Galapagos and Peru Explored Excluding the Inca Trail - Overland Trip

Itineraries

Arrive and transfer to the hotel.

Fly from Quito to the Galapagos Islands and transfer onto the Monserrat II. On the way we visit the impressive Los Gemelos (Twin Craters), the Primicia Ranch where you can observe giant Galapagos tortoises in a natural environment, and the Charles Darwin Research Station located near to the port town of Puerto Ayora, where we board our vessel. (BLD)

We sail to the Plaza Islands, and visit South Plaza. The island is only a kilometre long and a little wider than 100 metres, but you will find the smallest species of land iguanas, and also nests of gulls, boobies, frigate birds, tropicbirds, marine iguanas, lava lizards and on the dock are often large male sea lions and their young resting. In the afternoon we arrive at Santa Fe on a great white beach with colourful turquoise water; a forest of Opuntia cactus covers the island. Bigger iguanas and many other animals can be found here, and the area is perfect for swimming and snorkelling. (BLD)

On arrival at Espanola we visit Punta Suarez and follow a trail to see blue footed boobies and waved albatrosses nesting in their hundreds. We then head to Gardner Bay, which has a brilliant white sandy beach with hundreds of basking sea lions. (BLD)

We arrive at ‘Leon Dormido’, a couple of tall rocks in the sea named because the Spaniards thought they resembled a sleeping lion. We sail close to the rocks to watch the masked boobies and red-billed tropicbirds. Once on land we visit the Interpretation Centre close to the sleepy port-town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, official capital of the archipelago. In the afternoon we stop at Loberia, a small and peaceful rocky islet with lots of sea lions, and then take a walk to see the candelabra cactus and many blue-footed boobies and other birds. (BLD)

The charming Bachas beach is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, and is where pacific green sea turtles nest and lay eggs, especially from November to February. It is also perfect for swimming and you can find marine iguanas resting on the rocks and hermit crabs in the sand. We move on to Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove) to look for turtles; from December to March, these beautiful animals breed here in peace and quiet. These are not the only animals we can see - if we are lucky, we can see white-tipped reef sharks or the amazing eagle ray and golden rays under our dinghy! (BLD)

Arrive at Genovesa Island and climb Prince Philip’s step to see the colonies of seabirds here. Wwe then spend the day exploring the island and visit Darwin Bay, an exotic, partially eroded volcano, famous for its crater walls, hundreds of magnificent frigate birds, red-footed boobies, swallowtail, gulls and brilliant storm petrels, which all mate here. (BLD)

Visit Sullivan Bay, an awesome natural site dominated by a solidified lava flow. Looking closely, we can see parts of trees that were vapourised by the lava, as well as lava lizards. Later on, at Bartolome Island we can climb up to a viewpoint to see one of the most spectacular views of the surrounding islands. After a walk through moonscape-like landscapes, we reach a beautiful beach nearby the famous Pinnacle Rock. It’s perfect for snorkelling and swimming, and you might even be able to swim together with Galapagos penguins. (BLD)

Time to say goodbye to our boat and crew. There is time for last minute souvenir shopping in Puerto Ayora before transferring to Baltra for the flight back to the mainland and Guayaquil. On arrival transfer to your hotel. (B)

Flight to Lima, free day to explore

A free morning in Lima. In the afternoon we take the bus along the Pan- American Highway to Pisco. Approx 4hrs by bus.

This morning we take a picturesque boat ride out to the Ballestas Islands, home to an abundance of birdlife. Later we continue to Nazca.

A full free day to explore Nazca and the surrounding area. There is the option to take a flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines, a series of huge figures carved into the desert which can only really be seen from the air. We take the overnight bus to Arequipa.

Arequipa is an attractive city set against the stunning backdrop of El Misti volcano. We have a morning walking tour of the old town and the option to visit the Santa Catalina Monastery.

A free day.

Drive out through the mountains to Chivay, near the Colca Canyon. In the afternoon there is the option to bathe in the nearby hot springs.

An early start this morning as we head for the Colca Canyon, second deepest gorge in the world, where we hope to see condors riding the air currents overhead. Later we continue to Puno, on the edge of Lake Titicaca, where we spend the night.

We head out onto the sparkling waters of Lake Titicaca and visit the floating reed islands that have been made by the local Uros people. We spend the night with local families on one of the islands. (LD)

After saying farewell to our hosts we visit Taquile Island before returning by boat to Puno. (B)

We take the bus to the beautiful city of Cuzco.

Free time to explore Cuzco. There are a huge number of things to do - wander the cobbled streets, visit one of the many churches or hike, bike or ride horses to one of the archaeological sites outside the city. Other activities include white water rafting, canoeing, excursions into the jungle or shopping (make sure you bargain!). There is also the option to visit the Sacred Valley, home to a number of impressive Inca ruins, bustling markets and friendly villages. You certainly won’t run short of things to do in Cuzco.

We enjoy a visit to Machu Picchu and spend time exploring this magnificent ancient city.

A second full day to explore Cuzco. Wander the cobbled streets, see some of the old churches, go shopping or perhaps ride horses to one of the many archaeological sites outside the city.

Fly from Cuzco to Puerto Maldonado, in the heart of the Amazon. We transfer by boat to a remote jungle lodge where we spend two nights. (LD)

A full day to explore the Amazon jungle on foot and by canoe, accompanied by a local guide who will explain about the abundant flora and fauna. (BLD)

We fly back to Lima. (B)

Tour ends.