Peru Packages: Inspiring Incas & Great Galapagos

You will be picked up at the airport in Cusco and taken to your comfortable hotel where you are advised to rest for a while to acclimatize to the altitude. As you drive into the city center you will no doubt notice the many fine examples of Spanish colonial architecture built upon the remains of the age old Inca settlement on which it was constructed. After resting for a short while, we suggest you have lunch in either your hotel or in one of the many fine restaurants in the area.

In the early afternoon you will be taken on a Cusco tour of the city and will visit some of the many amazing archaeological sites and wonders in and around the city. You will see the Cathedral (which is located on the Plaza de Armas- or main square), Sacsayhuaman, Q'enko, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. Remember to bring your camera on this trip as you will certainly want a reminder of the amazing awe these Inca sites can evoke.

You will return to your hotel in the late afternoon to relax before dinner. Before setting out to eat in one of the many restaurants in Cusco remember to put on something warm as the temperature in the city can drop dramatically due to the dry climate and altitude.  If you are not prepared for cooler weather, there are many markets and high end stores selling alpaca sweaters. Spend the evening enjoying the local cuisine and hospitality of the Cusco locals.

See our Cusco Guide for more in-depth information about, including Cusco restaurants.

After an early breakfast, you will embark on a journey into the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas.  As you wind through the Andean mountain tops, you will see echoes of the traditional lifestyles that have existed here for more than 500 years.  Many people proudly wear traditional clothing, cook in clay fire ovens and utilize many of the irrigation techniques developed over a half a century ago.  The drive from Cusco is not very long and on the way you will see some typical Andean villages and scenery. Upon descent into the Sacred Valley you will know that you have arrived in the area the Inca revered for its lush fertile soils and advanced agricultural methods. 

First you will visit the impressive ruins of Ollantaytambo. These magnificent ancient ruins look out as outposts over the valley and if you are up for the climb, offer an incredible view.  Originally the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti during the Inca Empire, it later served as a stronghold for Manco Inca Yupanqui in the Inca´s final rebellion against the Spanish.

After learning more about the history and architecture of the Inca, you will ride along the Urambamba River for a short trip to the beautiful town of Pisac.  Here you will have the opportunity to visit the lively local market in to enjoy the beautiful handicrafts on sale. It is here that many fine Andean garments are for sale. For lunch you will have the chance to try out traditional Andean foods. This town also has some very interesting small architectural elements that should not be missed.  For example if you walk down some of the side streets at the end of the block you will find a serpent´s head as the drainage spout.  These little elements make this town a gem of the Sacred Valley. 

In the evening you will return to your comfortable Cusco hotel where you will once again be given the opportunity to spend the evening at your leisure in one of the many fine restaurants or bars available in the area.  The nightlife in Cusco is fantastic but be sure to get enough rest for your trip to Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the world, in the morning! 

After breakfast at your Cusco hotel you will take a train to the hidden temple of the Incas: Machu Picchu. The train ride is an attraction in itself as much of the ride winds along the river and mountain face with dramatic views of the Andes as you pass through abundant cloud forests.  The foliage dramatically changes as you ride towards the meeting point of the Andes and the Amazon rainforest providing visitors a real sense of how much this country really as to offer.

Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, you will either be taken directly by bus to the ruins of Machu Picchu or to your very comfortable hotel if you have decided to spend the evening in the area.  Once settled, you will leave this little town and take a roughly 20 minute bus ride to the hidden ruins of Machu Picchu perched in the mountains above.

Once you arrive in Machu Picchu, you will begin a guided tour of this world wonder. If you decide to spend the night in this area (highly recommended) you will have another chance to visit the ruins early the next day. After your tour you can wander the many Inca trails that lead to the main site or head into town for a late lunch. In the event you choose to stay in Aguas Calientes overnight, you can use the evening to relax in the nearby hot springs.  Otherwise you will return to the station in the mid-afternoon for the train back to Cusco and transfer back to your hotel.

See our Machu Picchu Guide for more in-depth information on restaurants, nightlife and shopping.

* Train journeys are not included in the package price.

After breakfast you will be transferred to the Cusco airport for your flight out to Lima and then to Quito. You will be picked up at the airport and taken to your comfortable Quito hotel in the tourist center of Quito. In the evening you will receive a briefing for your Galapagos cruise and have the rest of the evening to enjoy at your leisure. 

After breakfast in your comfortable Quito hotel, you will be taken to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival in the Galapagos you will be picked up at the airport to start your cruise.

The Galapagos Islands offer some of the best wildlife viewing in the world, not only because the animals themselves are beautiful and interesting, but also because many of the wildlife species are virtually fearless. Through a quirk of evolution, large predators failed to evolve here, resulting in a unique sense of security in the island’s inhabitants.  This means that the famous blue-footed boobie will perform its awkwardly elegant two-stepped mating dance right under your nose, oblivious to your camera. Mockingbirds will hop onto your shoes. Adolescent sea lions will do figure eights to show off their swimming prowess as you snorkel among them. The local penguins (the only tropical species of penguin in the world) are, admittedly, a bit aloof, but even they aren't above using a snorkeler as a human shield as they attempt to sneak up on schools of tasty fish. In the Galapagos, you don't have to get downwind and peer through the bushes to get a glimpse at the wildlife. You do, however, have to be careful not to step on sleeping sea lions on the beach as you back up for a better photo, as responsible guides will remind you.

After your cruise you will be transferred to the airport to take your flight home or to continue to your next South American destination.

• 3 nights at a Cusco hotel, 1 night at a Quito hotel, all based on U.S. Standards, and 3 nights on a comfortable yacht.
• Guided visits with English speaking tour guides.
• All transfers and entrance fees (Galapagos Islands entrance fee not included by law).
• All breakfasts.
• All meals during your Galapagos cruise.

Read our Newsletter Articles on the Galapagos Islands in our February 2007 and October 2008 editions.

We recommend that you book more time in Cusco. There is so much to see in and around the city that an extra day would amplify your Cusco experience. We would be pleased to book an additional day(s) for you. Otherwise enjoy your 4 days / 3 nights Cusco vacation and take in the sights and sounds of this magnificent city.

Have an extra day to visit the ruins on your own, relax at the local hot springs, and walk around the orchid gardens. The breathtaking beauty of Machu Picchu certainly deserves an extra day!

The sheer natural beauty of this area will revitalize any jaded soul. Learn why it is called the Sacred Valley by staying overnight in a Sacred Valley hotel.

Heading east from Cusco you will discover the remarkable and extensive Inca ruins of Tipon, famous for its beautiful gardens set high within the Andes Mountains, where fresh, cool water runs through an intricate system of fountains. Your professional tour guide will lead you up and along the expansive terraces, supported by traditional Inca stonework, with a visible and fully-functional irrigation system of channels flowing underneath.

Following a path leading just above the final terrace on the hill you will come across a remarkable temple hidden by the mountain. Your entire visit to the ruins will be framed by the beautiful vistas overlooking the town of Tipon, and the stunning backdrop of the Andes dominating the entire valley.

Continuing your tour you’ll arrive in Piquillajta, ‘the City of Fleas,’ an impressive and ancient Wari ruin established in the first century. You’ll explore this administrative capital of the southern portion of the Wari Empire which dates back to pre-Inca times, made up of compounds of ancient two-storey storehouses, dormitories, and ceremonial sites. To this day the walls have retained their ancient plastering and lime coatings.

As your day continues, you will travel to the small village of Andahuaylillas, home to a dazzling 17th-century church, known as ‘the Andean Sistine Chapel’.  Its stunning frescoes and rich, distinct interior design are on par with the work of European masters and is a beautiful mix of European and Peruvian art styles. Built upon the site of an old Inca temple, the church’s altar is gilded in 24-carat gold leaf and adorned with both Christian and Quechua symbols. The detailed baroque style and elegant, valuable adornments are thought to have been an early attempt by the Spaniards to dazzle the Inca into converting to Christianity.

Leaving the village of Andahuaylillas you will make the return journey through the stunning Andean landscape and back to your comfortable Cusco hotel. Please note that lunch is not included in this tour and ordering a box lunch from your hotel is advised.

Enjoy a horseback riding adventure across the Sacred Valley to Maras Moray Salt Mines. This is our most recommended additional service. Prices are per person for this private service (includes transfer to the Sacred Valley).

Located between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, the campsite is situated at 2800 meters a.s.l. and is close to the Vilcanota River. From here you can see the archeological site of Ollantaytambo, just a 30 minute walk from your campsite. The following day, you can walk to the train station, only 15 minutes away, and take the train to Machu Picchu.

Campsite is accessible by road, by rafting on the river Vilcanota or by trekking.

• Stationary tents
• Dining area
• Bathrooms
• Hot showers
• Potable water
• Campfire
• Pachamanca lunch
• Hammocks
• Soccer field, badminton court, volleyball court, petanque (a game similar to bowls)

Get on a boat and have a wet and wild rafting experience through the Sacred Valley. Our tour guides are fully trained and bilingual. Transfers and lunch included.

Take a horse-back ride through the valley from the Inca Bridge to the Quarries of Cachicata and return to camp. This trip lasts about 4 hours.

Includes: First aid kit, walkie-talkie, guide service and horses completely equipped.
Not included: Bottled water, food, tips.

Take a bike- ride through the Sacred Valley where you will visit the Quarries of Cachicata and the villages on the banks of the river, such as Sillque, Chillca and others. We will return to our campsite during a pleasant 2 hour journey on the other side of the river, passing through the villages of Phiri Podra and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Includes: bicycles, helmets, gloves, first-aid kit and guide service

Not included: bottled water, food, tips

Raft on the River Urubamba with category 2 and 3 currents, suitable for everyone. No experience necessary. Trip lasts approximately 2 hours and provides an opportunity to see the beautiful Sacred Valley from a different perspective.

Included: First-aid kit, bilingual guide service, canoeing kit, life- jackets, oars, waterproof pants, and transportation from and to campsite.

Not included: Bottled water, food, tips.

This site, constructed by the Incas, is the oldest known horticultural experimental center in the world. Each terraced level gives a different micro-climate in which different crops can be grown. The terraces built into the natural surrounding landscape are fascinating. Prices are per person for this private service:

This horseback riding tour will take you to the beautiful country side around the city of Cusco. (Minimum 2 people)

Watch professional Peruvian dancers and musicians perform to traditional Andean music during a delicious dinner.