Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

Day 1 UK to Lima
Fly from the UK to Lima via Madrid and transfer to your city centre hotel. Depart on Thursdays or Saturdays to coincide with a 4 night Galapagos cruise.

Day 2 Lima
Take a half day tour of the city, including the historic city centre and lunch by the Pacific Ocean. With the rest of the day to relax.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 Lima to Cusco
Fly over the mountains this morning to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, for a 2 night stay. An afternoon guided tour of the city will introduce you to the historic sites of the city including the Koricancha temple and the cathedral, and head to Sacsayhuaman to see the intricate stonework and great views of the city.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Cusco
Today is a free days in Cusco. There is much to see, with a wealth of excellent museums, galleries and inviting town squares in which to lose yourself and cafes and bars in which to linger.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 Cusco to Sacred Valley of the Incas
Depart this morning into the spectacular Urubamba valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas which is surrounded by high mountains and dotted with lonely villages. Stop at the colourful Pisac market, where you can also buy tasty local snacks. Continue to the impressive Ollantaytambo fortress before arriving at your hotel set deep in the valley. You can have an optional dinner with a Peruvian paso horse demonstration this evening.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
Early morning transfer to the train station for the incredible journey through the valley and river gorges, to Machu Picchu. Take the bus up the mountain to the mythical and breathtaking lost city, for a guided tour of the ruins. You will have time at the ruins until the early evening, long after the crowds have left, to truly savour this amazing place. Overnight in Aguas Calientes below the ruins , in the sheltered valley below the peaks.

Meals: Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Machu Picchu to Cusco
You might want to rise early this morning to see Machu Picchu at dawn, please advise us if you wish to do this so we can arrange your ticket. Or take an optional guided walk from your hotel to see the wildlife and flora of the cloud forest. This afternoon return to Cusco and your centrally located hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Cusco to Quito
Fly from Cusco, via Lima to Quito, Ecuador’s mountain capital located in the Andes and surrounded by volcanic peaks.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 Quito
This morning take a tour to the attractive historic centre of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and head to the middle of the world monument to stand on the equator line.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 Quito to Galapagos Islands
Fly to the Galapagos Islands, and board your 4 night Galapagos cruise on the M/V Santa Cruz.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11-13 Galapagos Islands
On your 4 night cruise you will visit the northern or eastern islands, with shore excursions in the morning and afternoon in small groups with expert guides, time for snorkelling and guided walks on the islands and plenty of time to relax on board your ship.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 Galapagos to Guayaquil
Disembark your cruise this morning and fly back to the mainland, for a night in the tropical port city of Guayaquil.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 15 Guayaquil to London
After a morning at leisure, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to London.

Day 16 London
Afternoon arrival.

Tour includes:

All flights specified
Private transfers
Local expert guides in resort
Inspirational sightseeing programme
14 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
Galapagos Islands Cruise
Machu Picchu
Quito and the Andes

On a Journey of Distinction, you are not merely a bystander. They believe that the wonders, customs and cultures you experience will live on in the core of your being. They even go so far as to say that one of their holidays will change your life forever.

Their combination of Tour Managers and Local Guides is what makes Journey of Distinction so distinctive. When you’re embarking on a voyage of discovery, it’s reassuring to know that a seasoned traveller is with you every step of the way; planning, organising, checking details and offering their advice and support. Their groups all depart from the UK, and no one joins us along the way, so you have the reassuring constancy of always knowing your travelling companions.

Our Opinion
“Limited to just 25 travellers per departure, every Journeys of Distinction escorted tour has an intimate, personal feel that makes for a more enjoyable experience.”