Peru, Galapagos & Amazon 13-Day Tour

Our 13-day Ecuador and Peru tour covers the best of South America and begins in Peru’s mystical ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, officially appointed as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Explore the enchanting Incan Capital of Cusco filled with rich history and beauty. From the stunning churches in the Plaza de Armas to the Incan ruins and the gorgeous landscape of the Sacred Valley, this is indeed a treasured spot.

Step back in time to witness the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu and Cusco. Afterwards a 4-day exotic adventure awaits you in the Ecuadorian Amazon at La Selva Jungle Lodge, and what better way to finish your South American tour than a 4 day luxury cruise on a mega-catamaran in the Galapagos Islands.

When you first arrive to Peru you’ll find yourself in Lima, the country’s vibrant capital city and stay in a charming hotel call Tambo del Inca.

On the next morning after breakfast you will fly to Cuzco to be transported by car to the small city of Urubamba to begin your adventure.

Urubamba lays smack dab in the middle of the Sacred Valley of the Incas with a beautiful landscape of snow-capped mountains in the background and of course loaded with ancient Incan history. Just a few kilometers away to the East is the impressive landscape of the Urubamba River and colorful markets in Pisac where villagers interchange goods just as their ancestors did generations before.

In the other direction to the West sits Ollantaytambo where the Temple of the Sun can be found, formed by huge and impressive monoliths exceeding the weight of over 50 tons. Here is also where the Terrace of the Ten Niches can be seen. Ollantaytambo is a very important historic site since it is the only battle that the Incas won a battle against the Spanish when trying to invade and take over. Before the Spanish arrived, Ollantaytambo was originally built to protect the Incas from savage attacks from the “Antis”, a jungle tribe that resisted the Incas from trying to convert them.

Machu Picchu is the most well-known Peru destination. Machu Picchu is a complete Incan City that was first discovered in 1911 by Hiram Bigham and then properly explored by a Yale University archaeological expedition.

Upon arriving, be prepared for the first glimpse of the ancient Incan City to take your breath away. The ruins of the Incan city include staircases, temples, palaces, towers, terraces, and Intihuatana, better known as the Hitching Post of the Sun.

You’ll be spending an entire day here simply because there is so much to see and explore!

Cuzco is the most ancient Incan capital in all of Peru. Over time it became a hot spot for tourists and it is one of the most unique cities in the countries because on almost every street has some kind of remains from Incan architecture. Many buildings are built on the original Incan foundations and have also kept the original archways and stonework in the new, modern architectural design.

The Temple of the Koricancha, also known as the Temple of Sun is located by the city. It is an unparalleled temple constructed by the Incas in worship of the Incan Sun God, Inti. It used to be covered by sheets of gold on the inside and decorated with large gold animal statues, but unfortunately when the Spanish invaded it was all melted and shipped away back to Spain.

After your Peru tour has finished you will be transferred to the airport for your next adventure in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Upon arriving to Coca from Quito you will be met by La Selva Amazon Ecolodge & Spa representatives who will make your transfer to the lodge effortless.

The great part of this journey is that you are able to relax in a motorized canoe as you pass by the shores and banks of the Napo River, a main tributary to the Amazon River. When arriving to La Selva you’ll be greeted by friendly staff and refreshments followed by an introduction and evening activities like a possible night excursion – a great start to the next day’s excursions and activities.

La Selva Amazon Ecolodge & Spa is located deep in the most bio-diverse place on the planet, the Ecuadorian Amazon. During your visit expect the unexpected while venturing on various jungle excursions with your English speaking Naturalist Guide and Native Guide. See a wide variety of animals that can only be found in the Amazon including many primates, bird, plant, and insect species. Each time you return from one of these outings feel free to retreat to your generous and comfortable accommodations and enjoy only the finest meals you can dream of while in the Amazon, along with a few other luxuries like yoga or a session in the spa.

The following are the main highlights of your Amazon tour at La Selva:

• • Trail Excursions
  • Night Time Canoe Ride
  • Parrot Clay Lick
  • Cultural Activity – village or family home
  • Spa
  • Observation Tower
  • Swimming
  • Fishing

PLEASE NOTE: Rainforest highlights and activities may vary in order to maximize wildlife sightings OR may depend on the Naturalist Guide’s reports on weather conditions and main interests.

Today you will be departing La Selva but not before first having a replenishing breakfast for the ride back to Coca for your departure flight to Quito.

Staff will help with your belongings and assist at the airport in Coca.

For the final leg of your Ecuador and Peru tour you’ll be visiting the enchanted Galapagos Islands. One of our representatives will be at the airport for your departure, as well as when you arrive at the airport on San Cristobal Island.

After passing through Galapagos immigration, the cruise staff will meet you and will provide transfer to the boat.

Once aboard you’ll be welcomed by all the crew who will also provide all needed introductions to the Galapagos and catamaran you’ll be staying for the next few days.

During the first afternoon aboard enjoy a visit to Kicker Rock on a panga ride, as well as snorkeling in one of the most well-known spots for colorful tropical fish and invertebrates in Galapagos. Kicker Rock is a lava cone eroded by the sea rising 500 feet above the surface with a small channel that can be navigated by small boats. It is a great site for sea birds, tropic birds, and blue-footed boobies.

Suarez Point offers an opportunity to hike on a trail where Blue-footed Boobies, albatrosses and Nazca Boobies can be seen in their natural habitat. Make sure to watch the albatrosses use the nearby cliff as a launching pad to get a head start trying to fly! The landscape of Suarez Point is phenomenal and great for photography.

Gardner Bay has a magnificent beach with turquoise waters with small islets nearby. Here you’ll find lots of different species of fish and sometimes turtles and sharks. The bay is also frequented by a colony of sea lions that you’ll find hilarious and fun while they swim with you. Birds, like the endemic Hood-mockingbird and different species of Darwin finches are present as well.

Osborn Islet is a small island to the southeast of Espanola Island and is a marine site where you can enjoy fantastic snorkeling and swimming.

Visit the famous Post Office Bay, a spot where 18th century whalers placed a wooden barrel for use as an unofficial mail box. The custom continues to this day with Galapagos visitors. So, don’t forget your postcards, and don’t be surprised if the post card arrives to its destination before you even get home!

Cormorant Point is where you will find pink flamingoes lounging around in a salt-water lagoon and swim in Champion Islet, another of the many best places to snorkel in the Galapagos. Here you will enjoy a hike to a salt-water lagoon which is home to flamingoes.

The Charles Darwin Station- Breeding Center “Fausto Llerena” is home to turtles ranging from 3-inches (new hatchlings) to 4-feet long. It is a great place to observe the various sub-species of turtles interacting with each other. The new hatchlings are only kept until they are about four years old, or large enough to survive in the wild. These conservation efforts continue to be extremely successful.

After this final visit, you will be transferred to Baltra’s airport in time to catch your flight back to the mainland with assistance.

When you return to the mainland one of our guides will pick you up and drive you to your hotel.

Important: All itineraries and activities are subject to change without prior notice. This depends on weather conditions and ocean currents. Keep in mind some wildlife described above may not be visible.

After your breakfast in the morning our guide will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your International flight home.

NB. Itineraries are subject to change and can be modified without previous notice.