Peru, Ecuador & The Galápagos Islands

Itinerary

Day 1

Fly overnight, vía Colombian capital Bogotá, to Lima.

Day 2

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

Day 3

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.

Day 4

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.

Day 5

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.

Day 6

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.

Day 7

A second day’s optional visit to Machu Picchu begins with a trip to the incredible citadel. Travel to Cusco by train and bus for a two-night stay.

Day 8

Join your guide for an introduction to one of the Americas’ most compelling and enthralling cities, with its ancient palaces and temples, and its roll call of colonial remnants.  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.

Day 9

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.

Day 10

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.

Day 11

Bid farewell to Quito and fly to the remote, volcanic Pacific Galápagos archipelago, arriving at the island of Baltra and then transferring to Santa Cruz by boat, home of the giant tortoise for which the Galápagos are famed for.  Enjoy lunch at a local ranch before the chance to go in search of the famous giant tortoise on a gentle guided walk around the island’s volcanic interior. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay.

Day 12

Enjoy an unforgettable cruise across the pristine waters of Academy Bay, stopping to enjoy opportunities for snorkelling or swimming amongst a colourful array of marine species, including turtles and curious sea lions. Ashore, there are marine iguanas to encounter, and an astonishing collection of cacti and red volcanic rocks, at which to marvel.

Day 13

This morning you’ll call at the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you’ll enjoy a fascinating visit to the centre and learn about vital conservation work across the Galápagos. You’ll also have the chance to meet several subspecies of giant tortoise, many of which are at ease with human contact. After the tour, catch the boat to San Cristóbal island for a two-night stay in delightful Puerto Moreno.  

Day 14

After breakfast, transfer to the dock to board a boat for the short trip, accompanied by your certified Galápagos National Park guide, to tiny Isla Lobos, where you will not only see the resident sea lions, but colonies of frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. A swim in the calm, clear waters, or a stroll along the white sand beach brings yet more sightings and close-up views of marine life. This evening, enjoy an included farewell dinner.

Day 15

Fly back to Quito, then transfer to your hotel for the final night of your tour.

Day 16

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.

Day 17

You'll land back in the UK, today, at the end of a wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime, South American adventure. Back to top

Further Information

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time is approximately 30 minutes.

Passports & visas

British Citizens do not require a visa for this tour. Your passport must have a minimum of six months' validity remaining from your entry date to Peru.  We require full passport details in order to book attractions and entrances on tour. Please ensure you provide this information to us as early as possible, either by calling us or on ‘Manage My Booking’.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Combining hotel transfers

We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Foreign Office Travel Advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

Luggage allowance

You're permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg. Please take an overnight bag, though, as luggage is limited to 5kgs for night six while staying in Aguas Calientes.

Galapagos Hotels

Due to their remote locations, hotels on the Galapagos Islands may feature simpler facilities than other mainland alternatives, but are well-equipped with modern amenities and are the perfect base from which to explore the islands.

Terms and conditions

Black Friday save up to 15% offer discount applies to long and short haul tours. 15% applies to all departure dates of specific tours only. This Black Friday offer applies to new bookings only booked between the 12th November and 9th December 2024, and cannot be applied retrospectively to bookings already confirmed. All other tours (including Andre Rieu tours) not in the 15% discount are 10% off. This offer does not apply to holidays with late availability pricing, and excludes other location tours, and Festive tours. This offer does not apply to child prices/child pricing. This offer cannot be combined or used in conjunction with any other discount, promotion or concession. When booking a holiday as described above, prices shown will automatically have the discount applied. The discount applies to your final holiday price (excluding holiday insurance) at the time of booking. This offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Newmarket Holidays reserves the right to cancel, change or amend any tour. Holidays booked with Newmarket Holidays, are financially protected in accordance with ABTA, ATOL & ABTOT regulations. Newmarket Holidays Limited is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 02238316. Back to top