountains, before returning to your hotel. Entrance fees are included. 

Saturday, 21 June 2025

Machu Picchu by Vistadome Train

Today we set off by Vistadome train from Cusco along the course of the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes. This is a spectacular journey through a dramatic and changing landscape with some fantastic views. From Aguas Calientes, you will be met by your guide and take a bus up the steep mountain side to the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu, which silently awaits. You will have a private guided tour of the ruins to learn about the Inca culture and history of the site. After you have checked into your hotel, the rest of the afternoon is free. Lunch is included today.

Sunday, 22 June 2025

Return to Cusco

Early mornings offer an excellent opportunity for a quiet stroll around Machu Picchu, a walk along the Inca Trail to Intipunku (Sun Gate), or a strenuous climb to Huayna Picchu, the rocky escarpment overlooking the ruins. In the afternoon Vistadome train back to Cusco, where we stay for 1 night. 

Monday, 23 June 2025

Fly to Quito

Transfer to Cusco Airport for an early morning flight to Quito (via Lima). Situated between two ranges of the snow-capped Andes, the old town in Quito is a a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city enjoys a beautiful setting and temperate climate. You will be met by our local guide and taken to your hotel for a 1-night stay on a bed and breakfast. 

Tuesday, 24 June 2025

Fly to the Galapagos for your 7-night cruise

Take a domestic flight to the Galapagos and transfer to your chosen yacht for your 7-night cruise on a full board basis. Your Galapagos cruise includes daily morning and afternoon guided excursions to admire the tame wildlife endemic to each island. To follow is a typical 7-night itinerary on the first class Beluga.

In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Station is a research facility and National Park Information centre. The Charles Darwin Station has a giant tortoise and land iguana breeding program and interpretation centre.

 

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Wednesday, 25 June 2025

Sombrero Chino & Rabida

In the morning visit Sombrero Chino (Chinese Hat), a small volcanic island just off the southeast tip of Santiago. The name of the island describes the shape of the island. Fauna includes Sea lions, marine iguanas and the Galapagos penguin.

After lunch, explore Rábida, a small island with a dark red coral sand beach. Highlights include the lagoon with flamingoes, pelican nesting site, sea lion bachelor colony, and a snorkelling site at the end of the beach.

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Thursday, 26 June 2025

Isabela Island & Sierra Negra

Morning visit to Isabela Island - the largest of the Galapagos Islands formed by five active volcanoes fused together. Wolf Volcano is the highest point in the entire Galapagos at 1707m. We also visit Puerto Villamil, a charming small town on a white sand beach. Highlights include the Tortoise Breeding Station and the flamingo lagoon. Other visits (depending on conditions) are the Tintoreras or Los Humedales.

In the afternoon continue to the Sierra Negra Volcano with a caldera with a diameter of 10km. View recent lava flows, moist highland vegetation, and parasitic cones.

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Friday, 27 June 2025

Punta Moreno & Elizabeth Bay

After breakfast, visit Punta Moreno, located in the central southwestern coast of Isabela Island. The site has spectacular views of volcanoes Alcedo, Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul. Some highlights include impressive lava flows, desolate and pristine landscape, varied and unusual arid zone vegetation.

After lunch, explore Elizabeth Bay by dinghy. It is possible to see penguins on the small islets in the bay. The end of the bay is long and narrow surrounded by three species of mangroves. Galapagos Sea Turtles and rays can usually be seen in the water.

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Saturday, 28 June 2025

Isabela Island & Tagus Cove

This morning we explore Urbina Bay, located at the central-west coast of Isabela Island at the foothills of Alcedo and Darwin volcanoes. Highlights include the colourful land iguanas, Galapagos Giant tortoises and the coral uplifting from 1954.

Continue to Tagus Cove, natural harbour where centuries ago whalers and pirates left their ship's names painted or carved on the rocks. A walk uphill to Darwin's Crater salt-water lake will provide an excellent view.

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Sunday, 29 June 2025

Punta Espinoza & Punta Vicente Roca

Morning exploration of Punta Espinoza, famous for its large colonies of marine iguanas and unique species like the flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguin, Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, and many others. After lunch, continue to Punta Vicente Roca and explore by dinghy along the cliffs or the partially sunken cave at the water's edge. Nasca boobies, blue-footed boobies and flightless cormorants inhabit the shoreline.

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Monday, 30 June 2025

Santiago Island & Buccaneers Cove

This morning visit Santiago Island offering a wide variety of seabirds, marine iguanas and fur seals. We continue to Playa Espumilla, a beautiful contrast between the golden beach and the green mangroves. It is also a great site to see flamingos, pintail ducks, green sea turtle nests and the Galapagos Hawk. It is also a good site to go for a cool off swim or a snorkel.

After lunch, explore Buccaneers Cove. This site was Charles Darwin’s home for 9 days. As well as a resting site for many whalers and pirates. With this rich history Buccaneers Cove is a must see. Enjoy a panga ride or snorkel looking for Galapagos Fur Seals, Brown Noodies, Pelicans, and Swallow-tailed Gulls.

We then continue to Bartolome Island (Bartholomew) where we hike to the highest point on Bartolome for a spectacular view. Sea lions and penguins can be seen around Pinnacle Rock. There is a sandy beach with great swimming and snorkelling.

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Tuesday, 01 July 2025

North Seymour & departure

After breakfast, enjoy your last visit on North Seymour Island. This flat piece of land originated after an uplifting event thousands of years ago. The island is home to endemic Palo Santo trees, colonies of blue-footed boobies, swallow tailed gulls, and magnificent frigate birds.

Later in the morning, transfer to the airport and fly to Quito or Guayaquil to connect with your overnight flight home. 

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Wednesday, 02 July 2025

Arrive in the UK

Arrive in the UK in the morning.