Peru, Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands Cruise

Fly overnight, via Colombian capital Bogotá, to Lima.

Upon arrival in the Peruvian capital, transfer to your hotel to rest and relax.

Today’s tour will introduce this thriving city, founded by conquistador Francisco Pizarro, where Spanish colonial influences abound, especially around its central Plaza Mayor, the Plaza de Armas. See the Presidential Palace and the city's Baroque cathedral, explore the ultra-modern San Isidro and Miraflores districts, which overlook the Pacific Ocean, and enjoy a second evening in the city. 

Fly to Cusco and transfer into the fabled Sacred Valley of the Incas for two-night stay, where today’s highlights will include a visit to the tiny Andean town Ccaccaccollo, known for the ancient art of fabric weaving. 

Continue your discovery of the Sacred Valley, taking in the Inca ruins and market of ancient Pisac, as well as the fortress at Ollantaytambo. Visit a ‘Potato Park’ where you’ll learn about the importance of the tuber to the valley’s indigenous community. Spend a second night in the valley.

Today you'll travel by narrow-gauge railway and bus to breath-taking Machu Picchu, the iconic Lost City of the Incas. On arrival, your guide will introduce the layout of the original citadel, after which you are free to wander around the site. Magnificently set in the heart of the Andes, Machu Picchu seems to have been a military outpost, a secret retreat of Inca rulers and a sanctuary built in honour of Inca chief Pachacutec. With its Royal Tomb, Temple of the Sun, Priest’s House, Temple of the Three Windows and Sunken Plaza, it is undeniably one of the true wonders of the world. 

At the end of the day, you’ll head back down to nearby Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay in this lively Andean jungle spa town.

Those in search of more breath-taking views of famous Machu Picchu can return to the ancient citadel this morning with an optional morning excursion. Under the guidance of a local expert, you’ll learn more about the history, culture and lifestyles of the Inca civilisation as you soak up the region’s spectacular mountain landscapes.  

Reconvening at the hotel later this morning, the tour will continue to Cusco by train and bus for a two-night stay.

Join your guide for an introduction to one of The Americas’ most enthralling cities, with its ancient palaces and temples, and its roll call of colonial buildings. Highlights will include the Santo Domingo monastery, built over the Inca Temple of the Sun, the monumental cathedral and the Spanish glories of the main square, the Plaza de Armas. You will also visit San Pedro market's colourful stalls, and journey out into the surrounding hills to take in the ruins at the Inca sites at Sacsayhuaman, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay, before spending a second night in the city.

Bidding farewell to Cusco, today you'll head to the airport to board the flight into the high Andes and to the extraordinary Ecuadorian city of Quito. 

Stunningly set just 22 kilometres south of the equator, over 9,300 feet above sea level and beneath the volcanic slopes of towering Pinchincha, Quito is a Spanish colonial treasure trove nestled around its UNESCO-listed historic centre. 

Upon arrival, you will be met by your local tour manager and be transferred to the hotel for some time at leisure before a welcome brief this evening. 

This morning, pay a visit to the ‘Middle of the World’, where the equator is marked with a monument and visitor centre, before continuing to the highland town of Otavalo, the most famous of all South America’s colourful, indigenous markets. Enjoy lunch in Pijal, a small village in the heart of the Andes, where you'll visit the sustainable 'Sacha Warmi Kuna Project'. You'll then return to Quito. 

Bid farewell to Quito and fly to the Pacific’s remote Galápagos archipelago, touching down in Baltra where you’ll meet members of MV Galápagos Legend’s expert crew before transferring to the ship. As the Galápagos Legend sets off on an unforgettable voyage, take some time to settle into your new surroundings. 

Later this morning, you’ll head out on a zodiac (small dinghy) to Santa Cruz Island, home to Galápagos’ famous giant tortoises. Disembark in the shallow surf at Bachas Beach, with its rugged coastline marked by the ruined hulls of WWII-era naval barges, and opt to either explore the local area under guidance on foot or dive beyond the waves on an hour-long snorkelling experience. After some time on the island, reboard Galápagos Legend as it continues north.  

This evening, you’ll be free to make the most of ship’s onboard amenities and will have some time to relax before rejoining your fellow guests. Later on, head out on deck as the sun sets (weather permitting) for an al fresco dining experience at sea. 

Wake up to sunrise views of Santiago Island, one of the most biodiverse spots in the archipelago, and get ready this morning’s fascinating shore excursion with breakfast onboard the ship. 

Stepping ashore at Puerto Egas, witness the same coastal ecosystems that helped inspire Charles Darwin’s ground-breaking research with a guided walk along the island’s famous black-sand beaches. Keep an eye out as you go, and you might catch a glimpse of the archipelago’s impressive native wildlife, from colonies of Galápagos fur seals to the diminutive lava lizards that reside on the island’s dryer areas. You’ll also have the opportunity to take a closer look at life beneath the waves with another snorkelling excursion.

Reboard MV Galápagos Legend and witness more of Santiago Island’s dramatic volcanic landscapes from afar as the cruise continues to Rabida Island, positioned at the heart of the archipelago. Here, you’ll be introduced to more of the Galápagos’ endemic species under the guidance of an expert naturalist guide, with opportunities to view the colourful birdlife and subtropical plant life further inland. If you prefer to set out in search of the region’s amphibious and aquatic life, you can opt to join yet another snorkelling experience, a guided canoeing tour or a scenic ride onboard a glass-bottomed boat.  

Return to MV Galápagos Legend this afternoon and have dinner onboard ahead of an evening spent under your own steam. 

Today, take in the coastal wonders of Isla Isabela, the largest of the Galápagos Islands. Docking first at Urbina Bay, overlooked by the magnificent Alcedo Volcano on the island’s western side, you’ll join an experienced guide for a walk along the unique exposed coral blocks that dot its rugged shores. Known for its abundant reptile population, this island is also a hotspot for iguana sightings and is home to 15 subspecies of Darwin’s famous Galápagos Tortoises.  

Continue north along the coast to your next stop, Tagus Bay, a former pirate anchorage which was visited by Charles Darwin and the crew of the HMS Beagle. Here, you’ll explore the island’s most picturesque vistas on foot with stops in the Alcedo foothills and Darwin Lake before returning to shore for further wildlife-spotting opportunities on the water. 

This evening, return to the ship for dinner and the evening at leisure. 

Mark your final full day onboard your Galápagos cruise with a shore excursion to Fernandina Island, the Galápagos’ marine iguana capital. While here, you can spot these peculiar lizards both on the rocks and as they hunt underwater with opportunities to snorkel in the nearby coves. Also of interest will be the native Galápagos penguins and their secluded nesting grounds, nestled in the crags and crevices left behind by cooling lava.  

Later this afternoon, sail back to Isabela Island for a final afternoon in the biodiverse haven of Punta Vicente Roca, a popular nesting ground for sea turtles and seabirds alike.  

Spend your last morning in the Galápagos back on Santa Cruz, taking in the island’s lush central highlands. A short walk will bring you closer than ever before to the islands’ famous giant tortoises.  

Afterwards, return to Baltra for a flight back to Quito, and transfer to your hotel for the final night of your tour. 

Join your tour manager for a guided introduction to the Ecuadorian capital, including the historic centre, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

After the tour transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight. 

You'll land back in the UK, today, at the end of a truly memorable South American adventure.