Peru & Galapagos Explorer

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. With Indigenous cultures dating back millennia, this country is a fascinating land of Amazonian rainforests, diverse wildlife and mountains. Your adventure begins in Lima with a welcome meeting at 4 pm at your hotel. If you arrive early, you might like to visit the Gold Museum or do the Lima Discovery Tour with Urban Adventures to explore hidden hangouts, markets and street food vendors loved by Limeños (people who live in Lima).

Set out on a walking tour of downtown Lima this morning, where the streets are lined with old mansions, palaces and churches. Take in Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral of Lima, the San Francisco Monastery and the Central Market, where you’ll get a glimpse into Peru’s abundant produce. Then, board a local bus to Paracas – it may stop three or four times along the way. There are no activities planned in Paracas, so maybe seek out a bar serving Peru's national drink – the Pisco sour.

This morning, wildlife enthusiasts might like to visit the Ballestas Islands in Paracas National Reserve for a chance to spot pelicans, red-footed boobies and flamingos on a two-hour boat tour. Otherwise, you could take it easy with some self-paced sightseeing in Paracas. Then, hit the road to Nazca – home to a fascinating archaeological site – the Nazca Lines. This group of geoglyphs etched into the ground of the Nazca Desert was created between 500 BC and AD500 and covers an area of about 450 sq km. You’ll stop in the town of Huacachina – a little settlement next to a small lake surrounded by sand dunes. Take in the sights from the viewing platform or opt for a scenic flight for the ultimate bird’s eye views.

This morning, you’ll explore the desert graveyard of Chauchilla – where the arid conditions have naturally interred the remains of the Nazca people buried here. Later in the afternoon, you'll board a local overnight bus from Nazca to Arequipa. The journey is long, so be sure to stock up on snacks.

You’ll arrive in Arequipa this morning. Check into your hotel room, freshen up and have breakfast before enjoying free time for the rest of the day. Standing at the foot of El Misti Volcano, Arequipa vies with Cusco for the title of Peru's most scenic city. Built out of a pale volcanic rock called sillar, the old buildings dazzle in the sun, giving the city its nickname – the White City. The main plaza, with its cafes and nearby cathedral, is a lovely place to while away the day. Maybe wander the plaza, tuck into local dishes like rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy peppers) or visit the Andean Sanctuaries Museum which houses Peru’s famous Ice Maiden (also known as ‘Juanita’) – the Inca mummy of a girl who died in the 1440s.

Travel by minivan to the traditional market town of Chivay today. Look out for llamas, alpacas and vicunas along the way – not sure how to differentiate between these adorable creatures? Your leader will help you! You'll also stop to stretch your legs, take photos and try local coca tea. The third stop takes you to the highest point on the trip at Patapama (4800 m) before descending to Chivay. Have lunch in town, then maybe wander around the plaza or enjoy a soak in the Colca Canyon Hot Springs. Tonight, why not try llama steak at a local restaurant and watch some live Andean music at a pena (bar)?

Visit the Colca Canyon this morning. More than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, the views here are epic. See terraced crops cultivated since pre-Inca times by local villages and look out for the Andean condor – one of the world’s largest flying birds – soaring above and below you from a prime viewing point. Later, board a bus to Puno. It’s a long drive, but the views of the Altiplano – part of the Peruvian highlands – make it an exceptionally scenic one. Puno is on the shores of Lake Titicaca, which you’ll explore in the coming days. When you arrive, you might like to get familiar with the town by exploring on foot. Known as Peru’s folklore capital, Puno is home to several Indigenous cultures, including the Aymara and Quechua peoples.

Today, you’ll take a flight to Quito, Ecuador – a city that sits at an altitude of 2850 m with a view of Pichincha Volcano on the horizon. If your flight arrives on time, head to your second welcome meeting at 2 pm and get to know your new group and trip leader. After the welcome meeting, join your local leader for a tour of Quito's historic centre. Catch the metro to the Parque de la Alameda and visit sites such as the Basilica Voto Nacional – a famous neo-Gothic church known for its atypical gargoyles and grotesques depicting Galapagos tortoises, Andean condors and Amazon alligators. You’ll also visit La Compania de Jesus, a baroque church with an interior that's covered in gold leaf and etched with intricate carvings. Your tour of Quito finishes at San Francisco Square, then you’ll have free time to relax or head out for dinner in Quito’s Old Town – your leader will have plenty of recommendations!

This morning, catch an early morning transfer to Quito airport and board a flight to the Galapagos Islands – an archipelago of volcanic islands and a province of Ecuador in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Known for its abundant wildlife and plant species, Charles Darwin famously visited in 1835 and was inspired to create his theory of evolution. The flight includes a stop in Guayaquil to pick up additional passengers (you won't disembark the plane here). When you arrive on San Cristobal, you’ll meet your local naturalist guide at the airport, then transfer to your hotel to drop off your luggage. Maybe head out for an optional lunch to get to know your fellow travellers. Then, stop by a local shop to pick up snorkelling equipment, with the option to rent a wetsuit. Later, you'll travel by private minibus to La Loberia for the first Galapagos snorkelling experience of your trip. Swim alongside playful sea lions and maybe even sea turtles! Return to town for a free evening and maybe head out with the group for some fresh seafood.

Take a 45-minute boat ride to Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) this morning. On the way, you might be able to spot nesting frigates and blue-footed boobies. You might even get the chance to swim among the sea lions again. At Leon Dormido, you can snorkel and look for sea turtles, manta rays and the harmless Galapagos shark. Eat lunch on the boat, then head to the Interpretation Center. Learn about the history of the 'enchanted islands' and the conservation projects that seek to preserve them. Next, walk to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) for stunning views of the bay. You’ll return to town in the late afternoon for a free evening.

Rise bright and early today for a private speedboat trip to Isla Isabela – keep an eye out for dolphins and whales on the journey! On the way, you’ll stop at Isla Floreana where you’ll take a short walk to a black sand beach owned by the Witter family – descendants of some of the Galapagos’ earliest settlers. Here, you’ll learn about the island’s small community and unusual history. Then, put on your snorkelling gear and head into the water to spot colourful fish and sea turtles. For today’s lunch, you’ll sit down for a traditional meal at Leila – a small, family-run restaurant with a genuine community feel. Leila is part of the Floreana Community Tourism Association, meaning your visit directly supports local families and sustainable tourism on this little island. Later today, continue to Isla Isabela, where you’ll spend the night.

This morning, you’ll hop on a small motorboat and cruise to Las Tintoreras (Shark Alley), looking out for blue-footed boobies and the famous Galapagos penguin. Take a short walk through a marine iguana nesting site (watch your step as they camouflage into the surrounding rock!), then stop at ‘Shark Alley’ – a narrow channel where white-tipped reef sharks rest in the clear, shallow waters. Head back to the boat, then put on your snorkelling gear and jump in to look for sea turtles, playful sea lions, colourful fish, eagle rays and sea stars. Return to Isla Isabela for lunch and then visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center, where you'll observe giant tortoises in all stages of development, then visit a brackish lagoon to observe flamingos. Later today, kayak around the Bay of Puerto Villamil, maybe spotting pelicans, frigatebirds and the brightly coloured Sally Lightfoot crabs along the way. Spend your evening resting in the sand and soaking in an Isla Isabela sunset – arguably the most beautiful of all the islands!

After breakfast, travel by private minibus to the trailhead of Sierra Negra Volcano – one of the Galapagos’ most active volcanoes and home to the world's second largest crater! Weather permitting, you’ll take a challenging 17 km round trip hike up the rocky mountain. Starting amid lush highland vegetation, watch the landscape surrounding you transform into stark volcanic terrain as you walk. After your hike, make your way back to town for some free time to relax – maybe curl up with a book, soak your tired muscles or venture down to the water for a relaxing swim before dinner.

Jump aboard a private speedboat this morning and head to Isla Santa Cruz. When you arrive, leave your bags at the hotel and head to the Santa Cruz Highlands. Your first stop is a family-run organic sugar cane farm for a tour of their trapiche (a sugar cane mill used in artisanal sugar production). Here, you'll learn how sugar cane, coffee and cacao are harvested and processed. Next, you’ll watch a cooking demonstration featuring the famed encebollado – a local tuna soup that’s widely considered one of the best in the world! Watch as slow-cooked albacore tuna is prepared in a savoury broth of onions, cilantro and spices. The dish is traditionally served with yuca (a starchy root vegetable) and garnished with lime and green onions. Settle in for a bowl of the soup for lunch, then take a leisurely walk around the grounds, where giant tortoises roam freely.