Journeys: Peru & the Galápagos Islands

Journeys: Peru & the Galápagos Islands

• Trip code: 466X060
• Dauer: 15
• Stil: National Geographic Journeys

From the many legacies of Cusco's cobblestone streets, to the volcanic shores of the animal-packed isles of the Galápagos, South America unfolds through local traditions and wild encounters. Walk in the footsteps of the Inca at Machu Picchu, taste fresh cacao in Quito, plant native trees on a Galápagos farm, and walk among giant tortoises in the highlands. Guided by local hosts, step beyond the scenery into a region shaped by enduring heritage, rich culture, and thriving oceans.

Übersicht

Checklist

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Footwear (required) (Closed toe suggested)
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Smart Dress:
• Smart outfit (For evenings out)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Meal Budget

Plane USD450-585 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Lima
- Stadttour durch Lima (40USD pro Person)
- Kochkurs in Lima (4 Stunden)
- Huacas and Larco Museum by Night (90USD pro Person)

Aguas Calientes
- Schmetterlingshaus
- Besuch der Mandor Gardens
- Thermalquellenbesuch (6USD pro Person)

Inca Trail
- Genehmigungsantrag für die eintägige Wanderung auf dem Inka Trail

Cusco
- Besuch im Archäologischen Museum (10PEN pro Person)
- Kochkurs in Cusco
- Stadtführung in Cusco (45PEN pro Person)

Start / Finish

Lima nach Quito

What's Included

Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Traditionelle Anden-Erfahrung, Urubamba
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Planetarium in Cusco, Cusco
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Organic Farm Visit, Santa Cruz Island
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Parque de la Papa (Kartoffelpark), Pisac
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant im Heiligen Tal, Lamay
Dein Foodie-Moment: Traditionelles Pachamanca-Abendessen, Urubamba
Dein Discover-Moment: Cusco. Arrival transfer. Two-day Sacred Valley tour including Ollantaytambo, Moray, and Pisac ruins and pre-Inca salt pans. Traditional pachamanca-style dinner. Scenic train and guided tour of Machu Picchu. International flight from Lima to Quito. Quito city tour with local chocolate and cacao tasting. Visit the Intiñan Museum at the Equator line. Full-day tour by boat to uninhabited island to spot wildlife with swimming and snorkelling. Walk to Tortuga Bay on Santa Cruz Island. Charles Darwin Research Station visit. Visit San Cristóbal's Interpretation Centre and Las Tijeretas. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

Hotels (14 nts)

Group Leader

National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout, Local Guides, Naturalist Guide Expedition Leader in the Galápagos Islands (certified by the Galápagos National Park Authority)

Group Size Notes

Max 16, Avg 12

Highlights

Have lunch at a G Adventures-supported community restaurant in the Sacred Valley. Visit the “Parque de la Papa” (“Potato Park”) community with a local guide for immersive time observing agricultural, weaving, and cultural traditions. Explore Machu Picchu with an expert guide to uncover its secrets. Visit the Cusco Planetarium to gaze up at the southern sky and learn about the ancient Incas’ relationship with the cosmos. Walk through Quito's historical heart with a local guide to taste regional cacao and artisanal chocolate. Travel to the middle of the world at the Intiñan Museum for interactive experiments right on the equator line. Explore an organic farm, learn about crops, and plant an endemic tree to support island conservation. Sail to an uninhabited island to hike wild trails and snorkel alongside turtles, rays, and sharks. Walk through the Charles Darwin Research Station to see giant tortoises and learn about habitat protection. Discover volcanic origins and human history at the Gianny Arismendi Interpretation Center, then hike up to the Tijeretas lookout

Introduction

From the many legacies of Cusco's cobblestone streets, to the volcanic shores of the animal-packed isles of the Galápagos, South America unfolds through local traditions and wild encounters. Walk in the footsteps of the Inca at Machu Picchu, taste fresh cacao in Quito, plant native trees on a Galápagos farm, and walk among giant tortoises in the highlands. Guided by local hosts, step beyond the scenery into a region shaped by enduring heritage, rich culture, and thriving oceans

Transport

Private vehicle, train, plane, ferry, speedboat, water taxi, walking

Internationale Flüge

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport

Meals Included

14 Frühstück, 5 Mittagessen, 1 Abendessen

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Lima

Ankunft zu jeder Zeit möglich. Ankunftstransfer inklusive

Day 2 Lima/Urubamba

Board an early flight to Cusco, once the capital of the Inca empire, then drive to Urubamba through the scenic Sacred Valley. Explore the terraced salt pans of Maras, which have been used for salt extraction since pre-Inca times, and tour the Inca site of Moray—believed to have been an agricultural laboratory where priests would test soils and crops. Later, we’ll enjoy a meal of local specialities, prepared by chefs in this region for a millennium

Day 3 Urubamba

Die Erkundung des Heiligen Tals geht weiter. Besuche den „Parque de la Papa“ („Kartoffelpark“), ein exklusives Erlebnis im Rahmen von National Geographic Journeys und Teil von G Adventures for Good. Spaziere mit einem lokalen Guide durch diese ländliche Gemeinschaft und erfahre mehr über den Kartoffelanbau und das Weben und wie wichtig beide für die Kultur in den Anden sind. Erkunde die Ruinen von Ollantaytambo und Pisac und besuche zum Mittagessen das G Adventures Sacred Valley Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco

Day 4 Urubamba/Aguas Calientes

Frühe Fahrt nach Ollantaytambo, und anschließend malerische Zugfahrt nach Aguas Calientes mit Option den Markt zu besuchen

Day 5 Aguas Calientes/Cusco

Genieße eine geführte Tour durch Machu Picchu – die im 15. Jahrhundert gebauten Zitadelle der Inka, die der Archäologe Hiram Bingham der Welt in der April 1913 Ausgabe der National Geographic Magazine bekannt machte. Wandere durch die Tempeln und Terrassen dieser atemberaubenden UNESCO Welterbestätte und fahre danach zurück nach Cusco

Day 6 Cusco

Erkunde in Cusco die historischen Straßen, Museen und Märkte. Optional kannst du Wildwasserraften, reiten oder mit dem Mountainbike fahren. Abends kannst du den Nachthimmel über der Stadt im Planetarium von Cusco aus ganz neuer Perspektive erleben. Genieße eine Präsentation über den südlichen Himmel, zeitgenössische Astronomie und die Beziehung der alten Inkas zum Kosmos. Sieh dir das Museum hier an und bewundere den Sternenhimmel durch die Teleskope

Day 7 Cusco/Lima

Fly back to Lima. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure in the Peruvian capital. Visit the San Francisco Monastery, part of Lima’s World Heritage-listed historic center, and descend into its famed catacombs. Wander across Plaza Mayor, the city’s oldest public square, and enjoy Peruvian tapas and a tasting of pisco sours before returning to your hotel

Day 8 Lima/Quito

Say goodbye to Peru and take a flight north to Quito. As the Andes pass below your window, trade the Pacific air for Ecuador's high-altitude capital. Upon arrival, take the afternoon at your own pace to check into your hotel, unpack, and settle into the easy rhythm of the city. As evening approaches, gather with your Expedition Leader and fellow group members, along with any new travellers joining this next leg of the journey, for an evening welcome meeting to share stories and build anticipation for what lies ahead. Afterwards, choose to join the group for an optional dinner at a local spot, swapping first impressions over Ecuadorian flavours

Day 9 Quito

Set off on a walking tour through Quito's historical heart, strolling from Plaza Grande to the gold-leaf interior of La Compañía de Jesus and out to San Francisco Plaza. Stop at a local shop to learn how cacao transforms into rich regional chocolate, complete with tastings. After lunch, head to the Intiñan Museum at the equator line, where interactive experiments reveal the strange physics of standing at the middle of the world. As evening falls, the city is yours: follow the scent of street food, duck into a hidden café, or watch the Andes catch the last light from a rooftop terrace

Day 10 Quito/Santa Cruz Island

Take a morning flight from Quito to Baltra, the gateway to the Galápagos. Cross to Santa Cruz Island and visit an organic farm for lunch and a hands-on look at local sustainability. Walk the property with your host and naturalist guide to discover how hydroponic crops conserve precious water and how pineapples, coffee, and native Scalesias thrive in volcanic soil. Plant an endemic tree of your own to help with island reforesting, then check into your hotel for a relaxed evening

Day 11 Santa Cruz Island

Travel to the Itabaca Channel to board a boat for an inspiring day at sea, bound for one of the region's remarkable islands: Bartolomé, North Seymour, South Plaza, or Santa Fé. Upon arrival, disembark onto wild trails where native fauna roam freely against striking, untouched geological backdrops. After a morning of discovery on foot, gather on board for a fresh lunch before taking a refreshing plunge into the ocean. Strap on your mask to snorkel alongside sea turtles, gentle rays, darting tropical fish, and reef sharks before returning to town for an evening at your own pace

Day 12 Santa Cruz Island

After breakfast, set out on a morning walk along the causeway to Tortuga Bay, where marine iguanas laze on the white sand by the surf. Spend the morning exploring the shore before heading back to town for lunch. In the afternoon, walk to the Charles Darwin Research Station and its breeding centre. See giant tortoises up close, learn about reintroduction efforts, and visit the "Symbol of Hope" exhibit housing the preserved remains of Lonesome George. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free for you

Day 13 Santa Cruz Island/San Cristóbal Island

Board a morning speedboat to San Cristóbal Island, the archipelago's original port of call. Visit the Interpretation Center to trace its story, from volcanic origins to colonization and modern conservation. Follow the scenic uphill trail to the Tijeretas viewpoint, where ocean vistas open below skies wheeling with frigatebirds. Watch for sea lions dozing in the sand, marine iguanas basking on lava rock, and blue-footed boobies along the surf. As the sun sets, the harbour comes alive with fishing boats and gulls

Day 14 San Cristóbal Island

Embrace a full free day to shape your own Galápagos adventure. For an optional excursion, choose between a boat trip to Kicker Rock, snorkeling past dramatic rock formations with sea turtles and sharks, or a San Cristóbal 360 tour circling the island's secluded bays. Or, stay closer to town: stroll the oceanfront boardwalk to watch sea lion pups tumble through shallow tide pools, or relax at a waterfront café. Tonight, gather with your group for an optional dinner to celebrate the week

Day 15 San Cristóbal Island/Quito

Enjoy a final morning taking in the salt air and the sounds of sea lions resting along the shore. Around midday, board your flight back to Quito, where your journey concludes upon arrival at the airport

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Lima

Mach dich für eine Bustour bereit, auf der du das Beste, das Peru zu bieten hat, in einer Woche erkundest. Wir empfehlen, eine zusätzliche Übernachtung in Lima vor Beginn des Trips zu buchen (insbesondere, wenn dein Flug am Abend in Lima ankommt), damit du dich von der internationalen Flugreise erholen kannst, bevor unser aufregendes Abenteuer startet. Beachte bitte: Das Culinary Theme Pack beinhaltet keinen zusätzlichen Aufenthalt in Lima und wir empfehlen dir dringend, auch eine Übernachtung vor Beginn der Reise zu buchen. Du wirst um ca. 9:30 Uhr von deinem Hotel abgeholt und zu einem lokalen Markt und zu einem Restaurant gebracht, wo du ein traditionelles peruanisches Essen kochst und dir dann natürlich auch schmecken lässt. Rückkehr ins Hotel gegen 13 Uhr.

Warmwasser und Strom können in Peru öfter mal ausfallen (selbst in besseren Hotels und Privathaushalten). Wir bitten um Verständnis, dass wir darauf keinen Einfluss haben

Day 2 Lima/Urubamba

An einigen Tagen auf dieser Reise geht es sehr früh los, damit wir unsere Woche in Peru optimal ausnutzen und so viel wie möglich von diesem fantastischen Land sehen können

Day 3 Urubamba

Day 4 Urubamba/Aguas Calientes

Denk bitte daran, dass die Stadt einiges zu bieten hat, die Infrastruktur aufgrund der abgeschiedenen Lage jedoch gelegentlich einfacher sein kann als vielleicht erwartet. Als einzige Option für Besucher von Machu Picchu ist die Stadt ziemlich rasch und ohne viel Planung gewachsen, und die Servicequalität entspricht unter Umständen nicht ganz dem, was man von anderen Landesteilen gewohnt ist

Day 5 Aguas Calientes/Cusco

Day 6 Cusco

Please remember that star gazing is completely weather dependent and sometimes there can be cloudy skies. Please note: if you pre-book the Cusco Cooking Class you will be picked up from your hotel at approx 12:30 and taken to a local market and restaurant to prepare and enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal. Return back to your hotel around 16:00

Day 7 Cusco/Lima

Day 8 Lima/Quito

Day 9 Quito

Day 10 Quito/Santa Cruz Island

Day 11 Santa Cruz Island

Day 12 Santa Cruz Island

Day 13 Santa Cruz Island/San Cristóbal Island

Day 14 San Cristóbal Island

Day 15 San Cristóbal Island/Quito

Please do not book onward flights departing from Quito earlier than 8pm