2024 Adventure Peru & Galapagos Land Based Tour

As you arrive into Lima airport and exit customs and baggage, you will be assisted with your luggage before driven to your hotel in a private vehicle.

Meals: No meals today

After breakfast, private tour visit of colonial and modern Lima, starting in the centre of this vibrant, metropolis. The tour will include a visit of the cathedral, dating from 1654 which still houses the remains of the conquistador Pizarro in the foyer; the Main Square, with the original bronze fountain built in 1650, the Government Palace where the President has his official residence and the San Francisco Convent, with its famous catacombs.
Lima, known as the city of the kings, was founded in 1535 by Pizarro and after several devastating earthquakes was rebuilt in 1991; the same year that UNESCO declared Lima a world heritage site. One of the very few South American cities that preserve the colonial past, Lima was home to the Spanish viceroy during the time of the Spanish colonial power. In the afternoon, a visit to the Larco Herrera Museum. In the evening enjoy dinner at the Astrid and Gason flagship restaurant at Casa Moreyra.

Meals: B & D

After breakfast, with boarding passes in hand, you will be driven to the airport for your quick-check-in and brief one hour flight to Cuzco, the ancient Inca capital of the Incas. In Cuzco, you will taken to your hotel. Free day to acclimatize to the high altitude.

Meals: B

After breakfast, a private tour of Cuzco including the Qoricancha temple or temple of the Sun, the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman overlooking Cuzco city, Qenko, Tambomachay and Puka Pukara. Return to the hotel in the evening. Dinner at the Map Café Restaurant.

Meals: B & D

After breakfast at your hotel, a full-day's excursion to the beautiful Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, situated between Pisac and Ollantaytambo. It is an exceptionally fertile valley that was and remains the larder of Cuzco. You will visit the village of Pisac, founded during colonial times, and set at the foot of a hill crowned by the remains of an ancient Inca city. On Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, you will witness Indians bartering their products in the main square and artisans from around the area sell their woven alpaca wool blankets and ponchos, engraved gourds, antique reproductions, jewellery, etc. After lunch, continue your trip to Ollantaytambo, the only Inca town that was not defeated by the Spanish with an opportunity to explore the ruins which tower above. You will then return to Cuzco after this full day with wonderful memories of the heart of the Inca land. Arrival to your hotel.

Meals: B & L

Early pick-up from your hotel as you head towards the Inca ruins of Tarawasi near the town of Limatambo (approx. 1.5 hrs from Cuzco).
These ruins were formally an Inca Temple and were an important resting place for Inca travellers heading from the coast to Cusco. After leaving Limatambo, we pass through the mountain village of Mollepata where there will be a short coffee break, before ascending a winding mountain road and continue onto Soraypampa. Soraypampa is located in between two sacred Inca Mountains, as you hike along you pass from a river valley into a glacier valley and you will be able to look across the valley and see the ancient Inca irrigation channels cut into the side of the mountain. You will also see an ancient forest of polylepis trees (queunas) native to this region. Your lodge tonight is designed to resemble an Inca Palace with all the luxury and elegance that this period of history evokes. After a warm welcome by our friendly staff, guests will be shown to their rooms and have time to freshen-up. The first afternoon is spent at leisure to adjust to the altitude, taking advantage of the outdoor jacuzzi or just walking in the beautiful surroundings. An evening briefing by the fireplace is followed by aperitifs and dinner.

Meals: All meals

Today you trek is for three hours in the surrounding area of Soraypampa to visit the Humantay Lake which is fed by the glacier far above on the slopes of Humantay Mountain. The Inca's considered these glacial lakes to be the 'eyes' of the mountain and to show respect to the mountain Gods they would build apachetas (stone piles) and today walkers carry on with this tradition. A short walk of about thirty minutes is necessary in order to reach the lake, but the view is well worth it and those brave enough can even go for a swim. We return to the lodge for lunch, after which there is the option to ride out again for around two hours in the surrounding area, or guests may choose to trade the glacial swim for a relaxing soak in the outdoor jacuzzi. We spend the night at the Salkantay Lodge with gourmet food and warm, comfortable beds. In the evening, the guide will brief the party on gear and the itinerary for the next four days.

Meals: All meals

Today we continue our trek (about five hours) towards Machu Picchu, riding up the Salkantay River and passing between Salkantay and Humantay Mountains. The mountain pass is 4800 metres (14,800 ft) above sea level and this is the highest you will be during the trip. Today you will have the opportunity to make your own offering to the mountain. Your cultural guide will instruct you in the manner that you should make your offering (of coca leaves) and as you let your leaves fly into the wind you can ask the mountain for a wish. Throughout the ride keep your eyes open for Andean condors, common to this area. From the pass you can see our destination of the second lodge but before we reach the lodge lunch will be served in a spectacular glacial valley with an amazing view of Vilcabamba Snow Mountain Range. The Lodge has been built to resemble an Inca religious shelter. The decoration inside the lodge is representative of the Inca's religious beliefs. You will find pictures and artifacts relating to ancient pilgrimages and Chaman rituals. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.

Meals: All meals

Today we leave the high pampas and head for the river valley that is known as the cloud forest. The scenery changes dramatically as the temperature rises becoming hot and humid. Bamboo trees, orchids and hummingbirds appear in the increasingly verdant scenery. You will pass through small family communities who eek out their living by farming and fishing. Inquisitive children come to see you and are happy to wave you on your way. The walk today is three hours long, you may need to get off and walk in some areas as the trail can be quite narrow. Upon arrival at our next lodge we are greeted with a Pachamanca (traditional underground stone cooking).This traditional meal is famous for its cooking method which consists of layering meat with hot stones and then covering the whole thing up with earth to bake. After observing the uncovering of the Pachamanca, which consists of a variety of meats (chicken, lamb, beef, pork) and vegetables (potatoes,sweet potatoes and yuca) we enjoy our meal. The Lodge is built at the conjunction of three rivers, one of which flows to Machu Picchu. As with all the lodges it is built in a unique style, this time to commemorate the art and music of both the Inca and the colonial times. Brightly coloured masks and traditional hand woven ponchos adorn the walls. The outdoor jacuzzi has panoramic views of the lush green mountains. We spend the afternoon relaxing or walking in the surrounding area. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Meals: All meals

Today we head down the Santa Teresa river valley, through banana and passion fruit orchards and coffee plantations. This area is rich in minerals and hot springs bubble up from deep underground. Flocks of paraqueets squawk noisily in the tree canopy that rises up from the mountain side. The coffee grown here is said to be one of the best organic coffees in the world. You will also notice a change in the appearance of the local people as you ride closer to the jungle. Along the way we stop for lunch, the chef from the lodges will appear as if by magic to prepare food to the usual excellent standard. Afterwards, we continue our trek (a total of around five hours) to the beginning of the Llactapata Inca Trail, the second most famous Inca Trail. A short thirty-minute walk through an avocado orchard brings us to our Lodge. The Lodge celebrates the nature of the area, inside there are many plants and beautiful pictures of butterflies and orchids which you will have seen at first hand along the route today.

Meals: All meals

Today our destination is the bustling town of Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu town. Those who wish to can hike this distance but others may catch a bus instead. The hikers will leave the lodge after breakfast and head uphill for around two hours towards Llactapata pass (2600 metres/8500 feet). After heading downhill for about ten minutes you will come upon the recently restored Llactapata Ruins from where you will catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu across the river valley. This perspective is one that few tourists get to enjoy. We walk another ten minutes or so to our lunch spot where we enjoy a picnic lunch with the same view of Machu Picchu. After lunch we will then descend to the Vilcanota River through bamboo forests, orchards and coffee plantations, a descent of between two and three hours. Aguas Calientes, the town of Machu Picchu, is a short train ride away and here we check into the beautiful Inkaterra Hotel for dinner and a well-earned rest. The whole group spends the night together in Aguas Calientes.

Inkaterra Hotel   |   Meals: All meals

Today there will be an early start in order to make the thirty-minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu to arrive before sunrise. You will then enjoy a private guided tour of the city, followed by several hours in which you are free to explore the ruins by yourselves. Afterwards you will return to Aguas Calientes by bus for lunch (not included) and then take the afternoon Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo (about an hour and a half), where you are transferred by car to Cusco (about one hour) and your hotel.

Meals: B

After early breakfast, we bid farewell to Cuzco and take a short drive to the airport in time for your return flight to Lima and your connecting international flight to Quito. As you arrive into Quito airport and exit customs and baggage, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative. You will be assisted with your luggage before escorted to your hotel.

Meals: B

After a delicious breakfast, you will be met by your guide as you start your full day's private tour of colonial Quito, declared by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1978. A visit to the Old Town, including the Plaza de la Independencia. The President still conducts business here, so access to the inside may be limited. It is the home of the tomb of Sucre and also houses interesting 17th and 18th century paintings.
A visit to the Parque Alameda that houses the oldest astronomical observatory in South America, as well as an impressive monument of Simon Bolivar.
The Plaza de San Francisco was constructed by the Spanish in 1553, and the church has a high altar made of gold and beautifully carved ceilings. You shall also visit La Compañia, the finest of all Jesuit churches. Damaged through the years by fires and earthquakes, it has since been restored and has a richly sculptured facade and interior. A stop for lunch (not included) in the old city. In the afternoon we head over to the middle of the world monument and its museum just north of the city.

Meals: B

After breakfast, with boarding passes in hand, you will be driven to the airport for your quick-check-in and flight to Baltra Island on the Galapagos Islands. Arrival, reception and welcome. Your Galapagos fee will be collected here. You will collect your luggage before you take a transfer across to Santa Cruz Island and your hotel for four nights. Enjoy an afternoon tour of the world famous Charles Darwin Research Station. Visit the breeding centre and Giant Tortoise pens located at Puerto Ayora, where you will witness the various stages of development of these world renowned, indigenous tortoises that can easily outlive us. While enjoying a close encounter with these impressive animals you will hear all about their fascinating life history. Return to your hotel.

Meals: B

For these two days, you shall embark upon various day trips to two of the following Galapagos Islands (Bartolome Island, Santa Fe Island, North Seymour Island and Bachas, or South Plaza Island and Punta Carrion), selection of island depends on National Park rules at the time.
Each island is home to a unique selection of endemic animals such as tortoises, iguanas, scores of birds and marine life. Or you may choose from a variety of activities offered by the hotel: scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, mountain biking, or take a day trip to Academy Bay, Tortugas Bay, Pelican Bay, etc. The tours will be based on small group travel with other passengers. Lunch included.

Meals: B & L

In the morning, enjoy breakfast before your transfer back to the airport for your midday flight back to Quito. Arrival in time to connect for your international flight home.

Meals: B