Peru - Galapagos Islands
Ancient Peru and the Wild Galapagos
Best time to travel
Year-Round
Recommended for
Groups & Friends, Couples & Honeymoon
Duration
15 Days / 14 Nights
Price from
$18000
per person
Ancient Peru and the Wild Galapagos
Trace two extraordinary evolutions, ancient human ingenuity and the wild creativity of nature, on this 15-day journey through Peru and the Galapagos. Begin in Lima with hands-on culinary experiences and private access to influential Peruvian art collections in bohemian Barranco. Continue into the Andes to explore Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and world-renowned Machu Picchu, traveling by luxury train and enjoying immersive stays in the Sacred Valley and Cusco.
Fly onward to Ecuador to board a luxury Galapagos cruise, your floating home for seven unforgettable nights. With expert naturalists at your side, explore volcanic islands alive with endemic species, snorkel beside sea turtles, and witness dramatic landscapes that shaped Darwin’s theories. A seamless blend of culture, history, and extraordinary wildlife encounters, this is South America at its most inspiring.
Highlights
- Explore the delights of foodie Lima with an authentic cooking class and market visit
- Visit the charming district of Barranco and enjoy privileged, private access to two of the best private collections of influential Peruvia
- Alight a luxury train to Machu Picchu and spend two days taking in the sublime beauty of this ancient wonder
- Wander the cobbled streets of Cusco, and discover its fascinating history, before trying your hand at Cusquenian art
- Fly to Guayaquil, Ecuador, before reaching Baltra in the Galapagos Islands to board your luxury Galapagos cruise for a once-in-a-lifetime
- Spend 7 nights and 8 days aboard a luxury Galapagos Cruise, accompanied by an expert team of naturalists and biologists
- Spot some of the world’s rarest species, only found here in the Galapagos, from orcas and giant tortoises to magnificent birds and reptile
Daily Summary
Ancient Peru and the Wild Galapagos
15 Days / 14 Nights
Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Guayaquil, Galapagos
All elements of these journey will be tailormade to your interests and travel style.
View on map
Day 1
Welcome to Lima
Lima
Arrive in Peru’s coastal capital and transfer to your boutique hotel. Your Aracari host greets you with a curated welcome pack before you settle into the vibrant neighborhood of Barranco or Miraflores for a relaxed first evening.
View on map
Day 2
Lima’s Flavors & Private Art Collections
Lima
Join a chef for a guided market visit and hands-on cooking class, preparing classic Peruvian dishes. In the afternoon, explore Barranco with privileged access to two private art collections at Pedro de Osma Museum and Casa Liébana, led by an expert specialist.
View on map
Day 3
Into the Sacred Valley & Pisac
Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley
Fly to Cusco and descend into the Sacred Valley, stopping at Awanacancha to meet llamas and alpacas. Explore Pisac’s terraced ruins and colorful market before settling into your mountain lodge surrounded by Andean landscapes.
View on map
Day 4
Ollantaytambo & Train to Machu Picchu
Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu
Visit Ollantaytambo’s impressive Inca fortress, then board the Vistadome luxury train to Machu Picchu. Enjoy panoramic views en route before checking into your hotel in Aguas Calientes for a restful evening.
View on map
Day 5
Machu Picchu & Journey to Cusco
Machu Picchu – Cusco
Spend the morning exploring Machu Picchu with your expert guide, with the option to hike Huayna Picchu. Descend by bus and return to Cusco by train and private transfer for a night in the historic center.
View on map
Day 6
Cusco Icons & Cusqueñian Art Workshop
Cusco
Wander Cusco’s temples, markets, and colonial treasures with an expert guide. After lunch, join a local artist to learn Cusqueñian gilding techniques and decorate your own Torito de Pucará, a meaningful keepsake of the Andes.
View on map
Day 7
Fly to Guayaquil, Gateway to the Galapagos
Cusco – Lima – Guayaquil
Travel from Cusco to Lima and onward to Guayaquil. Your Aracari host ensures seamless connections before you settle into your elegant riverside hotel for the night.
View on map
Day 8
ly to Baltra & Board Your Galapagos Yacht
Guayaquil – Galapagos Islands
Fly to the Galapagos and board your luxury expedition vessel. Settle into your suite and begin exploring with an afternoon visit to Las Bachas, known for its white sand, calm waters, and nesting sea turtles.
View on map
Day 9
Genovesa Island: Birds & Clifftop Trails
Galapagos Islands
Walk Darwin Bay’s coral-sand beach and bird-rich mangroves before climbing Prince Philip’s Steps to search for blue-footed boobies, owls, and storm petrels. End the day with sunset on the Sky Deck.
View on map
Day 10
Santa Cruz Highlands & Sullivan Bay
Galapagos Islands
Visit the lush highlands and the dramatic Twin Craters before exploring Sullivan Bay’s remarkable lava fields. Walk across rope-like pahoehoe formations and spot colorful lizards and pioneer plants.
View on map
Day 11
Isabela: Sierra Negra & the Wall of Tears
Galapagos Islands
Hike along the vast caldera of Sierra Negra, then visit coastal wetlands and the historic Wall of Tears. Continue to the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center to see young giant tortoises up close.
View on map
Day 12
Isabela: Elizabeth Bay & Urbina Uplift
Galapagos Islands
Explore mangrove-lined lagoons where rays and sea turtles glide below. Continue to Urbina Bay, where volcanic uplift revealed ancient coral beds, and look for land iguanas and giant tortoises.
View on map
Day 13
Isabela: Tagus Cove & Espinosa Point
Galapagos Islands
Discover pirate history at Tagus Cove before hiking to Darwin Lake. In the afternoon, explore Espinosa Point’s lava fields, spotting marine iguanas, penguins, and the rare flightless cormorant.
View on map
Day 14
Santiago: Beaches, Wildlife & Buccaneers’ Cove
Galapagos Islands
Visit Espumilla Beach, home to marine iguanas and nesting seabirds, then snorkel among rays and reef fish. Continue to Buccaneers’ Cove to explore striking red-sand shores and dramatic rock formations.
View on map
Day 15
Mosquera Islet & Journey Home
Galapagos Islands - Guayaquil - Departure
Make a final Galapagos landing at wildlife-rich Mosquera, known for sea lions and seasonal orca sightings. Fly back to mainland Ecuador, where your Aracari host assists with onward international departures.
Travel designer
Cécile Fabre
My name is Cécile Fabre, a Franco-Spanish nomad splitting my time between Peru, Spain, France and Sri Lanka, where my kiddos go to school. I'm obsessed with diving, outdoor exploration, archaeology, and history, all what South America can offer. As a travel designer, I turned my passion into my job 20 years ago! I loved diving in the Galapagos. I also enjoy spending time in the Colca Valley, Ollantaytambo town or wandering Arequipa. When it...
Luxury Stays with a Sense of Place
Make This Journey Your Own
Tell us what inspires you, and we’ll tailor this itinerary to your passions, pace, and style.
Similar journeys
Inspired by this sample journey? Explore more itineraries below — each can be tailored to your interests and travel style, or combined to create a seamless adventure across South America.
Start planning your journey