The natural wonders of Peru & the Galapagos

San Cristobal

Day 1: Welcome to the Galapagos Islands

After an early morning flight to the Island of San Cristobal, your first stop will be the interpretation center with your guide. Here, you'll learn about the island's history, volcanic origins, climate, and geological features.

Next, you’ll hike to Tijeretas Hill, named after the colonies of frigate birds (Tijeretas) that nest there. This vantage point offers a unique view of San Cristobal and Kicker Rock. In the small bay, you can snorkel and typically encounter turtles, tropical fish, and sea lions.

San Cristobal - Kicker Rock - San Cristobal

Day 2: A day at Kicker Rock

Today, you'll embark on a boat trip to visit the iconic Kicker Rock. This striking formation consists of two eroded tuff cones rising approximately 150 meters high. Viewed from the side, Kicker Rock resembles a sleeping lion or a sphinx, which is why it's also known as "León Dormido" in Spanish.

The channel between the rocks is an ideal snorkeling spot and one of the few places where you might spot Hammerhead sharks. The cliffs are also home to nesting Nazca and blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and pelicans.

After snorkeling, you'll enjoy lunch on board, followed by some leisure time on a beautiful nearby beach, where you can relax and take in the stunning surroundings.

San Cristobal - Santa Cruz

Day 3: Visiting giant tortoises on Santa Cruz

Your day begins early with a speedboat crossing to Santa Cruz Island. Upon arrival, you'll head straight to the lush highlands to visit the twin craters known as "Los Gemelos," where you'll marvel at the unique Scalesia forests. Enjoy a hearty lunch on a farm, where you'll have the opportunity to observe giant tortoises, a variety of highland birds, and explore natural lava tunnels, all in their natural habitat.

In the afternoon, you'll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, dedicated to the study and preservation of the Galapagos Islands' delicate ecosystems. Here, you'll find exhibits on the climate and geography of the islands, as well as a turtle breeding program.

Finally, you’ll head to your hotel to relax after an enriching day of exploration.

Santa Cruz - Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz

Day 4: Sea lions & snorkeling

Today, embark on a bay tour around Puerto Ayora by boat. Visit Lobería Beach, home to a large sea lion colony, where you can snorkel in clear waters. Explore "Las Grietas," a natural crystal-clear pool nestled between steep rock faces, offering stunning views of the turquoise sea and volcanic landscape. You may even spot sharks in the water.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time at the beautiful Tortuga Bay, reachable by a 40-minute hike through Opuntia and Scalesia forests. Tortuga Bay features two sections: a long beach with surfing waves and a sheltered mangrove-lined bay ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Santa Cruz - Bartolome - Santa Cruz

Day 5: A day on an uninhabited island

Today, you'll take a trip to one of the nearby uninhabited islands. Depending on which island you visit you can expect to find an abundance of wildlife; blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, land iguanas, and sea lions.

Santa Cruz - Lima

Day 6: Journey to Peru

You will be picked up from your hotel by your driver and taken to the northern part of Santa Cruz Island to catch the ferry. From there, the “Lobito” shuttle bus will transport you to the airport for your flight to Lima.

Arrive in Lima, the beautiful capital of Peru. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred privately to your hotel, a journey that typically takes around 1.5 hours depending on traffic. The remainder of your day is free to explore and enjoy the charm of this colonial city at your leisure.

Lima - Cusco

Day 7: Explore Lima & fly to Cusco

In the morning, you'll take a guided tour of Lima, you'll visit the Parque del Amor in the district of Miraflores with a view of the Pacific Ocean and Plaza San Martín, then the Plaza Mayor. 

After a morning of exploration, it's time to fly to Cusco! 

Cusco - Sacred Valley - Cusco

Day 8: Horseback through the Sacred Valley

Welcome to the Sacred Valley. Start your day with a hearty breakfast to fuel an exciting adventure. Begin with a horseback ride through eucalyptus-filled hills, offering stunning views of the snow-capped Chicón, Patacancha, and Verónica peaks. Along the way, discover the centuries-old Ttiobamba church, a testament to the region's rich colonial history.

Explore Maras, a town known for its stonework entrances and heraldic designs that reflect its Spanish heritage. After a satisfying lunch, visit the Moray archaeological complex, renowned for its impact on Andean agriculture.

Cusco - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Day 9: The beauty of Machu Picchu

Start the day by taking the local train to Aguas Calientes, the base for most Machu Picchu adventures. Stop here for lunch before taking the 25-minute bus ride up to the Machu Picchu ruins.

Your guide will lead you around the site and explain the different buildings and curious corners of the building complex. After the two-hour tour, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes to connect to your train to Ollantaytambo and transfer back to Cusco.

Cusco - Rainbow Mountain - Cusco

Day 10: Summit Rainbow Mountain

Your driver will pick you up early to reach the hamlet of Llactoc, where you'll appreciate herds of alpacas and llamas and flora typical of the area. Here is where you begin your walk for approximately 2.5 hours, as you see snowcapped mountains and beautiful landscapes in the distance.

You'll arrive at the peak of colors, Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain). After a tour and photographic shots at the top, begin the descent ready for your journey back to Cusco.

Cusco - Puno

Day 11: Journey to Puno

Today you'll jump aboard a tourist bus to Puno. Along the way, you'll make stops at various beauty spots including the Temple of Andahuaylillas and Inca Temple of Raqchi. 

Once you arrive in Puno you'll be taken to your hotel where you can spend the evening relaxing.

Puno - Lake Titicaca - Puno

Day 12: The floating islands of Uros

Start your day with a hearty breakfast in preparation for an exciting full-day tour, lasting around nine hours. Your destination is one of the fascinating floating Uros Islands.

The Uros are believed to be among the earliest ethnic groups to inhabit the Andean region. They reside on man-made islands crafted from the abundant totora reeds found in the lake. During your visit, you'll gain insight into their unique lifestyle and traditions.

Puno - Taquile Island - Puno

Day 13: A day on Taquile Island

Today, you'll explore Taquile Island, which remained mostly isolated from the outside world until the 1950s. As a result, the Taquileños maintain a unique way of life: decisions are made communally, there are no cars, and electricity is minimal. The island is renowned for its exquisite weavings, traditionally crafted with men spinning the thread and women designing and weaving each piece.

Note: visiting Taquile involves a strenuous climb of 500 steps to reach the main part of the island, with elevations ranging from around 12,000 feet at the lakeshore to over 13,000 feet at the highest point.

Puno - Lima

Day 14: Goodbye, Peru

It's time to say goodbye to Peru. You'll be transferred to the airport with plenty of time to make your safe flight home.