Explore Peru & Galápagos

ARRIVAL IN LIMA (79M)

Welcome to Lima, the vibrant capital of Peru!

Upon arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport, a representative of Peru VIP Travel will be waiting to greet you with a warm welcome. From that moment on, we’ll take care of everything—escorting you in a comfortable private transfer to your hotel.

Our team will handle all check-in formalities so you can relax and begin your stay with total peace of mind. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through Peru, full of history, culture, and personalized luxury.

HISTORICAL EXPLORATION & ARTISTIC WALK

Lima is home to a rich history that stretches back millennia before the arrival of the Spanish. Its museums house extraordinary treasures from pre-Columbian civilizations. Immerse yourself in this fascinating past with visits to the adobe pyramid of Huaca Huallamarca, the renowned Larco Museum, the Plaza de Armas, and the historic Casa Aliaga.

Enjoy a 5-hour walking tour through the charming district of Barranco, known for its neo-colonial mansions. Explore cutting-edge art galleries and artisan shops such as Las Pallas and Dédalo, and end the day savoring the local culinary scene at one of the district’s trendiest restaurants.

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LIMA – CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY

Our Peru VIP Travel team will meet you in your hotel lobby and accompany you to the airport, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition to the next stage of your journey.

On the way to Pisac, we’ll stop at Awanacancha, where you’ll have the chance to see up close the fascinating Andean camelids—llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos. Upon arrival in Pisac, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of its famous local market, filled with colorful handicrafts and fresh local products.

Afterward, continue to the awe-inspiring Pisac ruins, perched high above the valley. Marvel at the sweeping views and explore the remnants of Inca culture and engineering in one of the Sacred Valley’s most stunning settings.

VISIT TO OLLANTAYTAMBO & MACHU PICCHU

Begin your day in Ollantaytambo, one of the last living Inca towns that still preserves its original urban layout. Explore its impressive archaeological complex, built into the mountainside, and learn about one of the few Inca victories over the Spanish conquistadors.

Next, board the Vistadome train for a scenic ride through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes. From there, take the bus that ascends to the majestic Machu Picchu, one of the modern wonders of the world.

Enjoy a 2–3 hour guided tour through the site’s temples, terraces, and ceremonial spaces, gaining insight into the Incas’ deep wisdom reflected in their architectural design. After the tour, take some extra time to explore on your own, as the site becomes quieter and more peaceful later in the afternoon.

SECOND DAY AT MACHU PICCHU

This morning, you will return to the ruins of Machu Picchu with your guide to continue exploring this extraordinary site from new perspectives.

You may optionally choose one of the following hikes:

• Inti Punku (Sun Gate): The original entrance to the citadel, ideal for those seeking a moderate hike with panoramic views.
• Huayna Picchu: A steep and challenging climb, recommended only for travelers comfortable with heights.
• Machu Picchu Mountain: Located to the south of the sanctuary, it offers elevated views and a broader perspective of the entire archaeological complex.

After your visit, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll board the Vistadome train (approx. 1.5 hours) to Ollantaytambo. From there, a private vehicle will be waiting to transfer you comfortably to the city of Cusco (approx. 2 hours).

CUSCO, NAVEL OF THE WORLD

Cusco was designed by the Incas as a city to be explored on foot, and there’s no better way to discover it than by strolling through its narrow alleyways filled with living history.

Begin your visit at the Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of the city, and let yourself be immersed in the cultural richness that radiates from its centuries-old streets and architecture. Step inside the majestic Cathedral, a Renaissance gem, and marvel at the precise Inca stonework at Koricancha, the legendary Temple of the Sun.

Continue to the vibrant San Pedro Market, where the colors, aromas, and textures of local fruits and Andean tubers offer a sensory connection to the region’s biodiversity. Finally, head to the city’s outskirts to explore the monumental Inca ruins of Sacsayhuamán, a ceremonial site renowned for the size and perfection of its stones — and for offering one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the imperial city.

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT TO GUAYAQUIL

A representative from Peru VIP Travel will pick you up in your hotel lobby and accompany you to the airport, assisting you with the check-in process for your flight to Lima.

Upon arrival in Guayaquil, you will be warmly welcomed by a local host who will escort you to your hotel and assist with check-in.

From Guayaquil (or Quito), you’ll begin your journey to the Galápagos Islands, one of the most fascinating destinations in the natural world. There are multiple luxury cruise options, each offering different routes, styles, and durations. Below is a sample itinerary for your reference.

• Contact us for personalized alternatives: family departures, private charters, shorter or extended itineraries, and exclusive hotel stays on one of the main islands.

OCEAN SPRAY CRUISE (8D/7N) – BALTRA – CHINESE HAT

Fly from Guayaquil to Baltra Island, the gateway to the Galápagos Archipelago. Upon arrival, a representative of the Ocean Spray cruise will be waiting to assist you with the arrival process and luggage collection. You’ll then be transferred to the luxury catamaran, where your suite will be assigned and you’ll have time to settle in and relax before lunch and a welcome briefing on board.

In the afternoon, visit Chinese Hat (Sombrero Chino), a small islet southeast of Santiago Island, known for its striking volcanic landscape and unique biodiversity. Walking among lava formations and white sand beaches, you’ll encounter a colony of sea lions, Galápagos penguins, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and birdlife such as the American oystercatcher—all in an unspoiled setting rarely found elsewhere in the world.

• Enjoy 7 nights aboard the Ocean Spray, a luxury catamaran offering an exclusive and intimate Galápagos experience.

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS (ISABELA ISLAND – FERNANDINA ISLAND)

Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela)
Isabela Island, shaped like a seahorse, is the largest in the archipelago and one of the youngest and most volcanically active. This morning, you’ll visit Punta Vicente Roca, a dramatic bay formed by two coves that offers some of the best snorkeling opportunities in the Galápagos.

Its cold, nutrient-rich waters attract abundant marine life—keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, penguins, and, if you’re lucky, the elusive and fascinating sunfish (Mola mola).

Punta Espinosa (Fernandina)
In the afternoon, you’ll cross the Bolívar Channel to Fernandina Island, the youngest and most pristine island in the entire archipelago—free of invasive species and home to an untouched ecosystem. From Punta Espinosa, you’ll disembark to explore a landscape dominated by La Cumbre volcano and vast lava fields stretching to the sea.

Your walk will take you past colonies of marine iguanas, groups of sea lions, and one of the area’s highlights: the nesting site of the flightless cormorant, one of the Galápagos’ most remarkable birds. This is also an ideal spot for sighting the Galápagos hawk.

ISABELA ISLAND (TAGUS COVE – URBINA BAY)

Tagus Cove – History Carved in Stone
The morning begins with a visit to Tagus Cove, a historic natural anchorage on the western coast of Isabela. Here, you’ll see centuries-old graffiti carved into the rocks by whalers and pirates dating back to the 1800s, including inscriptions from 1836. The contrast between these human traces and the pristine nature surrounding them offers a striking reflection on the passage of time.

You’ll take a 2 km hike through lava fields and unique volcanic terrain to reach the mysterious Darwin Lake, a saltwater crater lake possibly formed by a massive wave following a volcanic eruption. From above, enjoy spectacular views of the volcanoes that shape this young and dynamic island.

Urbina Bay – The Power of the Earth
In the afternoon, you’ll land at Urbina Bay, a fascinating site that emerged in 1954 when a sudden uplift of the sea floor thrust the coral reef upward, creating an entirely new shoreline. Today, this remarkable geological event supports an extraordinary array of biodiversity and dramatic landscapes.

On land, you may spot both marine and land iguanas, and with luck, some giant tortoises. In the water, rays and sea turtles glide near the shore, while flightless cormorants and pelicans rest on the rocks—all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Alcedo Volcano.

ISABELA ISLAND (ELIZABETH BAY – PUNTA MORENO)

Elizabeth Bay – Life Among the Mangroves
This morning, you’ll explore remote Elizabeth Bay, one of the most pristine and biodiverse areas of the island, accessible only by boat. Aboard a traditional panga, you’ll drift gently through red mangroves, observing the extraordinary wildlife that thrives in these calm, shallow waters.

Keep an eye out for green sea turtles, golden rays, Galápagos penguins, brown pelicans, and the iconic blue-footed boobies. With a bit of luck, you might even spot humpback whales surfacing in the distance. This is one of the best opportunities to connect with the Galápagos marine life in its purest form.

Punta Moreno – Surreal Landscapes
In the afternoon, you’ll disembark at Punta Moreno, where ancient lava flows have sculpted a dramatic, almost lunar landscape. As you walk over the dark volcanic terrain, you’ll encounter natural tidal pools of crystal-clear water that serve as oases for unexpected wildlife.

In these brackish lagoons, you may spot pink flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, and common gallinules. Look closely and you might also find white-tipped reef sharks or marine turtles gliding between the lava rock formations. It’s a landscape where fire and water have come together to create an otherworldly and utterly unique ecosystem.

SANTA CRUZ ISLAND (CHARLES DARWIN STATION – HIGHLANDS)

Charles Darwin Research Station – Conservation in Action
Begin your day with a visit to the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, part of the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station—epicenter of Galápagos conservation efforts. Here, you’ll observe giant tortoises at every stage of life, from tiny hatchlings just a few centimeters long to fully grown adults over a meter in length.

Several tortoise subspecies live in this protected environment, some so accustomed to visitors that they’ll curiously approach. The young are carefully nurtured until they’re ready to be released into the wild—a moving insight into the island’s ongoing efforts to preserve its unique natural heritage.

Highlands – A Verdant and Volcanic World
In the afternoon, you’ll head into the lush highlands of Santa Cruz, a dramatic contrast to the island’s coastal landscapes. Walk among rolling green hills, fern-covered forests, volcanic craters, and abundant wildlife. This is one of the few places where giant tortoises roam freely in their natural habitat—an unforgettable sight.

The experience continues below ground as you explore the island’s lava tunnels—vast volcanic formations stretching over a kilometer beneath the surface. Equipped with a flashlight and guided by an expert, you’ll walk through these surreal passageways, witnessing the living geological history of the Galápagos.

PLAZA SUR & SANTA FE ISLAND

Plaza Sur – Color and Life on the Cliffs
In the morning, explore Plaza Sur Island, a small island elevated by volcanic activity, with slopes covered by opuntia cacti and a seasonal carpet of Sesuvium plants that shift from green and yellow during the rainy season to deep red in the dry season.

The island hosts one of the largest sea lion colonies in the Galápagos and a unique population of land iguanas, whose yellow and reddish hues blend with the arid landscape. From the cliffs, enjoy spectacular ocean views and watch seabirds such as swallow-tailed gulls and blue-footed boobies.

Santa Fe Island – Cactus Forests and Turquoise Waters
In the afternoon, visit Santa Fe Island (Barrington), one of the oldest islands in the archipelago, formed by volcanic uplift. The excursion begins in a calm bay with turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling alongside sea lions, rays, and turtles.

Two trails offer different perspectives: one ascends to a cliffside viewpoint with panoramic views of the bay; the other leads from a white sandy beach into a forest of giant cacti, home to the endemic Santa Fe land iguana species.

ESPAÑOLA ISLAND (PUNTA SUÁREZ – GARDNER BAY & OSBORN ISLET)

Punta Suárez – A Sanctuary of Birds and Dramatic Landscapes
In the morning, you’ll visit Punta Suárez on the remote and spectacular Española Island, the southernmost island of the archipelago. This site hosts the largest colony of Galápagos albatrosses in the world, alongside an incredible variety of wildlife including mockingbirds, blue-footed and masked boobies, red and green marine iguanas, hawks, and Darwin’s finches.

You will walk along trails winding through sea cliffs where the albatrosses use air currents as their launch platform. One of the most impressive natural spectacles is the famous blowhole—a rocky formation that shoots seawater high into the air, creating unique photo opportunities.

Gardner Bay & Osborn Islet – Relaxation and Marine Life
In the afternoon, you’ll arrive at Gardner Bay on the island’s eastern coast. This white sandy beach is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Galápagos, perfect for relaxing alongside a large colony of sea lions.

The turquoise waters around Gardner Bay, along with the rocky shores of nearby Osborn Islet, offer excellent snorkeling opportunities. Swim among sea turtles, tropical fish, and, with some luck, spot rays or even reef sharks in a safe and pristine environment.

SAN CRISTÓBAL ISLAND – ECUADOR FLIGHT – INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE

In the morning, you will visit the Interpretation Center on San Cristóbal Island, an initiative donated by the Spanish government and inaugurated in 1998 by the then Prince of Spain. This center offers an in-depth look into the natural and human history of the archipelago, highlighting how harmonious coexistence between humans and nature is possible in this unique environment.

The visit continues to the Cerro Colorado Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, located in the southeast of the island, where Galápagos giant tortoises live semi-freely in a carefully protected natural habitat. During the tour, you may observe endemic birds such as finches, warblers, and mockingbirds among lush native shrubs and trees. This is an exceptional opportunity to see the tortoises up close in their natural environment and learn about the conservation efforts that ensure their survival.

Transfer to Airport
At the end of the visit, you will be transferred to San Cristóbal Airport to take your flight back to mainland Ecuador. Upon arrival, a Peru VIP Travel representative will be waiting to assist you with international check-in procedures, ensuring a comfortable and smooth departure.