Compare Peru and the Galapagos Islands 2023 by Tauck vs Peru & Ecuador in 18 days - Incas, Amazon and Galapagos - Charm San Cristobal Island by Exoticca

Day 1 Arrive Lima

Tour begins: Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel. A transfer is included from Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport to the five-star Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel, located in an oceanfront section of Lima – the perfect place to begin one of our most popular Peru tours, paired with a Galápagos cruise.

LODGING : Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Lima, Peru

Day 2 Eclectic Culture in Lima

Your day in Lima begins in the city's Barranco ("cliff") district, known for its historic houses painted in bright colonial colors, and its iconic wooden Puente de los Suspiros ("Bridge of Sighs"). The bohemian heart of the city since the end of the 19th century, it became a favorite haunt of writers, poets, sculptors and painters drawn by its lovely coastal scenery. Next, visit the Pedro de Osma Museum; dedicated to preserving Peru's cultural heritage through art, the museum showcases the private collection of the philanthropist Pedro de Osma Gildemeister and is housed in what was his private home. After lunch at Casa Garcia Alvarado – a restored Art Deco mansion in Lima's Miraflores district – enjoy some free time before visiting one of several surviving colonial period homes in the city's historic center. Later, join us for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner at the Larco Herrera Museum, which features pre-Columbian treasures and artifacts housed in an 18th-century vice-royal palace – including ancient Peruvian jewelry, crowns, garments, masks, and pottery, and a gallery that offers a comprehensive view of cultures that existed in Peru for thousands of years before the Spanish arrived.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Lima, Peru

Day 3 Enter the Sacred Valley of the Incas

A flight to Cusco, high in the Peruvian Andes, leads you to the Sacred Valley of the Incas – a stunning landscape of verdant farmlands, villages, and ancient ruins amid cloud forests, terraced hills, and towering mountain ranges. Enjoy lunch and a performance of folk dancing and horsemanship featuring Peruvian Paso horses – a breed famous for its smooth, elegant gait and athletic dancing ability – at Casa Orihuela in the Sacred Valley. Arrive at your hotel, built to resemble an Andean village along a bank of the Urubamba River, in a tranquil setting of gardens and streams that echo Incan water channels. Dinner at your hotel this evening is preceded by a private performance of Andean music and dance.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Rio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel

Day 4 Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu

Head for Machu Picchu this morning (just about 8,000 ft. above sea level), stopping first at the town and archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, and its ruins of an Incan fortress containing a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, adobe houses, aqueducts, and the remains of a stone temple, the best example of Incan urban design in existence. Then board a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes. The village is a former railroad camp in a gorge surrounded by cliffs and cloud forests, the closest access point to the mountaintop ruins. From here you'll ride up a winding mountain road of hairpin turns to reach the "lost citadel," steeped in legend and mystery. Its purpose and original name are unknown; when Hiram Bingham discovered it in 1911, he followed the directions he was given to the place beside the Old Mountain (Machu Picchu), which was the name he gave it. Guided by a local expert, tour this mystical complex of giant walls, stone terraces, steps, ramps, and astronomically aligned structures, described by UNESCO as "the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height," surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes. After the guided tour enjoy free time to explore on your own.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Machu Picchu, Peru

Day 5 Peruvian discoveries from Machu Picchu to Cusco

You have a choice this morning of a second Machu Picchu tour, an early-guided walk through the citadel, or sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Return to Ollantaytambo by train, and then drive to Sacsayhuaman, a mountaintop Incan fortress overlooking Cusco, originally built by the Killkes, who preceded the Incas. Behind rows of massive stonewalls its plan centers around a giant solar calendar and includes citadels, cisterns, baths, and underground chambers. Also, visit a camelid breeding center and learn about the four different kinds of South American camelids: Huanaco, Llama, Alpaca and Vicuña. You'll also meet weavers from over 12 communities from southern Peru who alternate exhibitions of threading, dying and weaving traditional Andean textiles. Next, a visit to Sacsayhuaman Fortress for a guided tour of this ceremonial compound; a magnificent example of Inca military power that boasts a panoramic view of Cusco city. Continue on to your hotel in Cusco where dinner tonight is at your leisure.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Machu Picchu, Peru

Day 6 Your Choice in Cusco

Today choose from two excursions – one to the highlands outside Cusco, visiting several villages and the Maras salt fields; or a tour of southern Cusco and the valley south of the city. The highlands adventure begins with a visit to Chinchero – an authentic Andean village with a colonial church housing a large collection of painting from the Cusqueñan School of Art; a bartering system in which townspeople gather in the main square to trade their products; and lots of character. Next, visit the salt fields of Maras and its seemingly never-ending terraces, where salt has been extracted from springs and stored for local use for centuries, even before the time of the Incas; the variety of colors created by the reflection of the sun's rays in the salt deposits – and the Incas' striking ability to generate resources – is impressive. Continue on to the rural community of Mullak'as Misminay – where your local hosts, dressed in their outfits used for special occasions, will greet you with a traditional welcome prior to an agricultural experience, a cooking lesson and a textile demonstration. Should you choose the Cusco tour, you'll visit the San Pedro Market, a typical mercado offering local produce ranging from fruits, vegetables and meats to hand-woven sweaters other apparel and crafts. Then drive south of Cusco through the South Valley, which runs parallel to the Vilcanota River, to visit three ancient churches along the "Andean Baroque Route"… Andahuaylillas, Huaro and Canicunca. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening as you wish.

MEALS : B

LODGING : Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Cusco, Peru

Day 7 Journey to Guayaquil, Ecuador

Get set for your Galápagos cruise as you fly back to Lima, then take a connecting flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city and the gateway to the Galápagos Islands. Overnight in the downtown business district of this major port city, featuring a pleasant tropical climate, at Oro Verde Guayaquil.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Wyndham Quito Airport

PORTOFCALL : Quito, Ecuador

Day 8 Cruising Begins in the Galápagos

From Guayaquil, fly to Baltra at Santa Cruz, 600 miles off the Ecuadorian coast and home to wildlife found nowhere else in the world – the starting point of your 6-night Galápagos cruise aboard Tauck's comfortable expeditionary-style yacht, Isabela II, topped by an observation deck. After boarding the ship, an orientation briefing and lunch begin the afternoon. Then head out for a wet landing on "Las Bachas Beach" (named for the US military barges, referred to as "bachas," that were beached and abandoned there after WWII) – an important nesting area for the green sea turtle. On a guided hike around a saltwater lagoon today, look for flamingos, pintail ducks, sandpipers and stilts. Back aboard ship, relax with a welcome cocktail, be briefed on tomorrow's activities and enjoy dinner aboard ship.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Isabela II

Day 9 Punta Pitt and Cerro Colorado Breeding Center

This morning, arrive at San Cristóbal Island; a wet landing takes you to Punta Pitt for a stroll (for the adventurous, an optional walk over uneven terrain that is rewarded with dramatic views). This is one of the only destinations in the Galápagos where the three species of boobies (blue-footed, red-footed and Nazca) can be found together. Weather permitting, you have a choice between swimming, kayaking or snorkeling at the beach, or you can cruise by panga* along the coast. Return to Isabela II for lunch; this afternoon, transfer by panga* to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, another destination on San Cristóbal Island. Following a short drive to the island's southern shore, visit Cerro Colorado, a breeding center for highly endangered giant tortoises set amidst a deciduous forest that is home to dozens of species of animals including the San Cristóbal mockingbird and lava lizard. Return late afternoon to Isabela II for an enjoyable evening aboard ship as you cruise to Española Island.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Isabela II

Day 10 Española Island

Go ashore at Gardner Bay on Española, also known as Hood Island, where there are extensive nesting grounds for Waved Albatrosses and sea turtles, and a sea lion colony. Get a close up look at sea lions who love to bask and sleep on the glorious white sand beach, careless of the presence of humans. The bay and inlets provide swimming and kayaking opportunities today. Following lunch onboard Isabela II, a mid-afternoon wet landing brings you to Punta Suarez, on the island's western point, where sheer cliffs provide thermal currents on which seabirds soar; Galápagos Hawks, cactus finches, and Hood Mockingbirds, the only carnivorous members of the species, may be seen here. Waves crash against the rocky coast and a blowhole sends water spouts skyward, 75 feet high.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Isabela II

Day 11 Gems of Floreana Island

Today Isabela II makes her way to Floreana Island, the southernmost island within the Galapagos. Board a panga for a wet landing on Punta Cormorant and its radiant green beach, caused by the drifting of Olivine crystals from nearby volcanic sites to the beach's edge over the years. Walk along this rare, global phenomenon as you make your way to the other side of the island, a white sand beach famous for being a nesting point for the local sea turtles. At Champion Islet, you have choice of activities; Snorkeling, a panga ride or a ride in a glass-bottom boat, viewing the beautiful aquatic ecosystem below you! This afternoon, a dry landing takes you to Post Office Bay for a visit to the historic barrel that has served as an informal post office within the archipelago for over two centuries! Enjoy snorkeling off the beach before returning to your ship for the evening.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Isabela II

Day 12 Explore Isabela & Fernandina

In the 1950s, geological activity on Isabela Island caused a mass of land to lift up some 15 ft., leaving the coastline pushed further out to sea and the underwater marine life stranded ashore. After a wet landing at Punta Moreno, join us for a walk along the rugged trails of the island, a perfect opportunity to view the unique lava formations, lava cacti, scalesia tress and of course, the abundance of wildlife that calls this place home; such as the Galapagos penguins, sea lions, herons, marine iguanas, brown pelicans and Sally Lightfoot crabs. After lunch aboard the ship, board a panga for an adventure along the coastline of Punta Mangle, the archipelago's youngest ecosystem. Filled with tiny bays, tall mangroves and tranquil coves, stay on the lookout for the Galapagos penguins and green-eyed flightless cormorants or the sea turtles and rays gliding beneath the ocean surface. Depending on the conditions of the waters, snorkeling and a glass-bottom boat ride may be possible.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Isabela II

Day 13 Santa Cruz & North Seymour

This morning, board a panga for a wet landing on Eden Islet. Located off the coast of Santa Cruz Island, this small island (less than 2,000 square feet) is perfect to observe the blue-footed boobies, reef sharks and frigates that inhabit this island. Your Galapagos adventure takes you to North Seymour Island this afternoon for one of the archipelago's hidden gems. Disembark for a walk along the interior of the island, passing by nesting frigatebirds and witness the males display their vibrant, balloon-like red gular sacs (you also have the option to explore the coast by panga). Please join us tonight for a farewell cocktail aboard your ship.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Isabela II

Day 14 Return Flight to Guayaquil

Disembark Isabela II in Baltra then fly back to Guayaquil for another night at the Oro Verde Guayaquil. Spend some free time at your hotel or perhaps a stroll along the city's waterfront promenade, El Malecon. Tonight, we invite you to share favorite experiences from your Galápagos cruise with your fellow travelers at our farewell cocktail party and dinner.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Oro Verde Guayaquil

PORTOFCALL : Guayaquil, Ecuador

Day 15 Journey Home

Tour ends: Guayaquil. A transfer is included from the Oro Verde Guayaquil to Guayaquil International Airport; allow 3 hours for flight check-in.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Guayaquil, Ecuador

Day 1: US - Lima

Arrive at your US departure airport ready to check in for a flight* to Lima. Arrive in Lima, the capital of Peru, situated on the Pacific Coast. Transfer to the hotel*, and spend the rest of the day exploring the city's colonial streets and magical plazas at your leisure. Overnight stay in Lima. *If your flight arrives in Lima in the early hours of the morning, and you wish to have your room available before 2:00 p.m, you can book early check-in in the next step of the booking process. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Lima

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy an informative and interesting city tour of Lima, including its Historic Centre and the Santo Domingo Convent. Start by exploring the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro before heading to the Historic Center. Visit the impressive Convent of Santo Domingo and walk to the Plaza de Armas to admire the exquisite colonial architecture that surrounds it. Stop in the Parque del Amor, from where you can take beautiful photos of the Peruvian coastline. Overnight stay in Lima.

Day 3: Lima - Cuzco - Sacred Valley

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Cuzco. Arrive in Cuzco, the former Inca capital, and transfer to the Sacred Valley, on the way stop at Awanakancha (no guide, only driver) and savour the opportunity to explore this living museum, where ancient customs and traditions have been preserved across the centuries. Watch local communities creating beautiful handmade textiles and soak up the beautiful views, unchanged by time. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, exploring the lively immaculate scenery of this iconic region. Overnight stay in Sacred Valley.

Day 4: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu

Breakfast at the hotel. An exciting visit to Machu Picchu awaits you this morning as you set off for the train station to board the Expedition Train to Aguas Calientes, admiring the landscape along the way. Arrive and transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu*, a true wonder of the world and one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Spend some time discovering the ruins and being amazed by the terraces and enjoying a tour of the different sections of the site. Return to Sacred Valley. Arrive and overnight stay in Sacred Valley. Note: The baggage policy on board the Expedition train is 1 bag or backpack per person weighing a maximum of max. 5kg / 11lb. * Backpacks or bags taken into Machu Picchu must not exceed 40x35x20cms or have a capacity larger than 20Lts and must not contain single-use plastic bottles or bags. Backpacks or bags that exceed the indicated measurements can be left in storage for approx. $2 per bag.

Day 5: Sacred Valley - Cuzco

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off towards Cuzco, with the opportunity to enjoy the optional Sacred Valley excursion along the way, to experience the best of the region.* Arrive in Cuzco and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, enjoying the lively plazas at night. Overnight stay in Cuzco. * Optional Essence of the Sacred Valley Excursion: Visit Chinchero and the PARWA Centre, to appreciate the colourful traditional textiles. Next, visit the church of Chinchero before heading to the Racchi panoramic viewpoint for a fantastic view across the valley. Explore Ollantaytambo and its Inca fortress. Lunch and 'Boleto Turisitco' included granting entrance to the Sacred Valley and surrounding sights.

Day 6: Cuzco

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a fascinating half-day tour of Cuzco. Begin in the iconic Plaza de Armas, and visit the Cathedral. From here, walk to the Koricancha Temple, an impressive ancient Inca palace, in honour of the Sun God. Today, a Dominican church stands on the site. Finally, visit the lively San Blas neighbourhood, known for its artists, shops and artisan workshops. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, soaking up the atmosphere of the city and sampling the local cuisine. Overnight stay in Cuzco.

Day 7: Cuzco - Lima

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Lima. Arrive, transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in Lima.

Day 8: Lima - Quito

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Quito. Arrive in Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a city famed for its high vantage point in the Andean mountains and its ancient Incan significance. Transfer to your hotel and overnight stay in Quito.

Day 9: Quito - Tena - Amazon

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning take a guided Quito city tour to get to know the capital's most emblematic sights. Admire the colonial-era architecture and picturesque plazas and stroll through the narrow streets of the city center. In the afternoon leave Quito behind as you set off into the Ecuadorian highlands and down into the rainforest, headed for Tena, in the Amazon. Continue through verdant landscapes towards the lodge, in the heart of the jungle. Arrive in time for dinner. Overnight in Tena.

Day 10: Amazon

Enjoy an early breakfast before setting off for a wildlife walk through the primary and secondary rainforest of the Amazon. Look out for tropical wildlife and appreciate the sheer scale and beauty of the jungle. Return to the lodge for lunch before enjoying the afternoon at your leisure with the opportunity to join in optional Amazon activities organized at the lodge. Once the sun sets, enjoy a fascinating night walk to admire the nocturnal wildlife as the rainforest comes to life. Dinner and overnight stay in the Amazon.

Day 11: Amazon - Tena - Middle of the World - Quito

After breakfast at the lodge, return to Tena and continue your journey, heading back towards the capital. Along the way, visit the Middle of the World Monument, on the equator, where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere! Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure. Overnight stay in Quito.

Day 12: Quito

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day in Quito at your leisure, exploring the city or simply taking some time to enjoy the beautiful climate and natural environment. We recommend enjoying our excursion to Quilotoa*. Overnight stay in Quito. * Optional Quilotoa Excursion: Set off through the Andean Mountains, passing by the snow-capped peaks of Tungurahua and Chimborazo. Stop at a local market for a taste of the Andean culture and visit Quilotoa Crater Lake, known for its everchanging color, depending on the sun and clouds.

Day 13: Quito - Galapagos (San Cristobal)

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart to the airport this morning for a flight to the Galapagos Islands, a true wonder of nature known for its immense biodiversity! San Cristobal is the easternmost Galapagos island and is home to a rich array of unique wildlife, such as blue and red-footed boobies, marine iguanas and Galapagos sea lions. It's also the island that Charles Darwin first explored during his research into the islands. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and get comfortable before setting off on a brief afternoon tour of Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos Province. Explore this quaint coastal community and get to know its most important sights. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax before your adventure continues tomorrow. Overnight stay in San Cristobal.

Day 14: Galapagos (San Cristobal)

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on a full-day tour of San Cristobal to explore the delights of the island. Visit Galapaguera, home to amazing giant tortoises and observe diverse species of sea birds from Puerto Chino. The white sand here is perfect for a short rest before continuing to La Loberia, home to a large colony of sea lions who can be seen resting on the rocks. Return to your hotel and overnight stay in San Cristobal.

Day 15: Galapagos (San Cristobal)

After breakfast at the hotel, the day is free for you to explore the Galapagos at your own. Overnight stay in San Cristobal.

Day 16: Galapagos (San Cristobal) - Guayaquil

Breakfast at the hotel. Head back to the mainland, with a flight from San Cristobal airport. Arrive in Guayaquil, and join a shared-transfer to your hotel in the city centre. Guayaquil is the largest city in Ecuador and is located on the Pacific Coast. Later, enjoy a walking tour of the city, visiting the Malecon, Paque Iguanas and Las Peñas neighbourhood. Overnight stay in Guayaquil.

Day 17: Guayaquil

Breakfast at the hotel. The day is at your leisure to do some last-minute souvenir shopping, relax in the arty neighbourhood of Santa Ana Hill. Overnight stay in Guayaquil.

Day 18: Guayaquil - Night on board

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Night on board. Please note: Depending on the flight departure time you may arrive back in the US today.

Day 19: US

Arrive in the US and end your trip.