Highlights of Peru with Galápagos Legend North and Central Cruise
Highlights of Peru with Galápagos Legend North and Central Cruise
$6625
Highlights of Peru with Galápagos Legend North and Central Cruise
13 Days Starting in Lima, Peru and ending in Quito, Ecuador
Visiting: Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Quito, Santa Cruz Island, Genovesa Island, Galápagos Islands
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LHPNCN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Peru and Ecuador with the "Highlights of Peru with Galápagos Legend North and Central Cruise" tour. Begin your adventure in Lima, exploring its colonial heritage and vibrant culinary scene. Discover the ancient wonders of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, where you'll delve into the rich traditions of Andean weaving. Experience the breathtaking landscapes of Cusco and the historic Larco Museum. Then, set sail on the M/V Galápagos Legend to explore the unique wildlife of the Galápagos Islands, including the giant tortoises of Santa Cruz and the diverse birdlife of Genovesa Island. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences, all while supporting sustainable travel initiatives. Enjoy expertly guided tours, luxurious accommodations, and the chance to connect with local communities, making this a truly enriching travel experience.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Lima, Machu Picchu and Larco Museum
- Visit ruins at Ollantaytambo, Cusco and the 15th-century fortress of Machu Picchu, historic Sacsayhuaman
- Scenic Drive through the Sacred Valley and in Peru's Andean highlands
- Scenic Train Ride to Machu Picchu aboard the Vistadome train
- Cusco: Enjoy the flavors of chicha, a Peruvian corn beer. Hear about how chicha is brewed by the local indigenous women and its history dating back to the time of the Incas as a favorite drink of the Andes. Learn about the two types of chicha, alcoholic sour chicha de jora made from fermented jora corn and the non-alcoholic, sweet chicha morada.
Make Travel Matter®
Cusco: Visit Manos de la Comunidad weaving center to learn about artistic traditions and the four Andean camels: Llamas, Alpacas, Vicuñas and Guanacos. Then step inside a private area to discover one of the traditions of the Sacred Valley called “lindaje”. This typical tradition of several communities reinforces the borders of each community and involves several customs, one of which is man dancing in typical women’s clothes. Then enjoy an exclusive lunch at a beautiful outdoor space near the Weaving Center. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10: Reduced Inequalities and 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Sacred Valley: Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience meeting Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a master Quechua weaver and the first person from her village to attend university. She has been an ambassador for Andean traditions since she began learning ancient pre-Columbian weaving techniques as a young girl in the 1960s. You'll learn about traditional weaving practice using natural dyeing techniques and its importance to their identity and culture. Your visit makes a difference in helping to preserve and promote traditional pre-Columbian weaving techniques in the 21st century.
Be My Guest
Lima: Visit a local market with Chef Ignacio and enjoy a special lunch at his cooking school.
Trafalgar Difference
Sacred Valley: Admire your idyllic setting within the Sacred Valley and take in the 18th-century colonial-style features of Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay, a former monastery complete with plazas and cobbled streets.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation: Iberostar Hotel Lima
Accommodation Name: Iberostar Hotel Lima
Meals Included: Dinner
The Capital of the New World extends a warm welcome on your epic voyage through the iconic and unexpected highlights of Peru. Meet your local host on arrival and transfer to your hotel in the upscale shopping district of Miraflores. This evening, you’ll join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner.
Day 2: Experience The Sights And Flavors Of Lima Connect With Locals
Location: Lima
Accommodation: Iberostar Hotel Lima
Accommodation Name: Iberostar Hotel Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Connect with the colonial heritage of Francisco Pizzaro’s 'City of Kings', admiring the colonial splendor of Lima’s UNESCO-listed Historic Center, with your Local Specialist. Stand in the birthplace of this ancient, yet modern city, surrounded by the Baroque façades of Cathedral of Lima and Palace of the Union. See the Church of San Francisco and discover its hidden catacombs. Celebrate Lima’s status as the culinary capital of South America and Connect With Locals when you meet Ignacio Barrios, who has worked alongside many of Peru's most award-winning chefs. We visit a local market where Ignacio will explain how Peruvian fruits, vegetables, seafood and meats are the basis of Peruvian cooking. Then, continue to Chef Ignacio's cooking school where we’ll enjoy a demonstration on how to prepare some of Peru's most popular dishes and have an opportunity to sample some at a Be My Guest experience with lunch before spending the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 3: Journey To The Sacred Valley Dive Into Culture Connect With Locals Make Travel Matter Stays With Stories
Location: Sacred Valley
Accommodation: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay
Accommodation Name: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Board a morning flight to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® when you visit Manos de la Comunidad, a Weaving Center where you’ll uncover the traditions of the Sacred Valley, called “lindaje.” Then continue to a former 18th century colonial-style monastery, our hotel for the night. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® and learn more about the artisan traditions meeting Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a master Quechua weaver and the first person from her village to attend university. She has been an ambassador for Andean traditions since she began learning ancient pre-Columbian weaving techniques as a young girl in the 1960s. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as your visit helps to preserve and promote traditional pre-Columbian weaving techniques in the 21st century.
Day 4: Explore Iconic Machu Picchu
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation: El MaPi
Accommodation Name: El MaPi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The mystical empire of the Incas takes center stage today. We visit the famous Sacred Valley stronghold of Ollantaytambo before boarding the Vistadome train (light snack included) for our epic journey to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Delve into the mysteries of this once-great civilization, admiring the 15th century stone ruins of temples, palaces and terraces perched high amidst the clouds. Join your Local Specialist for an exploration of the iconic great Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the Intihuatana, an intricately carved rock most likely used as a sundial centuries ago.
Day 5: The Sites Of Machu Picchu And Cusco Dive Into Culture
Location: Cusco
Accommodation: Hotel Novotel Cusco
Accommodation Name: Novotel Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
The ancient ruins of Machu Picchu beckon again and you have an opportunity to re-connect with this ancient wonder. Board the train to the Sacred Valley, then head to the colonial city of Cusco, stopping en route at a local chicheria. Dive into Culture and enjoy the sweet flavors of chicha as you learn how this Peruvian corn beer is brewed by the local women.
Day 6: Step Back In Time In Cusco Dive Into Culture
Location: Cusco
Accommodation: Hotel Novotel Cusco
Accommodation Name: Novotel Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Embark on a sightseeing tour of the sacred city of Cusco this morning, admiring the 16th-century Spanish colonial buildings that stand on the foundations of former Inca temples and palaces. See the baroque Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and 17th-century Church of Santo Domingo. Visit the ruins of the Sacsayhuaman fortress and see nearby warehouses where the Incas once stored their grain. The afternoon is free to explore on your terms.
Day 7: Delve Into Pre-Columbian Art In Lima Dive Into Culture
Location: Lima
Accommodation: Iberostar Hotel Lima
Accommodation Name: Iberostar Hotel Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A leisurely start to our day sees us return to Lima this afternoon. Meet a Local Specialist at the Larco Museum, which houses one of the largest private collections of pre-Columbian art in the world. This evening we join our travel companions for dinner in the museum's garden restaurant.
Day 8: Voyage To Quito
Location: Quito
Accommodation: Sheraton
Accommodation Name: Sheraton
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Ecuador (flight not included in holiday price). Enjoy a warm welcome in Quito where you will be greeted at the airport and taken to your hotel.
Day 9: Uncover Historical Quito
Location: Quito
Accommodation: Sheraton
Accommodation Name: Sheraton
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit the historical center of Quito, which was the first place in the world to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and travel to the 'Middle of the World' to stand on the Equator. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 10: Tortoises And Santa Cruz Island
Location: Santa Cruz Island
Accommodation: M/V Galápagos Legend
Accommodation Name: M/V Galápagos Legend
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise north to south through the islands and islets of the remote Galápagos. On arrival at Baltra Island Airport, transfer to the M/V Galápagos Legend, which will ferry you to the Highlands Tortoise Reserve on Santa Cruz Island, where you’ll walk amongst the world’s largest tortoises in the wild.
Day 11: Wander Genovesa Island
Location: Genovesa Island
Accommodation: M/V Galápagos Legend
Accommodation Name: M/V Galápagos Legend
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit to Genovesa Island today, climbing up the rocky Prince Phillip's Steps in search of Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies and Darwin’s famed finches. Walk to expansive lava field over which Wedge-rumped storm petrels swarm, then continue to Darwin Bay.
Day 12: The Wildlife Of South Plaza And Santa Fé Island
Location: Galápagos Islands
Accommodation: M/V Galápagos Legend
Accommodation Name: M/V Galápagos Legend
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The marine iguanas of South Plaza Island view our arrival with indifference as we embark on our walk from the small lava dock. We’ll see the shallow lake where flamingos come to feed, then continue inland in search of land iguanas. Arriving Santa Fé island later, we’ll enjoy a snorkel amongst sea lions, turtles, reef sharks and spotted eagle rays, then walk past a forest of giant Opuntia cacti.
Day 13: Depart Santa Cruz Island
Location: Santa Cruz Island
Meals Included: Breakfast
The serene landscape of Bachas Beach is our final stop on our Galápagos expedition. Bachas is a great place to swim, walk along the shore or visit the lagoon. Our journey at its end, we transfer to Baltra Airport for our return flight to Quito. Airport arrival time in Quito will be at 5 p.m.; please be aware when booking your flights.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation is provided in carefully selected and trusted hotels.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Porterage and gratuities at restaurants are included in the tour package.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Daily breakfast and up to half of the evening meals are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour includes must-see sightseeing experiences and surprise extras.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Transportation is provided in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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A Trafalgar Bonus all Intra-Air Flights: Lima to Cusco and Cusco to Lima, including porter service at all airports.
Intra-air flights from Lima to Cusco and Cusco to Lima are included, along with porter service at all airports.
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Tickets for a ride aboard the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu
Tickets for a ride aboard the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu are included.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into Peru and Ecuador are not included.
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Gratuities for Tour Director and Driver
Gratuities for the Tour Director and Driver are not included and are at the traveler's discretion.
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Flight from Ecuador to Galápagos
The flight from Ecuador to the Galápagos Islands is not included in the holiday price.
Dining Summary
- 6 Dinner (D)
- 12 Breakfast (B)
- 5 Lunch (L)
Dive Into Culture
- Lima: You’re treated to a lesson on how to pour the perfect Pisco sour, Peru’s native drink. In the good hands of professional chef Ignacio, the results are sure to be delicious. Ignacio will explain the history of Pisco – a type pf wine, the typical Pisco Sour, and an internationally less known but locally more popular drink called “Chilcano”. This cocktail of pisco, lime juice, Ginger ale and bitters is a refreshing twist on the pisco sour that will have you eager to share the recipe with your friends.
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with air-conditioned coaches, enjoy scenic train rides aboard the Vistadome to Machu Picchu, and cruise through the Galápagos Islands on the M/V Galápagos Legend, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and style with stays at the Iberostar Hotel Lima, Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay, El MaPi, Novotel Cusco, and Sheraton, along with a unique cruise aboard the M/V Galápagos Legend, offering a blend of modern amenities and cultural charm.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Manos de la Comunidad weaving center in Cusco, where you can learn about traditional Andean weaving techniques and the cultural significance of chicha, a Peruvian corn beer. Additionally, you will have a Be My Guest experience in Lima with Chef Ignacio, where you can learn about and taste Peruvian cuisine.
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What can I expect during the visit to Machu Picchu?
During the visit to Machu Picchu, you will explore the 15th-century stone ruins of temples, palaces, and terraces. A Local Specialist will guide you through the iconic sites such as the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza, and the Intihuatana.
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How does the tour support sustainable tourism?
The tour supports sustainable tourism through the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experiences, such as visiting the Manos de la Comunidad weaving center, which helps preserve traditional pre-Columbian weaving techniques and supports local communities in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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What wildlife can I expect to see in the Galápagos Islands?
In the Galápagos Islands, you can expect to see giant tortoises in the wild on Santa Cruz Island, Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, Darwin’s finches on Genovesa Island, and marine iguanas on South Plaza Island. You may also snorkel with sea lions, turtles, reef sharks, and spotted eagle rays on Santa Fé Island.
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What is the significance of the visit to the Larco Museum in Lima?
The visit to the Larco Museum in Lima is significant as it houses one of the largest private collections of pre-Columbian art in the world, providing insight into the rich cultural history of Peru.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar 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.
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