Independent Galapagos cruise aboard the Galápagos Legend with Ecuador's Amazon & Peru

Independent Galapagos cruise aboard the Galápagos Legend with Ecuador's Amazon & Peru

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Independent Galapagos cruise aboard the Galápagos Legend with Ecuador's Amazon & Peru

17 Days Starting in Quito, Ecuador and ending in Lima, Peru

Visiting: Quito, Amazon Rainforest, North Seymour Island, Galapagos Islands, Bartolomé Island & Santiago Island, San Cristobal Island, Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

ISK4-2024

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours, Cruise

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Canoeing-Kayaking, Walking

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

How deep is your love of adventure? Is it deep enough to follow the course of Charles Darwin to discover your own love affair with the wildlife paradise of the Galápagos Islands and the Amazon Rainforest? And, delve further south to soar higher in the Andes and the heart of Peru? If so, this Globus Independent tour in South America is pointing you in the right direction. Ignite your independent spirit on a canoe trip downriver from Coca to the comfort of your lodge the Amazon Rainforest, where you’re in good hands with a Naturalist guide to explore the jungle from its rainforest canopy to the forest floor. Be awestruck by the wealth of wildlife that thrives in this tropical wilderness. Next, explore the historic heart of Quito and depart for parts unknown where blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, and diving iguanas of the Galápagos give new meaning to mind-blowing discoveries. Cruise in luxury on the Galápagos Legend and explore the archipelago in the company of a Naturalist guide. Sail upon pristine waters to discover the perfectly evolved creatures who thrive on this volcanic archipelago. Stroll the sand where sea lions bask and albatross brace against the updrafts above the cliffs. Sail, snorkel, and simply stay in a state of astonishment through the sanctuaries of spectacular species on Bartolomé, Santiago, North Seymour, and San Cristobal Islands. Visit the Giant Tortoise Reserve where conservationists work to protect the gentle giants for which the islands are named. Then, set your compass to the heart of Peru to ignite your independent spirit in Lima, Cusco, and magnificent Machu Picchu to find the “Lost City of the Incas.” Explore ancient ruins that defy explanation and encounter the captivating cultures that live on in the Sacred Valley and Cusco. Timeless temples, textiles, and tantalizing dishes are all on the menu on this free-spirited sojourn in South America. You’ll also find the I-time you deserve to fall in love with adventure again!

Highlights

  • Explore the Amazon rainforest with a Naturalist guide, including a suspended rainforest canopy walk and night canoe rides.

  • Visit the lodge’s butterfly house and cruise through the flooded forest to spot monkeys and sloths.

  • Take a private city tour of Quito, including Independence Square, San Francisco Plaza Church, and the Basilica.

  • Cruise the Galápagos Islands, visiting North Seymour Island to see blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and sea lions.

  • Hike Bartolomé Island for views of Pinnacle Rock and snorkel with sea turtles and Galápagos penguins.

  • Walk on young lava flows at Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island and snorkel from the white sand beach.

  • Visit Pitt Islet on San Cristobal Island to see all three booby species and snorkel with sea lions.

  • Tour the Giant Tortoise Reserve on San Cristobal Island and learn about conservation efforts.

Places You'll See

Hilton Colon Quito (Sat)

Napo Wildlife Center (Sat)

Hotel Pullman Miraflores

Casa Andina Premium Cusco

Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel And Villas

Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Quito,Ecuador

Location: Quito

Accommodation Name: Hilton Colon Quito

Welcome to Quito, where your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2: Quito,Coca,Amazon Lodge

Location: Quito

Accommodation Name: Napo Wildlife Center

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Amazon Lodge

Location: Amazon Rainforest

Accommodation Name: Napo Wildlife Center

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Amazon Lodge

Location: Amazon Rainforest

Accommodation Name: Napo Wildlife Center

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Amazon Lodge,Coca,Quito

Location: Quito

Accommodation Name: Hilton Colon Quito

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6: Quito

Location: Quito

Accommodation Name: Hilton Colon Quito

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7: Quito,Baltra (Embarkation),Galápagos Cruising: North Seymour Island

Location: North Seymour Island, Galapagos Islands

Accommodation Name: Galápagos Legend

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Cruising: Bartolomé Island & Santiago Island

Location: Bartolomé Island & Santiago Island

Accommodation Name: Galápagos Legend

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Cruising: San Cristobal Island

Location: San Cristobal Island

Accommodation Name: Galápagos Legend

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Cruising: San Cristobal (Disembarkation),Quito,Lima,Peru

Location: Lima

Accommodation Name: Hotel Pullman Miraflores

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11: Lima

Location: Lima

Accommodation Name: Hotel Pullman Miraflores

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12: Lima,Cusco

Location: Cusco

Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 13: Cusco,Sacred Valley

Location: Sacred Valley

Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel and Villas

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 14: Sacred Valley,Machu Picchu

Location: Machu Picchu

Accommodation Name: Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Machu Picchu,Sacred Valley,Cusco

Location: Machu Picchu

Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 16: Cusco,Lima

Location: Lima

Accommodation Name: Hotel Pullman Miraflores

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 17: Lima

Location: Lima

Meals Included: Breakfast

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation in various hotels including Hilton Colon Quito, Napo Wildlife Center, Hotel Pullman Miraflores, Casa Andina Premium Cusco, Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel and Villas, and Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel.

  • Meals

    Buffet breakfast daily; 8 lunches; 7 three-course dinners.

  • Transportation

    Transportation as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary, including private airport transfers to/from intra-vacation flights. Internal flights to/from the Galápagos and the Ecuadorian Amazon are included.

  • Guided Tours

    Local guide service in Quito, Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu. A Naturalist in the Galápagos & the Amazon are also provided.

  • Excursions

    Various nature excursions, city tours, and guided walks including visits to Independence Square, San Francisco Plaza Church, the Basilica, and more.

  • UNESCO Sites

    Visits to UNESCO sites including the City of Cusco, City of Quito, Galapagos Islands, Historic Center of Lima, and Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

What's Not Included

  • Internal Flights within Peru

    Internal air to and within Peru are not included but can be added.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and other personal items are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

UNESCO Sites

City of Cusco|City of Quito|Galapagos Islands|Historic Center of Lima|Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

Meals

Buffet breakfast daily; 8 lunches; 7 three-course dinners

Notes

Transportation is as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary and include private airport transfers to/from intra-vacation flights. Internal flights to/from the Galápagos and the Ecuadorian Amazon are included. Local guide service is provied in Quito, Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu. A Naturalist in the Galápagos & the Amazon are also provided.

Internal air to and within Peru are not included but can be added.

In the Galápagos, there will be “wet landings” meaning guests will need to be able to jump in the water, out of the boats/zodiacs and walk a couple of meters to the beaches. For the Amazon adventure, guests should be prepared for eco-lodging due to their remote nature in the rainforest. Further, guests should be prepared for sustained walking, possibly muddy conditions, and have the ability to jump in/out of small water crafts such as canoes and small fishing boats. Terrain is rocky and uneven. Itinerary in the Galápagos are subject to change. Maximum enjoyment of this vacation requires walking on cobblestone streets, uneven pathways, and climbing stairs. Elevations exceeding 10,000 feet can make even modest exertion a challenge. Maximum elevation on this tour is 12,200 ft.

Accommodation

Quito: Hilton Colon Quito (SAT) Coca: Napo Wildlife Center (SAT) Lima: Hotel Pullman Miraflores Cusco: Casa Andina Premium Cusco Sacred Valley: Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel and Villas Machu Picchu: Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the Amazon Lodge stay?

    During your stay at the Amazon Lodge, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including herons, kingfishers, vibrantly feathered birds, squirrels, capuchin and howler monkeys, and possibly the well-camouflaged 3-toed sloth. You may also encounter piranhas during fishing activities and various nocturnal creatures during night walks or canoe rides.

  • What activities are included during the Galápagos cruise?

    The Galápagos cruise includes activities such as walking amidst large nesting colonies of blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and swallow-tailed gulls on North Seymour Island. You will also have opportunities to snorkel in clear waters with abundant sea life, including sea turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, and possibly Galápagos penguins. Additionally, you will visit volcanic landscapes, take dinghy rides to see seabirds, and swim with sea lions and other marine life.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Machu Picchu?

    During your visit to Machu Picchu, you will embark on a guided tour of the intact fortress, exploring its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct. For hikers, there is an option to take a brisk one-hour walk to the Sun Gate, the ancient entrance used by the Incas. You will also have a second entrance to the ruins to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu.

  • What kind of physical activities are involved in this tour?

    This tour involves various physical activities including walking on cobblestone streets, uneven pathways, and climbing stairs. In the Amazon, you will participate in nature excursions, jungle walks, and possibly muddy conditions. In the Galápagos, there will be 'wet landings' requiring guests to jump in the water and walk a couple of meters to the beaches. The terrain can be rocky and uneven, and you will need to be able to jump in and out of small water crafts such as canoes and small fishing boats.

  • What are the accommodation options during the tour?

    The accommodation options during the tour include Hilton Colon Quito in Quito, Napo Wildlife Center in Coca, Hotel Pullman Miraflores in Lima, Casa Andina Premium Cusco in Cusco, Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel and Villas in Sacred Valley, and Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel in Machu Picchu.

  • What kind of meals are provided during the tour?

    The tour provides buffet breakfast daily, 8 lunches, and 7 three-course dinners. Specific meals are included on certain days as indicated in the itinerary.

  • Are there any special considerations for the Galápagos and Amazon portions of the tour?

    Yes, in the Galápagos, there will be 'wet landings' requiring guests to jump in the water and walk a couple of meters to the beaches. For the Amazon adventure, guests should be prepared for eco-lodging due to the remote nature of the rainforest, sustained walking, possibly muddy conditions, and the ability to jump in and out of small water crafts such as canoes and small fishing boats. The terrain is rocky and uneven.

  • What is the maximum elevation reached during this tour?

    The maximum elevation reached during this tour is 12,200 feet.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

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  • Low Deposit

    Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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