Experience Peru and the Galapagos Islands
Prepare for a journey to discover some of South America's finest landscapes, culture and wildlife. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Cusco, Machu Picchu and Quito and discover untouched beaches populated by sea lions and penguins as you cruise between islands uncovering the inspiration behind Charles Darwin's On the Original Of the Species.
Day 1 Arrival Quito
Upon arrival at Quito airport, you’ll be met by a Lightfoot Travel representative and privately escorted by car to your accommodation in Quito.
The remainder of your day will be spent at leisure.
Day 2 Quito
This morning your private guide will escort you on a three-hour tour of Quito, focusing on the colonial district. You’ll also explore the craft boutiques on La Ronda, one of the oldest streets in the city.
Day 3 Santa Cruz, Galapagos
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Baltra Airport, Santa Cruz. Upon arrival you’ll be escorted to the Puerto Ayora Harbour to board your boat, Sea Star Journey.
After lunch, enjoy a tour of the Charles Darwin Research Centre, where you’ll learn about the protection and conservation of the islands, and meet giant tortoises.
Day 4 Isabela Island, Galapagos
Start the day with a zodiac ride to White Tipped Reef Shark Canal. Keep your eyes peeled for reef sharks, along with other Galapagos species including penguins, sea lions and iguanas.
After lunch, hike to the rim of the Sierra Negra Volcano.
Day 5 Isabela Island, Galapagos
Today you’ll explore two different areas of Isabela Island. In the morning, go birdwatching at Punta Moreno, before an afternoon trip to Elizabeth Bay. Here you’ll visit the most important penguin colony in the Galapagos and head into a cove to see animals and birds including eagle rays, brown pelicans, sea lions and Galapagos hawks.
Day 6 Fernandina and Isabela Islands, Galapagos
Spend the morning exploring Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island, where you’ll see colonies of sea lions and marine iguanas, and nesting sites of the flightless cormorant.
In the afternoon, return to Isabela Island for a clifftop tour to see Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants and other rare species. You can also see Darwin Lake and the volcanoes, and spot graffiti from pirates, whalers and buccaneers.
Day 7 Santiago Island, Galapagos
Your first site on Santiago Island is Espumilla Beach, where you can see marine iguanas and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Explore the Palo Santo forest, and look for nesting marine turtles.
Next, head to Puerto Egas for a coastline tour to spot Galapagos hawks, quick-footed Galapagos lava lizards, and fur sea lions. It’s a great snorkelling spot.
Day 8 San Cristobal Island, Galapagos – Lima
Your final destination in the Galapagos is Isla Lobos, home of blue-footed boobies and frigate birds.
You’ll then be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima via Guayaquil where you’ll check into Hotel B.
Day 9 Lima
Your trip to Peru starts with a guided tour of Lima. Explore colonial buildings, pre-Colombian sites, Plaza Mayor, and the 17th century cathedral.
The trip continues with a visit to the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum and Larco Museum, before journeying to the charming neighbourhoods of San Isidro, Miraflores and Larco Mar.
Day 10 Lima - Cusco
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cusco, where you’ll be privately transferred to the Sacred Valley on a two hour drive
Spend the rest of your day at leisure.
Day 11 Sacred Valley
Today you have a full-day guided excursion of the Sacred Valley. You’ll visit traditional Chincheros village and explore Inca remains, and see the Maras Salt Mine, a pre-Colombian site.
After lunch, continue to the Moray archaeological site, used by the Inca people as farming terraces.
Day 12 Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu
Head to Ollanta railway station to board to Vistadome train to Machu Picchu. After dropping off your luggage at the hotel, you’ll embark on a private guided tour of the Inca citadel before enjoying some free time to wander at leisure amongst the ruins.
Day 13 Machu Picchu - Cusco
You have return tickets to visit Machu Picchu this morning, along with the opportunity to hike the site for unparalleled views over the citadel.
Later in the day, catch the Vistadome train to Cusco, where you’ll be escorted to your hotel.
Day 14 Cusco
The final day of your trip begins with a private guided tour of Cusco, where you’ll explore the Temple of the Sun and visit the cathedral, before continuing to the impressive Fortress of Sacsayhuaman.
Day 15 Departure
Today you’ll be escorted to the airport for your onward journey.
Lightfoot Travel is a fully licensed global tour operator with a 24/7 support line for our guests, giving you peace of mind on your holiday . We have three core values that underpin our commitment to creating meaningful holidays for our guests.
AUTHENTICTravel your way with Lightfoot. We’ll take you into the heart of each destination and introduce you to the people and places that reveal the true essence of a country. With our trusted local connections, we create holidays that immerse you in culture, history, and everyday life. Far from the crowds, always deeply authentic.
EXPERT Travel with confidence, guided by experts. Our team boasts decades of first-hand knowledge and we are passionate about creating meaningful experiences for our guests. We specialise in unveiling the world’s most extraordinary and lesser-known destinations.
PERSONAL Your journey is as unique as you are. We take the time to understand what inspires and excites you, creating 100% tailormade itineraries that reflect your personality, interests, and holiday aspirations. Our bespoke holidays are designed to elevate every moment of your travel experience.
