Round up your favourite buddy and embark on the ultimate 13-day South America adventure that’s sure to be the trip of a lifetime. This is your chance to delve into destinations that are brimming with breathtaking natural wonders, UNESCO-listed cultural treasures and experience the vibrant local communities set against the backdrop of the magnificent Andes.
Your journey kicks off in the bustling metropolis of Lima, Peru, where you’ll join a guided city tour of the key sites. This includes Huaca Pucllana, the beautiful Plaza de Armas, the private Larco Museum and more before jetting off to the ancient Inca capital of European-influenced Cusco. Here you will embark on a guided tour of Qorikancha temple, Cusco Cathedral, the imposing Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán and more. Spend an evening in the majestic Sacred Valley before touring the Pisac archaeological site and seeing the remarkable Temple of the Sun. Board the PeruRail Expedition train bound for Aguas Calientes, a pedestrianised village at the base of Machu Picchu where you can choose to explore its thermal baths and vibrant markets with time at leisure. For those wanting to experience the Inca Trail, you can partake in an unforgettable supplement tour of the express Inca Trail trek (additional cost) to hike to the famed sites of Wiñay Wayna and Inti Punku.
Wake early to head to Machu Picchu where you’ll witness a spectacular sunrise and uncover the mysteries of this ancient citadel on a guided tour before returning to Cusco. Sit back, relax and enjoy the bus ride to Puno in Southern Peru. Along the way you’ll admire the symphony of rugged mountains, rolling hills and expansive valleys while making stops at Andahuaylillas "The Sistine Chapel of South America", Raqchi (Wiracocha God Temple) and more. Enjoy a scenic boat ride to the island of Taquile where you’ll meet master weavers of this ancient Andean community, indulge in a wonderful buffet lunch at a local fisherman’s house, photograph islands created entirely from buoyant totora reeds and more.
This package includes return international full-service flights, one additional domestic flight, 10 nights of hotel accommodation, 13 meals including daily breakfast and more.
Want more? Choose Itinerary 2 for a Galapagos Islands extension, this 21-day adventure will take you to a popular marine reserve so you can enjoy the wildlife at San Cristobal Island and Charles Darwin Research Station. Add extra days to your itinerary with Arrive Early in Lima, Peru and Stay Behind in Puno, Peru packages.
All of the inclusions in Itinerary 1, plus the following:
HIGHLIGHTS
FLIGHTS
ACCOMMODATION
DINING
ESSENTIALS
TRANSPORT
TRANSFERS
Please note: Extra charges may apply, see the Important Info section and checkout cart for fees and details
Today you’ll depart from Australia (or New Zealand) for Lima, Peru. Upon arrival in Lima, a representative will be waiting to transfer you to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Please note:
Overnight: Jose Antonio Executive or similar
Meals included: In-Flight
After breakfast, enjoy a guided city tour of the key sites of Lima.
First up, you'll see Huaca Pucllana which is a huge archaeological site in Miraflores, one of Lima’s most popular districts. Huaca Pucllana was an important ceremonial and administrative centre built by the Lima culture. This pre-incan indigenous coastal civilisation developed along the Peruvian coast between 200 AD and 700 AD and was built from seven staggered platforms surrounded by a plaza and large walls.
You'll then drive to the historic centre of Lima, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, to see the beautiful Plaza de Armas (Lima’s main square) which is surrounded by impressive colonial and Republican-era buildings. Some of Peru’s most important buildings surround the square including the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, the Archbishop’s Palace of Lima, the Municipal Palace and the Palace of the Union.
You'll then continue to the private Larco Museum, one of the most notable museums in the country. Here you will find a range of pre-Colombian art and artefacts including textiles, ceramics, metalwork and more. However, the museum is most famous for its incredible gallery of erotic pottery.
Afterwards, you will be returned to the hotel where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at your own leisure.
Overnight: Jose Antonio Executive or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning, at the appropriate time, you'll be transferred to the airport in Lima in preparation for your short flight to Cusco. Once you arrive in Cusco, you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to the hotel.
In the afternoon, you will enjoy a guided tour of beautiful Cusco, starting at the wonderful Qorikancha which is next door to Santo Domingo Church. The Qorikancha was one of the Incan Empire's most sacred and important temples. Its walls were covered with gold and life-size statues of plants and animals were said to be made of pure gold and silver. Sadly, this wealth was stripped out by the Spanish conquistadors.
You'll then head to Cusco Cathedral and see its main altar and pulpit covered in gold and silver relief work. Located on the Plaza de Armas and built between 1560 and 1664 on top of the foundations of an existing Incan temple, this spectacular cathedral houses many works of art by the Cusco School.
The next stop is the imposing Incan fortress of Sacsayhuamán, which sits on a hill above Cusco. Here you'll see some of the finest examples of Incan stonework and construction, including massive rocks that were carefully cut and perfectly fitted together to form the walls.
After exploring Sacsayhuamán, you'll head up the hill to the Tambomachay Archeological Complex. Although the exact purpose of this site is unknown, it's thought to have functioned, at least in part, as an Incan spa.
After the tour, you will be returned to the hotel where you will enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Royal Inka II or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Cusco at your leisure. Alternatively, you can choose to participate in an optional tour.
Optional Tour: Folklore Show & Dinner - $50 per person
In the central Plaza de Armas of Cusco, you can head to Tunupa restaurant to prepare for a fabulous buffet dinner of meat, fish, vegetables and desserts. The night becomes even more enjoyable when the traditional dance show begins! Get involved with folk, traditional and classical music played on Andean instruments such as Quena, charango, flute and zampoña. If you wish, you can also share the dance floor with the dancers!
Optional Tour: Rainbow Mountain Trek - $160 per person
Duration: Full Day
Fitness Level Required: Active/Demanding (please refer to important information section for description)
You'll depart from your hotel around 05:30 and stop in the community of Cusipata before continuing to the town of Chillihuani, passing through picturesque places like Tintinko, Rio Tigre and the Mountain of Surina in Llacto. You'll then arrive at the starting point of a one-and-a-half-hour walk to see the picturesque Rainbow Mountain. Enjoy panoramic views of the Red Valley, Nevado Ausangate and small lagoons just before reaching a spot to view the colourful mountain. Your guide will explain the science behind the mountain’s colours while you enjoy a hot cup of tea and a small bite to eat. You'll then descend back to the trail's starting point before arriving back at your hotel in Cusco around 18:00.
Overnight: Royal Inka II or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
At around 07:30 this morning, you will set off toward the Sacred Valley from Cusco, passing by the ancient site of Sacsayhuamán and traversing mountainous terrain before descending approximately 450 metres to the picturesque village of Pisac along the Urubamba River. Spend 30 minutes exploring the vibrant traditional market which showcases local artisanal crafts before ascending a hill to explore the extensive ruins overlooking the valley. A guided tour of the Pisac archaeological site unveils ancient structures once serving as dwellings, storage facilities and temples that are adorned with Inca altars, carvings and the renowned Intihuatana that symbolises the 'hitching post of the sun'.
You'll then journey to the town of Urubamba for lunch before continuing to Ollantaytambo, the former royal estate of Inca Emperor Pachacuti. Spend time here delving into the ancient ruins including the remarkable Temple of the Sun which showcases Inca architectural prowess and hydro-engineering marvels such as stone water fountains and agricultural terraces designed to create diverse microclimates for crop cultivation.
Afterwards, you'll proceed to Chinchero to visit the renowned church and imposing Inca stone wall in the central plaza. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Chinchero where inhabitants proudly preserve ancient traditions, reflected in their colourful attire blending indigenous and Spanish influences. Marvel at panoramic views of the surrounding snowy peaks of Chicón and Veronica before concluding the day's adventures.
Finally, you'll return to the hotel in Ollantaytambo where the remainder of the day is yours to unwind and enjoy at leisure.
Overnight: Pakaritampu Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch
Today, following breakfast, your journey continues with a transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station to embark on the PeruRail Expedition train bound for Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. Departing at approximately 11:30, the scenic two-hour train ride embarks amidst breathtaking vistas of river canyons and verdant hills framed by the Andes Mountains.
Upon reaching Aguas Calientes, you'll check into your hotel and have the remainder of the day at your leisure to immerse yourself in the charm of this quaint town, renowned as the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Sitting in a deep gorge at the foot of the mountain that Machu Picchu sits on, Aguas Calientes blends traditional life with tourist infrastructure boasting many markets, shops and restaurants. The town is largely pedestrianised, making it an easy place to explore by foot. Aguas Calientes owes its name to the natural hot springs that envelop the area, inviting visitors to indulge in a soothing soak amidst the steamy waters. You might like to indulge in this rejuvenating experience (charges apply), a fitting prelude to your upcoming adventure at Machu Picchu.
Optional Activity: Express Inca Trail Trek - $515 per person
Duration: Full Day
Fitness Level Required: Active/Demanding (please read important information for further information)
In the morning, you'll be transferred from your hotel to board a one-and-a-half-hour scenic train to Kilometre 104, the start of your Inca Trail Trek (timing depends on train scheduling). From here, you will hike approximately 4 hours to the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”) which is approximately 2,680 metres above sea level. Built on a steep hillside overlooking the Urubamba River, this archaeological site has a series of 10 baths and numerous Inca buildings displaying high levels of Inca masonry. Little is known about what Wiñay Wayna was originally built for however, there are theories it was built as a spiritual destination or resting place for elders and royalty would cleanse themselves in the baths before reaching Machu Picchu.
After exploring Wiñay Wayna, you'll continue your walk to Inti Punku (the Puerta del Sol) for your first spectacular view of Machu Picchu. This site was believed to have once been the main entrance to Machu Picchu and was dedicated to Inti, the Inca Sun God. You’ll then head to Aguas Calientes where the remainder of your afternoon will be spent at leisure.
Please be advised: This supplemental tour requires a moderate to high level of fitness. Participants will encounter uneven surfaces, steep inclines, numerous steps, and trekking at high altitudes. Prior to undertaking this optional excursion, we recommend consulting with your GP to assess your suitability for the tour.
Overnight: Hatun Inti or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Today is an early start as at approximately 05:40, you will be picked up and board the bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Pass through the gates into the Machu Picchu archaeological site and be guided on a two-hour tour to the most famous and spectacular parts of the extensive archaeological complex. These include the House of the Guardian, Intihuatana, Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza and other key locations (depending on the circuit determined by the Ministry of Culture). As you walk around, you’ll have spectacular views across the agricultural terraces of Machu Picchu and across the surrounding mountains and plunging gorges.
Once you’ve finished your tour of Machu Picchu, you'll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes where you can relax and have lunch (not included) before boarding the train back to Poroy and Cusco. Upon arrival at the station, a tour representative will be waiting for you to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Overnight: Royal Inka II or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Cusco at your leisure. Alternatively, you can choose to participate in an optional tour.
Optional Tour: Folklore Show & Dinner - $50 per person
In the central Plaza de Armas of Cusco, you can head to Tunupa restaurant to prepare for a fabulous buffet dinner of meat, fish, vegetables and desserts. The night becomes even more enjoyable when the traditional dance show begins! Get involved with folk, traditional and classical music played on Andean instruments such as Quena, charango, flute and zampoña. If you wish, you can also share the dance floor with the dancers!
Optional Tour: Rainbow Mountain Trek - $160 per person
Duration: Full Day
Fitness Level Required: Active/Demanding (please refer to important information section for description)
You'll depart from your hotel around 05:30 and stop in the community of Cusipata before continuing to the town of Chillihuani, passing through picturesque places like Tintinko, Rio Tigre and the Mountain of Surina in Llacto. You'll then arrive at the starting point of a one-and-a-half-hour walk to see the picturesque Rainbow Mountain. Enjoy panoramic views of the Red Valley, Nevado Ausangate and small lagoons just before reaching a spot to view the colourful mountain. Your guide will explain the science behind the mountain’s colours while you enjoy a hot cup of tea and a small bite to eat. You'll then descend back to the trail's starting point before arriving back at your hotel in Cusco around 18:00.
Overnight: Royal Inka II or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Rise early for breakfast and transfer to the bus station to travel to Puno onboard a modern bus, stopping along the way at several interesting sites. These include the following:
Upon arrival at the bus station in Puno around 17:00, you'll be met and transferred to the hotel where you can enjoy the evening at leisure after an approximately 10-hour journey.
Overnight: Royal Inka Inn Puno or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch
This morning at around 07:00, you'll depart for a boat ride to the island of Taquile, one of the most beautiful islands in Peru where Taquile’s traditional way of life is still very much alive. You'll have the chance to meet some of the master weavers of this ancient Andean community whose textiles are considered among the best in the country. According to legend, the Incas themselves learned how to weave from the artisans of this island with the men being the weavers and the women spinning the yarn.
Afterwards, your boat journey continues to the Chucuito Peninsula in the Aymara region of Lake Titicaca, representing the communal identity of the Peruvian-Bolivian Altiplano. Here you will visit the small and rarely visited rural community of Luquina and enjoy a wonderful buffet lunch at the local fisherman’s house.
You'll then head back towards Puno, stopping along the way to visit the amazing Islands of the Uros people. The islands have been created entirely from the buoyant totora reeds that grow abundantly in the shallows of the lake and are constantly replenished from the top as they rot from the bottom. You'll drop by the main island and enjoy a brief explanation of the history and lifestyle of the people who have lived here for many years, visit some of their homes to learn about their lifestyle and meet one of the local families to see how they live.
Overnight: Royal Inka Inn Puno or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch
After breakfast, you'll transfer to Juliaca Airport for the flight back to Australia (or New Zealand) via Lima.
Meals included: Breakfast
Meals included: In-Flight
Once arrived in Australia (or New Zealand), make your own onward travel arrangements.
Today you’ll depart from Australia (or New Zealand) for Lima, Peru. Upon arrival in Lima, a representative will be waiting to transfer you to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Please note:
Overnight: Jose Antonio Executive or similar
Meals included: In-Flight
After breakfast, enjoy a guided city tour of the key sites of Lima.
First up, you'll see Huaca Pucllana which is a huge archaeological site in Miraflores, one of Lima’s most popular districts. Huaca Pucllana was an important ceremonial and administrative centre built by the Lima culture. This pre-incan indigenous coastal civilisation developed along the Peruvian coast between 200 AD and 700 AD and was built from seven staggered platforms surrounded by a plaza and large walls.
You'll then drive to the historic centre of Lima, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, to see the beautiful Plaza de Armas (Lima’s main square) which is surrounded by impressive colonial and Republican-era buildings. Some of Peru’s most important buildings surround the square including the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, the Archbishop’s Palace of Lima, the Municipal Palace and the Palace of the Union.
You'll then continue to the private Larco Museum, one of the most notable museums in the country. Here you will find a range of pre-Colombian art and artefacts including textiles, ceramics, metalwork and more. However, the museum is most famous for its incredible gallery of erotic pottery.
Afterwards, you will be returned to the hotel where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at your own leisure.
Overnight: Jose Antonio Executive or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning, at the appropriate time, you'll be transferred to the airport in Lima in preparation for your short flight to Cusco. Once you arrive in Cusco, you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to the hotel.
In the afternoon, you will enjoy a guided tour of beautiful Cusco, starting at the wonderful Qorikancha which is next door to Santo Domingo Church. The Qorikancha was one of the Incan Empire's most sacred and important temples. Its walls were covered with gold and life-size statues of plants and animals were said to be made of pure gold and silver. Sadly, this wealth was stripped out by the Spanish conquistadors.
You'll then head to Cusco Cathedral and see its main altar and pulpit covered in gold and silver relief work. Located on the Plaza de Armas and built between 1560 and 1664 on top of the foundations of an existing Incan temple, this spectacular cathedral houses many works of art by the Cusco School.
The next stop is the imposing Incan fortress of Sacsayhuamán, which sits on a hill above Cusco. Here you'll see some of the finest examples of Incan stonework and construction, including massive rocks that were carefully cut and perfectly fitted together to form the walls.
After exploring Sacsayhuamán, you'll head up the hill to the Tambomachay Archeological Complex. Although the exact purpose of this site is unknown, it's thought to have functioned, at least in part, as an Incan spa.
After the tour, you will be returned to the hotel where you will enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Royal Inka II or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Cusco at your leisure. Alternatively, you can choose to participate in an optional tour.
Optional Activity: Folklore Show & Dinner - $50 per person
In the central Plaza de Armas of Cusco, you can head to Tunupa restaurant to prepare for a fabulous buffet dinner of meat, fish, vegetables and desserts. The night becomes even more enjoyable when the traditional dance show begins! Get involved with folk, traditional and classical music played on Andean instruments such as Quena, charango, flute and zampoña. If you wish, you can also share the dance floor with the dancers!
Optional Activity: Rainbow Mountain Trek - $160 per person
Duration: Full Day
Fitness Level Required: Active/Demanding (please refer to important information section for description)
You'll depart from your hotel around 05:30 and stop in the community of Cusipata before continuing to the town of Chillihuani, passing through picturesque places like Tintinko, Rio Tigre and the Mountain of Surina in Llacto. You'll then arrive at the starting point of a one-and-a-half-hour walk to see the picturesque Rainbow Mountain. Enjoy panoramic views of the Red Valley, Nevado Ausangate and small lagoons just before reaching a spot to view the colourful mountain. Your guide will explain the science behind the mountain’s colours while you enjoy a hot cup of tea and a small bite to eat. You'll then descend back to the trail's starting point before arriving back at your hotel in Cusco around 18:00.
Overnight: Royal Inka II or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
At around 07:30 this morning, you will set off toward the Sacred Valley from Cusco, passing by the ancient site of Sacsayhuamán and traversing mountainous terrain before descending approximately 450 metres to the picturesque village of Pisac along the Urubamba River. Spend 30 minutes exploring the vibrant traditional market which showcases local artisanal crafts before ascending a hill to explore the extensive ruins overlooking the valley. A guided tour of the Pisac archaeological site unveils ancient structures once serving as dwellings, storage facilities and temples that are adorned with Inca altars, carvings and the renowned Intihuatana that symbolises the 'hitching post of the sun'.
You'll then journey to the town of Urubamba for lunch before continuing to Ollantaytambo, the former royal estate of Inca Emperor Pachacuti. Spend time here delving into the ancient ruins including the remarkable Temple of the Sun which showcases Inca architectural prowess and hydro-engineering marvels such as stone water fountains and agricultural terraces designed to create diverse microclimates for crop cultivation.
Afterwards, you'll proceed to Chinchero to visit the renowned church and imposing Inca stone wall in the central plaza. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Chinchero where inhabitants proudly preserve ancient traditions, reflected in their colourful attire blending indigenous and Spanish influences. Marvel at panoramic views of the surrounding snowy peaks of Chicón and Veronica before concluding the day's adventures.
Finally, you'll return to the hotel in Ollantaytambo where the remainder of the day is yours to unwind and enjoy at leisure.
Overnight: Pakaritampu Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch
Today, following breakfast, your journey continues with a transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station to embark on the PeruRail Expedition train bound for Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. Departing at approximately 11:30, the scenic two-hour train ride embarks amidst breathtaking vistas of river canyons and verdant hills framed by the Andes Mountains.
Upon reaching Aguas Calientes, you'll check into your hotel and have the remainder of the day at your leisure to immerse yourself in the charm of this quaint town, renowned as the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Sitting in a deep gorge at the foot of the mountain that Machu Picchu sits on, Aguas Calientes blends traditional life with tourist infrastructure boasting many markets, shops and restaurants. The town is largely pedestrianised, making it an easy place to explore by foot. Aguas Calientes owes its name to the natural hot springs that envelop the area, inviting visitors to indulge in a soothing soak amidst the steamy waters. You might like to indulge in this rejuvenating experience (charges apply), a fitting prelude to your upcoming adventure at Machu Picchu.
Optional Activity: Express Inca Trail Trek - $515 per person
Duration: Full Day
Fitness Level Required: Active/Demanding (please read important information for further information)
In the morning, you'll be transferred from your hotel to board a one-and-a-half-hour scenic train to Kilometre 104, the start of your Inca Trail Trek (timing depends on train scheduling). From here, you will hike approximately 4 hours to the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”) which is approximately 2,680 metres above sea level. Built on a steep hillside overlooking the Urubamba River, this archaeological site has a series of 10 baths and numerous Inca buildings displaying high levels of Inca masonry. Little is known about what Wiñay Wayna was originally built for however, there are theories it was built as a spiritual destination or resting place for elders and royalty would cleanse themselves in the baths before reaching Machu Picchu.
After exploring Wiñay Wayna, you'll continue your walk to Inti Punku (the Puerta del Sol) for your first spectacular view of Machu Picchu. This site was believed to have once been the main entrance to Machu Picchu and was dedicated to Inti, the Inca Sun God. You’ll then head to Aguas Calientes where the remainder of your afternoon will be spent at leisure.
Please be advised: This supplemental tour requires a moderate to high level of fitness. Participants will encounter uneven surfaces, steep inclines, numerous steps, and trekking at high altitudes. Prior to undertaking this optional excursion, we recommend consulting with your GP to assess your suitability for the tour.
Overnight: Hatun Inti or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Today is an early start as at approximately 05:40, you will be picked up and board the bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Pass through the gates into the Machu Picchu archaeological site and be guided on a two-hour tour to the most famous and spectacular parts of the extensive archaeological complex. These include the House of the Guardian, Intihuatana, Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza and other key locations (depending on the circuit determined by the Ministry of Culture). As you walk around, you’ll have spectacular views across the agricultural terraces of Machu Picchu and across the surrounding mountains and plunging gorges.
Once you’ve finished your tour of Machu Picchu, you'll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes where you can relax and have lunch (not included) before boarding the train back to Poroy and Cusco. Upon arrival at the station, a tour representative will be waiting for you to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Overnight: Royal Inka II or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Cusco at your leisure. Alternatively, you can choose to participate in an optional tour.
Optional Activity: Folklore Show & Dinner - $50 per person
In the central Plaza de Armas of Cusco, you can head to Tunupa restaurant to prepare for a fabulous buffet dinner of meat, fish, vegetables and desserts. The night becomes even more enjoyable when the traditional dance show begins! Get involved with folk, traditional and classical music played on Andean instruments such as Quena, charango, flute and zampoña. If you wish, you can also share the dance floor with the dancers!
Optional Activity: Rainbow Mountain Trek - $160 per person
Duration: Full Day
Fitness Level Required: Active/Demanding (please refer to important information section for description)
You'll depart from your hotel around 05:30 and stop in the community of Cusipata before continuing to the town of Chillihuani, passing through picturesque places like Tintinko, Rio Tigre and the Mountain of Surina in Llacto. You'll then arrive at the starting point of a one-and-a-half-hour walk to see the picturesque Rainbow Mountain. Enjoy panoramic views of the Red Valley, Nevado Ausangate and small lagoons just before reaching a spot to view the colourful mountain. Your guide will explain the science behind the mountain’s colours while you enjoy a hot cup of tea and a small bite to eat. You'll then descend back to the trail's starting point before arriving back at your hotel in Cusco around 18:00.
Overnight: Royal Inka II or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Rise early for breakfast and transfer to the bus station to travel to Puno onboard a modern bus, stopping along the way at several interesting sites. These include the following:
Upon arrival at the bus station in Puno around 17:00, you'll be met and transferred to the hotel where you can enjoy the evening at leisure after an approximately 10-hour journey.
Overnight: Royal Inka Inn Puno or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning at around 07:00, you'll depart for a boat ride to the island of Taquile, one of the most beautiful islands in Peru where Taquile’s traditional way of life is still very much alive. You'll have the chance to meet some of the master weavers of this ancient Andean community whose textiles are considered among the best in the country. According to legend, the Incas themselves learned how to weave from the artisans of this island with the men being the weavers and the women spinning the yarn.
Afterwards, your boat journey continues to the Chucuito Peninsula in the Aymara region of Lake Titicaca, representing the communal identity of the Peruvian-Bolivian Altiplano. Here you will visit the small and rarely visited rural community of Luquina and enjoy a wonderful buffet lunch at the local fisherman’s house.
You'll then head back towards Puno, stopping along the way to visit the amazing Islands of the Uros people. The islands have been created entirely from the buoyant totora reeds that grow abundantly in the shallows of the lake and are constantly replenished from the top as they rot from the bottom. You'll drop by the main island and enjoy a brief explanation of the history and lifestyle of the people who have lived here for many years, visit some of their homes to learn about their lifestyle and meet one of the local families to see how they live.
Overnight: Royal Inka Inn Puno or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch
Today, at the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport in preparation for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, you will be greeted and transferred to the hotel where you can take advantage of the rest of the day to unwind at your leisure before catching a flight to Ecuador tomorrow.
Overnight: Hotel Estelar Miraflores or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, make your own way to the airport for your one-way international flight to Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Upon arrival in Quito, you'll be met by a tour representative and transferred to your accommodation for the evening.
Overnight: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Today you'll be transferred to the airport for the flight to the Island of Baltra in the Galapagos. On arrival, you’ll be picked up and transferred to the nearby island of Santa Cruz by crossing the narrow Itabaca channel by ferry and then by car.
Your first stop will be at the "Parte Alta" highlands in Santa Cruz which are lush, green and home to the iconic giant Galapagos tortoises. You'll have the chance to visit a private ranch where you'll enjoy lunch before heading out on a walk in search of the giant tortoises. You will also see lava tubes which are formed when the surface of a lava stream solidifies but the inside remains liquid and flows out like a river.
Afterwards, you'll continue by private transport to the hotel where you'll meet a local guide who will bring you up to speed on tomorrow's activities.
Overnight: Hotel La Isla or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch
Today, after breakfast, you will enjoy a half-day tour of Academy Bay where you can swim and snorkel with sea lions and all kinds of colourful fish. Here you can also see the blue-footed boobies who are resting at the edge of the cliffs. Afterwards, you can climb to a nearby viewpoint and, if you are lucky, you'll see white-tipped reef sharks swimming in the ocean below. You'll then take a walk to ‘Playa de los Perros’ where many sea iguanas can often be found resting in the sun. You'll find that the enormous cacti, the red colour of the rocks and the turquoise colour of the ocean make for great photo opportunities.
Please note:
• It's recommended to pack sun protection, a bathing suit, a towel, a camera and comfortable walking shoes for today's tour.
• Optional snorkel equipment will be provided free of charge to anyone who wishes to use it.
Overnight: Hotel La Isla or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch
This morning you'll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn more about many of the endemic species seen in the wild, as well as the ongoing conservation and management efforts on the Galapagos Islands. In the afternoon you will be met and transferred from the hotel to the dock of Santa Cruz from where you will take a boat (approximately 2 hours) to the island of San Cristobal.
Upon arrival at the dock in San Cristobal, you will be transferred to the hotel in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Here you will have a meet and greet with another local guide who will explain the rest of your itinerary to you before you can enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure on this stunning island.
Overnight: Blue Marlin Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast this morning, you will be met and transferred to a dock where you will take a short boat ride to the nearby Isla Lobos. During this boat trip, you will observe a lot of sea life before even setting foot on the island. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour where you will have the chance to observe frigate birds, blue-footed boobies and sea lions that all inhabit the island. Afterwards, you will have time for swimming or snorkelling in the beautiful waters.
You'll then continue onwards to a nearby beach in San Cristobal where you may enjoy an included packed lunch and some time at leisure. The white coral beaches of San Cristobal are great for walking around, relaxing and swimming in the shallow waters before returning to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Overnight: Hotel Blue Marlin or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch
Enjoy free time this morning before transferring to the airport of San Cristobal where you'll take a quick flight back to Ecuador's mainland. Upon arrival in Quito, you will be collected from the airport and transferred to the hotel.
Overnight: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, enjoy a free day at leisure in Quito or you can choose to participate in an optional tour.
Optional Activity: Pichincha Volcano Cable Car - $75 per person
If you like heights and want to spectacular panoramic view of Quito, the best option is to hop on a cable car. In the traditional cabins, you will be able to admire the whole city and the Pichincha Volcano. After ascending 4,000 meters above sea level in the Teleferico, enjoy a walk in the open air and hike on various trails while enjoying views of the city or climbing the Pichincha Volcano.
Please note:
Overnight: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, at the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport in preparation for your return flight to Australia (or New Zealand).
Meals included: Breakfast
Meals included: In-Flight
Once arrived in Australia (or New Zealand), make your own onward travel arrangements.
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