Description
Begin this incredible journey in Peru, a truly magnificent country steeped in history and great ancient civilisations. After a night on arrival in Lima, travel into the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas to stay at the Orient Express' exclusive Hotel Rio Sagrado for 2 nights, a superb base for experiencing the mysteries and tranquillity of this sacred land.
Then take a thrilling train ride through beautiful mountain scenery to Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the ancient world. Experience an overwhelming feeling of awe on first seeing the lost ruins perched high on a cloud-draped ridge and bathed in golden light. Stay at the only hotel located inside the sanctuary of Machu Picchu itself and view the ruins in relative solitude.
Return by train to the Inca capital, Cuzco, set in the high Andes and explore magical ancestral ruins, plazas, museums, markets and churches whilst staying in a luxury converted Franciscan convent.
Continue to the charming Ecuadorian capital of Quito, which is undergoing a real renaissance, and enjoy the colourful markets and colonial architecture, staying 2 nights at the exclusive Hotel Plaza Grande, fabulously located on the city’s central plaza.
To finish on a real high, take the 3-hour flight to the Galapagos Islands to see the greatest wildlife show on earth. Sail around this unique archipelago on the luxury 40-passenger expedition vessel M/V Isabela II, following in Darwin’s footsteps as you encounter rare marine iguanas, giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, penguins, fur seals and manta rays. No amount of hype will prepare you for such a close encounter with nature. Take a stroll over incredible lava flows, scuba dive, take a snorkel or observe the rich marine life through their glass-bottomed boat.
Please see our Original Itinerary below. It is a suggested itinerary and can be tailored to suit your individual needs.
Guide price
£5,615
per person
£5,615 Per person based on two people sharing for 13 nights. Includes all flights, air taxes, private transfers and accommodation on a full board basis at Sanctuary Lodge and M/V Isabela II plus Galapagos tax and fuel surcharge (bed and breakfast elsewhere)
Itinerary
When to travel
April to October is best for Peru’s Andean region. It is typically sunny in the day and cold at night due to altitude. Heavy rains December to March with January and February being the wettest months. Galapagos can be visited year round with hot and sunny days with brief showers December to June and warmer seas, the rest of year is drier but cooler and cloudier. Seas can be choppier July and August and many vessels are in dry dock September time. Due to limited permits book well in advance.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Peru, Ecuador & Galapagos
How to get there
16hr international flight to Lima.
