9-night Galápagos Islands – Iconic Wildlife and Sublime Scenery Plus Machu Picchu Cruise/Land Package

Start your adventure in ancient and modern Lima. Welcome to Peru, one of the most fascinating countries in South America! If you have time after your arrival in Lima before settling in at your hotel for an overnight stay, wander historical center, which is packed with elegant Spanish colonial architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or why not walk along the oceanfront boardwalk in the upmarket Miraflores district. Here, you'll find many restaurants and cafés, as well as shops if you need to purchase anything ahead of your adventure. Lima is considered the food capital of Latin America, so be sure to try local dishes like ceviche, which is raw fish marinated in lime juice with onion and chili.,

Explore the ancient seat of the Inca Empire. In the morning, you'll take a flight to Cusco, the ancient seat of the Inca Empire. A local guide will take you to check into your hotel, before inviting you on a guided tour of this enigmatic city. You'll see impressive Inca structures contrasted with ornate buildings from Spanish colonial times. Visit the 15th-century ceremonial compound of Sacsayhuamán, or admire the architecture of the Spanish Santo Domingo Church, a convent built on the ruins of Coricancha, the Inca Sun Temple. After your tour of the highlights of this cultural and architectural gem, we'll return to the hotel for dinner.,

Explore the ancient seat of the Inca Empire. In the morning, you'll take a flight to Cusco, the ancient seat of the Inca Empire. A local guide will take you to check into your hotel, before inviting you on a guided tour of this enigmatic city. You'll see impressive Inca structures contrasted with ornate buildings from Spanish colonial times. Visit the 15th-century ceremonial compound of Sacsayhuamán, or admire the architecture of the Spanish Santo Domingo Church, a convent built on the ruins of Coricancha, the Inca Sun Temple. After your tour of the highlights of this cultural and architectural gem, we'll return to the hotel for dinner.,

Explore the ancient seat of the Inca Empire. In the morning, you'll take a flight to Cusco, the ancient seat of the Inca Empire. A local guide will take you to check into your hotel, before inviting you on a guided tour of this enigmatic city. You'll see impressive Inca structures contrasted with ornate buildings from Spanish colonial times. Visit the 15th-century ceremonial compound of Sacsayhuamán, or admire the architecture of the Spanish Santo Domingo Church, a convent built on the ruins of Coricancha, the Inca Sun Temple. After your tour of the highlights of this cultural and architectural gem, we'll return to the hotel for dinner.,

Discover the lost city of the Incas. An early morning transfer will take you to Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley, from where you'll catch a train along the narrow-gauge line to Machu Picchu, passing through stunning highland scenery along the way. After around two hours, we'll stop at the small town of Aguas Calientes and take the short bus ride to Machu Picchu — the so-called Lost City of the Incas. You'll enjoy a guided tour of this once-hidden settlement, marvelling at the stonewalls, terraces, and ramps that are carved into the mountain. You'll love the peaceful atmosphere of Machu Picchu as you gaze at the lowland jungle from this city in the clouds. After lunch, we'll return to Cusco where you'll enjoy your final night at the hotel.,

Discover the lost city of the Incas. An early morning transfer will take you to Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley, from where you'll catch a train along the narrow-gauge line to Machu Picchu, passing through stunning highland scenery along the way. After around two hours, we'll stop at the small town of Aguas Calientes and take the short bus ride to Machu Picchu — the so-called Lost City of the Incas. You'll enjoy a guided tour of this once-hidden settlement, marvelling at the stonewalls, terraces, and ramps that are carved into the mountain. You'll love the peaceful atmosphere of Machu Picchu as you gaze at the lowland jungle from this city in the clouds. After lunch, we'll return to Cusco where you'll enjoy your final night at the hotel.,

Discover the lost city of the Incas. An early morning transfer will take you to Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley, from where you'll catch a train along the narrow-gauge line to Machu Picchu, passing through stunning highland scenery along the way. After around two hours, we'll stop at the small town of Aguas Calientes and take the short bus ride to Machu Picchu — the so-called Lost City of the Incas. You'll enjoy a guided tour of this once-hidden settlement, marvelling at the stonewalls, terraces, and ramps that are carved into the mountain. You'll love the peaceful atmosphere of Machu Picchu as you gaze at the lowland jungle from this city in the clouds. After lunch, we'll return to Cusco where you'll enjoy your final night at the hotel.,

Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu pueblo, and is located four miles away from Machu Picchu. The city was founded in 1901 as the railroad between Cuzco and Santa Ana was being built, in result, Aguas Calientes became a hub for the railroad’s machinery and home for those who worked it. Today, many people visit the city for its hot springs, or as a great starting point for those headed up to Machu Picchu.

Discover the lost city of the Incas. An early morning transfer will take you to Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley, from where you'll catch a train along the narrow-gauge line to Machu Picchu, passing through stunning highland scenery along the way. After around two hours, we'll stop at the small town of Aguas Calientes and take the short bus ride to Machu Picchu — the so-called Lost City of the Incas. You'll enjoy a guided tour of this once-hidden settlement, marvelling at the stonewalls, terraces, and ramps that are carved into the mountain. You'll love the peaceful atmosphere of Machu Picchu as you gaze at the lowland jungle from this city in the clouds. After lunch, we'll return to Cusco where you'll enjoy your final night at the hotel.,

Discover the vibrant city of Quito. The day begins with breakfast at your hotel. We'll then drive to the airport in Cusco for the morning flight via Lima to Ecuador. You'll arrive in Quito in the afternoon. Your journey begins on the Equator in the lush Andean foothills. At 9,350 feet, Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world, and its main draw is the exquisite Old Town which was founded on an ancient Inca settlement. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's packed with well-preserved colonial architecture as evidenced in colorful plazas, magnificent churches, and handsome monuments. Settle into your hotel, then head out to explore.,

Discover the vibrant city of Quito. The day begins with breakfast at your hotel. We'll then drive to the airport in Cusco for the morning flight via Lima to Ecuador. You'll arrive in Quito in the afternoon. Your journey begins on the Equator in the lush Andean foothills. At 9,350 feet, Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world, and its main draw is the exquisite Old Town which was founded on an ancient Inca settlement. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's packed with well-preserved colonial architecture as evidenced in colorful plazas, magnificent churches, and handsome monuments. Settle into your hotel, then head out to explore.,

Discover the vibrant city of Quito. The day begins with breakfast at your hotel. We'll then drive to the airport in Cusco for the morning flight via Lima to Ecuador. You'll arrive in Quito in the afternoon. Your journey begins on the Equator in the lush Andean foothills. At 9,350 feet, Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world, and its main draw is the exquisite Old Town which was founded on an ancient Inca settlement. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's packed with well-preserved colonial architecture as evidenced in colorful plazas, magnificent churches, and handsome monuments. Settle into your hotel, then head out to explore.,

Discover the vibrant city of Quito. The day begins with breakfast at your hotel. We'll then drive to the airport in Cusco for the morning flight via Lima to Ecuador. You'll arrive in Quito in the afternoon. Your journey begins on the Equator in the lush Andean foothills. At 9,350 feet, Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world, and its main draw is the exquisite Old Town which was founded on an ancient Inca settlement. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's packed with well-preserved colonial architecture as evidenced in colorful plazas, magnificent churches, and handsome monuments. Settle into your hotel, then head out to explore.,

Straddle the Equator at the Middle of the World City. Today you'll enjoy a guided tour of Quito's remarkable Old Town — one of the largest and best-preserved colonial-era quarters in South America. Wander through cobblestone streets as you admire the architecture — and sample some delicious chocolate made from finest Ecuadorian cacao along the way. Next, you'll head to the iconic 'Middle of the World City', located around 16 miles north of Quito. After lunch, you'll visit the famous monument that delineates the imaginary line of the Equator. Have your camera ready to capture the moment you stand with one foot in each hemisphere.,

Get ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos Islands. After breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island in the spectacular Galápagos archipelago. A transfer brings you straight to the port where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits. In the afternoon, we'll begin our exploration of the Galápagos Islands following the north shore of Santa Cruz towards the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón — Dragon Hill — where we'll land. The first part of the walk here passes by a brackish lagoon that's frequented by shorebirds and American flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as a chance to get a first look at some land iguanas.,

Get ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos Islands. After breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island in the spectacular Galápagos archipelago. A transfer brings you straight to the port where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits. In the afternoon, we'll begin our exploration of the Galápagos Islands following the north shore of Santa Cruz towards the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón — Dragon Hill — where we'll land. The first part of the walk here passes by a brackish lagoon that's frequented by shorebirds and American flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as a chance to get a first look at some land iguanas.,

Get ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos Islands. After breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island in the spectacular Galápagos archipelago. A transfer brings you straight to the port where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits. In the afternoon, we'll begin our exploration of the Galápagos Islands following the north shore of Santa Cruz towards the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón — Dragon Hill — where we'll land. The first part of the walk here passes by a brackish lagoon that's frequented by shorebirds and American flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as a chance to get a first look at some land iguanas.,

Get ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos Islands. After breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island in the spectacular Galápagos archipelago. A transfer brings you straight to the port where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits. In the afternoon, we'll begin our exploration of the Galápagos Islands following the north shore of Santa Cruz towards the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón — Dragon Hill — where we'll land. The first part of the walk here passes by a brackish lagoon that's frequented by shorebirds and American flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as a chance to get a first look at some land iguanas.,

Today Baltra is the most important airport of Galápagos and a small navy base for Ecuador. Baltra has suffered most from human settling and does not have any visitor sites. Many cruises start from the its harbour and already there pelicans and noddies will welcome you. To the north lies Mosquera, a small sandy bank with a large colony of sea lions. Go swimming and snorkeling on the beach.

Get ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos Islands. After breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island in the spectacular Galápagos archipelago. A transfer brings you straight to the port where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits. In the afternoon, we'll begin our exploration of the Galápagos Islands following the north shore of Santa Cruz towards the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón — Dragon Hill — where we'll land. The first part of the walk here passes by a brackish lagoon that's frequented by shorebirds and American flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as a chance to get a first look at some land iguanas.,

Cerro Dragon is a Galapagos Island with small lagoons with flamingos, Palo Santo trees, Opuntia cactus.

Scan the coastline and seas for iconic species. You'll start your day at Punta Vicente Roca, on the north-western tip of Isabela Island. After breakfast, we'll explore the coast by panga boat, learning about the dramatic geology of the area from your naturalist guides. This site is a nesting place for several bird species, so look out for flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and boobies. Weather permitting, you'll get to snorkel alongside the cliffs, where you might find green sea turtles, oceanic sun fish, and fur seals. In the afternoon, we'll explore Fernandina, an island with a unique ecology and a big population of marine iguanas. Scan the coast for sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hawks, and penguins.,

Scan the coastline and seas for iconic species. You'll start your day at Punta Vicente Roca, on the north-western tip of Isabela Island. After breakfast, we'll explore the coast by panga boat, learning about the dramatic geology of the area from your naturalist guides. This site is a nesting place for several bird species, so look out for flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and boobies. Weather permitting, you'll get to snorkel alongside the cliffs, where you might find green sea turtles, oceanic sun fish, and fur seals. In the afternoon, we'll explore Fernandina, an island with a unique ecology and a big population of marine iguanas. Scan the coast for sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hawks, and penguins.,

Meet the famous giant tortoises of Galápagos. Today, you'll explore Santa Cruz Island. In the morning, we'll disembark at Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. A giant tortoise breeding center, here you can see recently hatched tortoises and Darwin's famous finches — the birds he used as a basis for his theory of evolution by natural selection. There's also an impressive forest of prickly pear cacti that's home to many land birds. Enjoy a cooler climate over lunch in the lush highlands, where giant tortoises shuffle about munching on grass and wallowing in pools. You'll have time for another activity, including mountain biking or visiting a sugar plantation.,

Puerto Ayora is located on the southern end of Isla Santa Cruz. Puerto Ayora is a charming port town where sea, sun, seabirds and sailboats coexist. On the town's outskirts are the headquarters to the world-renowned Charles Darwin Research Station. Many travelers just pass through on the way to see Lonesome George (a 150-year old tortoise; the last of his species) at Darwin Station. Puerto Ayora is a lively seaside town offering international cuisine, oceanfront hotels, outdoor bars, scuba diving schools and an avenue of boutiques with everything from tie-dyed sarongs to Panama hats. Relish the Islands' crescent slices of sand, spectacular diving, mountain top vistas, and tropical climate. Visit select islands and choose from an array of outdoor activities, such as kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, horseback riding and mountain biking. Puerto Ayora provides the most convenient base for island hopping. Three boats, the Delphin, Esmeraldas III and Santa Fe, offer day trips to Florena, Bartoleme, North Seymore and Plazas.

Discover Galápagos history and underwater wildlife. After breakfast, you'll enjoy a panga boat ride among the channels on Floreana's north shore, before taking in the incredible views of the island from Baroness Cove. Later on, we'll land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries. After lunch, you'll explore the wonders around Champion Islet in a panga boat or aboard a glass-bottom boat. Here, you can snorkel in one of the best spots in the archipelago. From there, it's onwards to Cormorant Point, where we'll take a walk from an olivine-crystal beach to a brackish lagoon, where you can commonly see American flamingos, pintail ducks, and more.,

You'll want to have your cameras ready at all times in the Galapagos because it's unlikely you'll ever meet anyone who has witnessed the species you will photograph.

Discover Galápagos history and underwater wildlife. After breakfast, you'll enjoy a panga boat ride among the channels on Floreana's north shore, before taking in the incredible views of the island from Baroness Cove. Later on, we'll land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries. After lunch, you'll explore the wonders around Champion Islet in a panga boat or aboard a glass-bottom boat. Here, you can snorkel in one of the best spots in the archipelago. From there, it's onwards to Cormorant Point, where we'll take a walk from an olivine-crystal beach to a brackish lagoon, where you can commonly see American flamingos, pintail ducks, and more.,

The Post Office Box on Post Office Bay was used in old days by whalers and others to stay in touch with their loved ones at home. Leaving the letters behind in the wooden barrel, other sailors returning home took it with them. Today tourists take the tradition over and leave post cards behind to be picked up later by others. A large lava tube is located behind the barrel. Visitors can enter the lava tunnels by stairs. The coastal vegetation is a dry tropical forest with low growing trees and shrubs. Frigate birds become frenzied when fisherman or cooks clean fish and throw away the scraps. Watch them playfully throw up the pieces and have aerial acrobatic frigates snatch them from the air. When free meals are not available frigates harass other sea birds in the air to drop their catch. Rays are seen around boats floating close to the water surface. The beautiful sunsets on the equator are fast and should not be missed.

Discover Galápagos history and underwater wildlife. After breakfast, you'll enjoy a panga boat ride among the channels on Floreana's north shore, before taking in the incredible views of the island from Baroness Cove. Later on, we'll land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries. After lunch, you'll explore the wonders around Champion Islet in a panga boat or aboard a glass-bottom boat. Here, you can snorkel in one of the best spots in the archipelago. From there, it's onwards to Cormorant Point, where we'll take a walk from an olivine-crystal beach to a brackish lagoon, where you can commonly see American flamingos, pintail ducks, and more.,

Discover Galápagos history and underwater wildlife. After breakfast, you'll enjoy a panga boat ride among the channels on Floreana's north shore, before taking in the incredible views of the island from Baroness Cove. Later on, we'll land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries. After lunch, you'll explore the wonders around Champion Islet in a panga boat or aboard a glass-bottom boat. Here, you can snorkel in one of the best spots in the archipelago. From there, it's onwards to Cormorant Point, where we'll take a walk from an olivine-crystal beach to a brackish lagoon, where you can commonly see American flamingos, pintail ducks, and more.,

Named not after the bird but a US ship, there is a wet landing onto a, literally, green beach - so coloured because it is made from olivine crystals (volcanic silicates of magnesium and iron). Pencil sea urchins may be found on the beach. A short walk inland and the trail comes to a brackish lagoon. This is home to one of the biggest populations of flamingos in the archipelago, these pink residents spend about 7 hours a day or more eating, and so take some binoculars to watch the ballet of necks as they gracefully move back and fourth, scouring the floor of the lagoon for little shrimp. Take your binoculars to enjoy the show up close. Also present are pintail ducks and stilts. The trail crosses a narrow neck of land and comes to a white beach on the eastern side of the island. Ghost crabs inhabit the beach, and rays and turtles can be seen in the sea. Sea turtles nest at Punta Cormorant (December to May) on the white sand beach, just a short walk away from the olive coloured beach where you land.

Your adventure comes to an end. As your expedition cruise comes to a close, it's time to bid farewell to the wildlife and scenery of one of the world's most incredible nature destinations. We'll also say farewell to our wonderful crew and naturalist guides as we disembark at Baltra Island. A transfer will take you to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Quito to connect to your international flight, or if you prefer, continue to Guayaquil for another adventure. To explore more of Ecuador, why not extend your stay and join one of the optional post-programs.,

Today Baltra is the most important airport of Galápagos and a small navy base for Ecuador. Baltra has suffered most from human settling and does not have any visitor sites. Many cruises start from the its harbour and already there pelicans and noddies will welcome you. To the north lies Mosquera, a small sandy bank with a large colony of sea lions. Go swimming and snorkeling on the beach.

Your adventure comes to an end. As your expedition cruise comes to a close, it's time to bid farewell to the wildlife and scenery of one of the world's most incredible nature destinations. We'll also say farewell to our wonderful crew and naturalist guides as we disembark at Baltra Island. A transfer will take you to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Quito to connect to your international flight, or if you prefer, continue to Guayaquil for another adventure. To explore more of Ecuador, why not extend your stay and join one of the optional post-programs.,

Your adventure comes to an end. As your expedition cruise comes to a close, it's time to bid farewell to the wildlife and scenery of one of the world's most incredible nature destinations. We'll also say farewell to our wonderful crew and naturalist guides as we disembark at Baltra Island. A transfer will take you to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Quito to connect to your international flight, or if you prefer, continue to Guayaquil for another adventure. To explore more of Ecuador, why not extend your stay and join one of the optional post-programs.,

Your adventure comes to an end. As your expedition cruise comes to a close, it's time to bid farewell to the wildlife and scenery of one of the world's most incredible nature destinations. We'll also say farewell to our wonderful crew and naturalist guides as we disembark at Baltra Island. A transfer will take you to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Quito to connect to your international flight, or if you prefer, continue to Guayaquil for another adventure. To explore more of Ecuador, why not extend your stay and join one of the optional post-programs.,