Peru & Galapagos Highlights 2016/17

Day By Day Itinerary

Day 1: Lima

Welcome to Lima, Peru. On arrival into Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport you'll be transferred to your hotel. Meet your leader and fellow travellers for a pre-trip briefing, usually held at 2 pm. Please check the noticeboard near the hotel reception for confirmation of the location of the meeting. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information so please ensure you have these with you. After the meeting your leader will take you on a brief walking tour of the Miraflores area. Your in-depth city tour will be tomorrow morning. This evening you might like to head out for a group dinner at one of the city's many restaurants. Lima has some of the best cuisine in South America and is especially renowned for its seafood. Perhaps sample Peru's national dish of Ceviche, which is raw fish marinated in lime juice and often served with hot peppers. Note: As this trip takes you to locations at high altitude, it's possible that some travellers may experience adverse health effects due to altitude sickness. Please see the 'Is this trip right for you?' and 'Health' sections of the trip notes for important information about this.

Day 2: Paracas

This morning head out on a half-day city tour of Lima with your guide. Founded in 1535 by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, it was from Lima that all Spanish territories in South America were governed. The city's glory days ended in 1746 it was virtually destroyed by an earthquake. Many of the colonial buildings were rebuilt, and you will get a first-hand look at several of them on the tour. See the Plaza Mayor (Plaza de Armas) at the heart of the city, which is flanked by the city cathedral, the huge Government Palace and the Archbishop’s Palace. Visit the San Francisco Monastery, with its catacombs containing some 70,000 human remains. Next head to the Central Market for a walking tour, where you'll have the opportunity to try some local Peruvian fruits and street food. Finally, the tour will make its way to nearby China town. In the afternoon, travel by minivan to Paracas. You'll arrive at your destination in the early evening after a four-hour drive.

Day 3: Nazca

Awake early this morning for an excursion to the Ballestas islands. Make your way to Paracas' port, where you'll board a boat bound for the islands. Often referred to as the Galapagos of Peru, the Ballestas Islands are home to an abundance of wildlife, including pelicans, red-footed boobies, flamingos, sea lions and even penguins. You will have the opportunity to see the wildlife up close on a boat tour of the area (approximately 1.5-2 hours). Please note that between June and September the port may be closed due to weather conditions. If this is the case, an alternative land tour of the Paracas National Reserve will be arranged. Later in the morning you'll be driven in a private van from Paracas to Nazca. This is a three-hour drive, but we may stop at the oasis town of Huacachina on the way. Nazca’s origins date back to the 2nd century BC. In the dry desert conditions, mummies, textiles, ceramics and other relics have been remarkably well preserved, hinting at what was once a highly developed ancient civilisation. Visit the viewing platform over the famous Nazca Lines, a series of huge symbols and shapes etched into the desert. There are many theories about how and why the lines exist and who created them. Tonight enjoy an included 'Pachamanca' dinner. Pachamanca is a traditional way of baking (usually meats) using hot stones.

Day 4: Arequipa

This morning you can choose to take a flight tour over the Nazca Lines to see the phenomenon from a different perspective. The tour is 30 minutes long and covers all 26 figures scattered throughout the desert. The flight can be bumpy and it's only recommended for those with a strong stomach. There have been safety issues with these flights in the past, so we have done our best to research the best operators in the area to recommend to you. Our leaders are prohibited from recommending or booking through any other operators. This optional flight costs about USD 100 per person (price subject to change). From Nazca, head to Arequipa by private van. Although this is a ten-hour trip, it is well worth it, as Arequipa is one of the most beautiful cities in Peru. Set at the foot of El Misti volcano, Arequipa is known as ‘La Ciudad Blanca’ (The White City) because of the white volcanic material used to construct most of its buildings.

Day 5: Arequipa

Today enjoy a walking tour of Arequipa with a local guide. Explore the main square, the Santa Catalina Monastery, the San Ignacio Chapel with its colonial mural paintings and the suburb of Yanahuara. You may like to spend the rest of the day relaxing in a cafe in the plaza. Another option is a visit to the Juanita museum to see the Inca mummy of a young girl who died in the 1440s.

Day 6: Arequipa- Colca Canyon

Today drive through the 'Altiplano’ (High Plains) to the Colca Valley and Canyon. On the way you'll see grazing vicunas, llamas and alpacas, as well as stone cairns built by the local indigenous people. More than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, the Colca Canyon provides some breathtaking views. The pre-Incan terraces carved into its walls are still cultivated today, and traditional Indian villages are dotted around it, where it's possible to see locals in colourful traditional dress. Stop at the highest point (4,910 metres) to enjoy views of the landscape below and the snowcapped volcano of the Nevado Ampato in the distance. At this point you might feel a little shortness of breath, but after taking some photos, you'll quickly get back into the vehicle and descend to a lower altitude. Continue onto the town of Chivay, where you'll have some time to visit the local hot springs. In the evening, you may wish to visit a local 'pena' to enjoy a Peruvian dance and music show. Spend the night in Chivay.

Day 7: Puno

This morning visit the Condor view point, where Andean Condors, one of the world's largest flying birds, can often been seen soaring in the air. After lunch it's about a four-hour drive in the van to Puno. On the way the group will stop at the Sillustani archaeological site. The ruined 'chullpas' or funeral towers of Sillustani were built by a pre-Inca civilisation centuries ago to house the remains of noble men. Arrive into Puno. Located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, Puno is a melting pot of Aymara and Quechuan Indian culture. The town is known as the folklore capital of Peru and is famous for its traditional dances.

Day 8: Lake Titicaca/ Suasi Island

Be enchanted by the striking scenery and unique cultures on a cruise around Lake Titicaca today. As Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, the sun can be extremely strong, so make sure you wear a hat and sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Stop by the floating Uros Islands. The Uros people constructed these islands to isolate themselves from rival tribes in ancient times. They are built completely from multiple layers of totora reeds, which grow in the shallows of the lake. Next call into Taquile Island for some woollen handicrafts. On the island, knitting is strictly a male domain, while women do the spinning. In the evening, retire to the private island of Suasi where you'll spend the night.

Day 9: Puno

Today the group will make their way back across the lake to Puno. Enjoy a free night in Puno to explore, eat dinner at a local restaurant or relax in the hotel. Puno is famous for its festivals. If you're lucky, your visit might coincide with an evening parade, when the streets fill with costumed dancers and musicians.

Day 10: Cuzco

Today take a local six-hour bus across the spectacular Altiplano to Cuzco. This region is truly is the heart and soul of Peru. Cuzco is the South America's oldest continuously inhabited city, and was the home of the Incas for two centuries before the Spanish built their first capital here. Today Cuzco is a fascinating combination of both cultures. Inca-built walls line the central streets, and many of the city's colonial buildings are built on or around Inca foundations. Take time to acclimatise to the city's high altitude (3,450 metres, or 11,150 feet above sea level). Perhaps take a wander and explore the many Baroque churches and ancient temples dotted around town.

Day 11: Cuzco

Your leader will take you on an orientation walk of Cuzco today. Visit the Coca Musuem to learn how the infamous plant has been an essential part of life in the Andes for centuries. Head to the San Pedro market, where you can practice your bargaining skills and take some colourful pictures. The tour will also stop at the Plaza de Armas in the heart of the city. Here you will see the main cathedral, built on top of an Incan palace and one of the city's greatest repositories of art. There are several impressive Incan ruins within the city. The most easily accessible is Coricancha, which was the empire's richest temple. Once plated in thick gold, the Spanish built a Dominican church atop its walls.

Day 12: Sacred Valley

Today board a private bus for the Sacred Valley. Treasured for its climate, fertile land and the Urubamba (Sacred) River, the valley has long been the main source of food in the high Andes. Head to the fortress ruins of Sacsayhuaman. The massive stone blocks forming the settlement's walls give you an idea of the ingenuity and military strength of the Incas. Next you'll visit a nearby community to gain insight into the local lifestyle. If it happens to be market day, wander the stalls in search of hand painted beads and ponchos. Enjoy lunch with the community. Afterwards, continue on to the town of Ollantaytambo. Built over an ancient Incan settlement, this is one of the few places where the Incas defeated the Spanish. The ruins of the upper terraces offer great photo opportunities over the town below.

Day 13: Aguas Calientes

Travel by train for 90 minutes today through the Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientas. The town is nestled in cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu. From here take a 30-minute bus up the winding road to Machu Picchu. It's thought the city was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for Incan nobility, but there’s evidence the land had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. Another school of thought is that Machu Picchu was an astronomical observatory. Take a guided tour around the ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters (1.5-2 hours), and enjoy free time afterwards to wander around on your own. Note: Due to Peregrine's internal safety policy, our leaders are prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking a climb up the steep mountain of Wayna Picchu.

Day 14: Machu Picchu / Cuzco

At 5:30 am this morning, take the bus back up the winding road to Machu Picchu. On your second visit to the ruins you'll have free time to explore and take any photos you may have missed yesterday. In the afternoon, the group will return by bus and train to Cuzco, where you'll spend the night.

Day 15: Cuzco

Bid farewell to any fellow travellers leaving the trip today. Enjoy a free day to relax, shop or explore more of Cuzco's sights. Perhaps head to a cafe on the Plaza de Armas, or for those seeking an active adventure, try mountain biking in the hills surrounding Cuzco. In the evening, you might like to unwind with a meal and drink in a local restaurant. You could even sample the Peruvian delicacy of cuy (guinea pig), if you are yet to try it and are brave enough.

Day 16: Flight To Puerto Maldonado (amazon Jungle)

Today take a flight to Puerto Maldonado in the Amazon Jungle, where you'll be staying for two nights at the Posada Amazonas Lodge. A representative from the lodge will welcome you at the airport. You'll then make a quick trip to the lodge's office in town by van. Here you'll be able to pack the gear you'll need for the next few days and leave the rest, securely stored, behind. Travel by bus or motorised canoe to the Amazon lodge. Once you arrive there is time to unpack and unwind before a short orientation and briefing. After dinner head to the river with your local guide, using a torch to search for caimans (similar to alligators) in the dark. Rooms at the lodge are simple but comfortable. They are built using local materials such as bamboo, adobe mud and palm trees, and are equipped with flushing toilets, hot showers, mosquito nets and kerosene lamps. Electricity and internet are only available in the common areas. The staff at the lodge are mostly local, including the multilingual guides, who can teach you all about the area's flora and fauna. Please note that drinks and tips are not included.

Day 17: Puerto Maldonado (amazon Jungle)

Spend a full day exploring the rainforest on foot and by boat with your local guide. Walk along jungle trails and be on the lookout for monkeys, parrots, giant river otters, caiman and capybaras. Your guide will also point out Amazonian plant life. Back at the lodge, there's a canopy tower where you can enjoy spectacular views over the forest and Tambopata River. From here there are also good chances of spotting toucans, parrots and macaws in the surrounding trees.

Day 18: Lima

Today head back to the airport and take an included flight back to Lima. After checking in to the hotel, you'll have some free time in the afternoon to explore or relax. You could even head to the huge shopping complex of Larcomar, which is set over the ocean. In the evening, perhaps head out for a group dinner to reminisce on your adventures so far.

Day 19: Lima - Quito

Leave Lima this morning and fly into Quito, which can take around two hours. Please note that this flight is not included within the cost of the trip. If you book your international flights with LAN Airlines, you may be able to book this flight for approximately USD 350 (subject to availability). If you need assistance in booking this flight, please let your agent know when you're booking this trip. On arrival to Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to do as you wish, however there's a welcome meeting in the evening at 6 pm. This is where you can meet the new travellers joining you on your cruise to the Galapagos Islands. Quito is one of the most attractive cities in South America, sitting at an altitude of 2,850 metres under the gaze of Volcan Pichincha. With Colonial style buildings, a cosy Old Town and plenty of nooks and crannies to explore, you may like to take a stroll this evening and see some sights. We will however be back in Quito at the end of the trip, giving you a chance to further experience the city. Notes: Due to the high altitude of many of places we visit, the air is thinner and some people can suffer altitude sickness, regardless of age, gender or fitness. Please see the 'Is This Trip Right For You?' and 'Fitness' sections in the trip notes for detailed information.

Day 20: Baltra - Santa Cruz Highlands

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Please note the pick-up time will usually be as early as 4:30 am (a boxed breakfast will be provided), as the airport is a one-hour drive away and you must allow for delays and check-in times. Your tour leader will confirm this time with you at the welcome meeting on Day 1. A transit card is payable on departure at Quito Airport (USD 20 per person) and a national park entry fee is payable on arrival on the islands (USD 100 per person). Please have cash ready for these transactions, as using credit cards can be time consuming. Meet your transfer guide at the arrival hall of the airport (look out for 'Queen Beatriz' signs) and drive to the catamaran - ‘M.C. Queen Beatriz’, anchored on the other side of Santa Cruz Island. Your guide will take you on an airport bus for a short distance, where you'll then board a public ferry across the Itabaca Channel (approximately 15 minutes in total). Once you reach Santa Cruz Island, board a private bus to Puerto Ayora for around 45 minutes. Here, there will be two dinghies to transport you and your fellow travellers to the 'MC. Queen Beatriz'. Once aboard, cabins will be assigned, you'll meet your crew members, get to know your naturalist guide and lunch will be served. After lunch, embark on your first excursion and head into the highlands of Santa Cruz for a total change of scenery. Beginning at the coast you travel across Santa Cruz through the agricultural region and into the misty forests, where you can see the unique Scalesia cloud forest and spend time observing giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Note: All public transportation costs are included.

Day 21: Isla Santa Fe - Plaza Sur

Journey to Santa Fe Island today, which is the home to many sea lions. It’s a lovely place to take a dip, offers a dense concentration of wildlife and is a fantastic place to see many of the stars of the Galapagos in one relatively small area. Expect to see Galapagos hawks, land iguanas, a variety of finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, sea lions, marine turtles, frigatebirds, Galapagos doves and lava lizards. It’s a naturally beautiful island, as well as having one of most attractive coves in the archipelago and the jade-green waters are ideal for snorkelling. A trail follows the coast into the opuntia forest, where you see Santa Fe's trees - the largest in the Galapagos. Hiking towards the cliffs on Santa Fe will lead you to a forest of prickly pear cactus. A member of the cactus family, their name comes from the pear-shaped fruit the plant produces.Once back at the beach, you'll have free time to snorkel back in the lagoon. A small island, Plaza Sur is nonetheless a place of great beauty. You'll get up close to sea lions and walk trails past one of the Galapagos’ largest land iguana populations. The island’s rugged southern cliffs are an excellent place to spot tropicbirds and swallow-tailed gulls, as well as the 'Gentlemen’s Club’ - a gathering of male sea lions, which are either too young or too old to be beach masters.

Day 22: Isla Española - Bahia Gardner - Punta Suarez

Today, cruise to the island of Espanola - the southernmost island of the Galapagos and one of the most spectacular. Due to its remote location, this island has a large population of endemic fauna. It's also the breeding site for nearly all of the world's 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses and home to colonies of blue-footed and masked boobies. You’ll also visit the white sandy beaches at Bahia Gardner, which are great places for swimming and relaxing. The rocks off the coast provide excellent snorkelling opportunities, with reef sharks, turtles and many species of tropical fish, including surgeon and angelfish. Pay a visit to Punta Suarez - a walk along its trails will take you to a cliff top viewpoint with amazing scenery and wildlife. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the elaborate courtship rituals performed by albatross, before the female chooses her lifelong mate.

Day 23: Isla Cristobál - Leon Dormido - Isla Lobos - Punta Pitt

This morning visit Punta Pitt on the eastern end of San Cristobal Island. Walk to the top of the volcanic hill for expansive views of the sparsely vegetated area. A variety of seabirds nest here, including blue-footed boobies, red-footed boobies and frigates. On a 'panga' ride, you can observe the three varieties of boobies nesting in the Galapagos and enjoy snorkelling from the beach. Pass through Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) later on, which is a magnificent rock in the middle of the sea. Cruise through the channel with nesting seabirds on either side of the boat, tropical birds overhead, marine iguanas in the water and sea lions resting on the rocks. Snorkelling gives you the opportunity to see Galapagos sharks, and possibly hammerhead sharks and sea turtles. Also visit Isla Lobos, a tiny island almost touching San Cristobal Island. This is the perfect time to witness friendly sea lions, as they play in the calm shallow waters here.

Day 24: Isla Cristobál

Venture out to San Cristobal Interpretation Centre in the morning. This centre brings the history and geography of the archipelago to life, from its volcanic origins to the present day. The human history exhibit offers an insight into the discovery and colonisation of the Galapagos, and the reality of the problems the islands face today. This afternoon, travel into the interior of the island to visit the highlands site of ‘Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado’ (Red Hill). The national park here has established a breeding programme and information centre for tortoises. You’ll be able to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat and learn all about their origin, evolution and their threatened future.

Day 25: Isla Bartolomé - Bahia Sullivan

Today, travel to Isla Bartolome (Bartolome Island), which is a volcanic landscape full of parasitic spatter cones, lava flows, Galapagos penguins and lava lizards. It’s a relatively new island in the archipelago and traces of its volcanic past can be seen everywhere, as evidenced by the amazing lunar-like landscape. You can hike to the top of a once-active volcano here, and enjoy superb views across to Sullivan Bay, on nearby Santiago Island. If you’re in luck you might catch a glance of the Galapagos Hawk. You also have the opportunity to go snorkelling with plenty of tropical fish, starfish, white-tipped reef sharks, rays and maybe penguins. On Santiago's eastern coast sits Bahia Sullivan, also known as James Island. Walk on pahoehoe lava, solidified after an eruption that occurred in 1897, and witness the colonisation of plant species since the last wave. On a guided walk of the island, your leader will point out an abundance of wildlife and explain the geological history of the islands.

Day 26: Isla Santiago - Espumilla Beach - Buccaneer Cove - Puerto Egas

Today you’ll visit some wonderful places. Espumilla Beach, on the northern coast of Santiago Island in James Bay, is an idyllic location in the Galapagos Islands and an important nesting site for marine turtles. With large waves, it’s also often a favourite of beach lovers. You may also see a variety of wildlife up close, including the Galapagos hawk, ghost crabs, blue-footed boobies (often plunging for fish) and brown pelicans. This area is also well known for its Palo Santo forest and extraordinary lava formations. Visit Caleta Bucanero (Buccaneer Cove), a natural monument of rocks caused by sea erosion. As a place of local legends and stories, it’s also where Darwin camped for nine days while making his study of the islands and their wildlife. If conditions are favourable, you can enjoy some further snorkelling. Puerto Egas is another great spot to explore, with its black sand beach located on the west side of James Bay and northwest of Santiago Island. South of the beach is Sugarloaf Volcano, which has deposits of volcanic tuff. There’s plenty of things to see and do today.

Day 27: Puerto Ayora - Charles Darwin Station - Quito

As flights to the mainland from Galapagos depart mid-morning, you’ll rise early for the last of your time on the islands. Depending on the time of your flight, time spent on this final excursion could be limited. Travel to the small town of Puerto Ayora, which is home to the Charles Darwin Research Station. The station's visitor centre and museum offer a great insight for anyone interested in the archipelago's natural and human history. It also offers a great chance for close-up encounters with giant tortoises. You’ll be able to see many newborn and young giant turtles - part of the breeding programme to reintroduce them to their natural habitat. This will be your final excursion before you return to the airport in Baltra for your flight back to Quito. As you’ll be leaving the boat this morning, please remember that if you have enjoyed the services provided by your guide and crew, they would appreciate a tip. Upon arrival in Quito Airport, you’ll be transferred back to the hotel for an overnight stay. Notes: In regards to tips and as a guideline, we recommend each passenger consider USD 15 per day for the crew and USD 10 per day for your guide. You can leave tips in envelopes that are placed in your cabin on the last day.

Day 28: Quito

Your tour will come to an end after breakfast. There are no activities planned for the final day so you're able to depart the accommodation at any time. There are many fascinating things to do in and around Quito, so please speak to our customer service representative about any optional activities that might be of interest. They can also assist you in booking a departure transfer to the airport.