Peru & Galapagos Holiday

Trip Itinerary

Days 1-2: Lima, Peru

Day 1 - Arrival in Peru!

Upon arrival, you are met by a Wayfairer representative and swiftly transferred to your first Peru hotel, Villa Barranco by Ananay Hotels. This excellent four-star hotel is located in Lima, close to the legendary Huaca Pucllana Ruins and Larcomar, also offering stunning sea views from nine of its exquisite rooms. 

This evening, sink into peace as you adjust to the sleek spaces of your luxury hotel in Lima, and prepare for an action-packed day tomorrow! Perhaps a glass of wine on your private terrace, or an al fresco bite in the hotel’s stylish dining area. 

Day 2 - Bohemian and Artistic Barranco Walking Tour & Lima City Tour

Your Lima tour begins with a bright morning, immersing you in the city’s vibrant culture. Strolling through Saenz Peña Boulevard, whispers of colonial and republican history linger around you. As you explore, you’ll encounter the studios of artists like Jade Rivera and Victor Delfin, whose captivating work fills the air. 

Barranco’s energy radiates along its scenic boardwalk, offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Reaching the Bridge of Sighs, you’ll find colourful murals in the main square. A visit to El Cacaotal, a haven for chocolate and coffee lovers, offers a taste of Peru’s finest. Before departing, you’ll explore local art shops for a lasting memento. 

In the afternoon, Lima’s dual character is revealed. You’ll explore the modern districts of Miraflores and San Isidro, alongside its UNESCO-listed Historic Centre. Landmarks like the Museum of Italian Art and Plaza San Martín showcase this blend. Finally, modern Lima unfolds at the Park of Love, where breathtaking ocean views are crowned by Victor Delfin’s iconic sculpture. This seamless blend of past and present reveals Lima’s evolving beauty. 

Days 3-8: Cusco & Machu Picchu

Day 3 - Transfer to Cusco

Following a nourishing breakfast, prepare for your transfer to Lima Airport, from where you will head on a comfortable flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and taken to your next luxury Peru hotel, Las Qolqas Eco Resort. 

The afternoon is yours to explore your dazzling Cusco hotel, an off-the-beaten-track gem nestled into the breath-taking landscapes of one of the most beautiful places in South America. This fabulous eco-resort in Cusco is stamped with natural beauty and a soul-serenading feeling of serenity, felt completely from your private tent which is surrounded by greenery. You could easily spend hours casting your eyes upon the panoramas which border the resort, or perhaps indulging in the hotel’s wellness and dining facilities. 

Day 4 – Full Day Cultural Tour in Misminay

Tuck into a tasty breakfast before beginning today’s immersive journey in the heart of the Sacred Valley, at the mountain community of Misminay, just an hour from Cusco. Preserving ancient Andean traditions, this village offers a rare glimpse into the Inca way of life. Upon arrival, we are warmly welcomed with music and traditional dances. 

In Misminay, we can participate in daily activities like construction, cooking, or farming, while also exploring their intricate textile arts or enjoying a serene walk to a nearby viewpoint overlooking the valley. A delicious lunch, prepared with fresh local ingredients, highlights the community's rich culinary heritage. This experience offers a perfect blend of cultural exchange and hands-on learning, connecting us to Andean traditions. 

Day 5 – Full Day Andean Forest Tour

Today’s adventure begins at the majestic Ollantaytambo ruins, an awe-inspiring archaeological site perched high on a mountain. Once a strategic fortress guarding the road to Machu Picchu, its vast terraces and stone structures offer a window into Peru’s ancient past. From Ollantaytambo, you journey to Pumamarka, a lesser-known gem of the Sacred Valley. Here, you’ll explore the ruins believed to be remnants of the Wari and Inca empires. Next, you visit the Choquechaka Conservation Area, where you’ll learn about the rich ecosystems of the Andean forests. 

After this immersive exploration, you’ll enjoy a traditional Pachamanca lunch at El Albergue Farm’s restaurant, savouring flavours cooked in the earth. If desired, you can end the day with a visit to the farm’s distillery and coffee roaster before returning to the serene Sacred Valley for a cosy night in your eco-resort. 

Day 6 - Machu Picchu Tour

Start your day with a luggage transfer and departure from Ollantaytambo for a train to Machu Picchu. Disembark at kilometre 104 and begin a scenic hike to Wiñay Wayna, a stunning Inca site nestled by the Urubamba River. Begin your Inca Trail Experience. 

Wiñay Wayna holds a rich heritage, whilst its rustic terraces perch on a gorgeous mountainside draped in flora. Before lunch, take time to wander the area and soak up its delicate beauty, enhanced by flourishing orchids and a fragrant ambience. Then, the hike along the Inca Trail continues towards the Inti Punku, the gateway to the sensational Machu Picchu. 

Here lies your reward for such a challenging hike. Entering the ancient citadel feels surreal, its mysterious stone structures standing timeless against the mountain backdrop. After soaking in the beauty of Machu Picchu, we descend to board a bus to Aguas Calientes, where we’ll recharge and reflect on the day’s unforgettable journey. 

Tonight, settle into your third hotel in Peru, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo, an intimate retreat right in the midst of this fascinating setting where you can wake to the sounds of the rarest of Southern American birds. 

Day 7 - Machu Picchu Guided Tour

Machu Picchu is pure enchantment, and today you will step into its dreamlike world with the guidance of a local expert. Crafted in the 15th century by the visionary Inca Pachacutec, this citadel is a breathtaking testament to Inca ingenuity and their harmony with the rugged Andean landscape.  

Today’s journey will weave through the heart of this mystical place, revealing the history, organisation, and significance of this World Wonder during the Tahuantinsuyo era. You’ll meander among its serene terraces and sacred temples, framed by the majestic Huayna Picchu. As the tour concludes, you’ll descend by bus to Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo, where we’ll await our train back to Ollantaytambo, carrying the magic of the day with you. 

Tonight, you stay in Quinta San Blas, another beautiful hotel from the Ananay Hotels collection which spotlights its quaint, historic neighbourhood. With colonial architecture and an incredibly peaceful atmosphere, this hotel makes the perfect crown to your tour of Machu Picchu. 

Day 8 - Historic Cusco Tour

The next step on your Cusco tour is a historic journey around the Imperial City of the Incas. You begin at the city’s vibrant local, where the colours, flavours, and traditions of both modern and ancient Cusco come alive. Then, head to to Koricancha, the golden temple, once the most sacred site in the Inca Empire. Though a Spanish church was built over it, the original temple’s foundations and exquisite stonework remain, whispering of its glorious past. 

From here, you ascend to the majestic fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a marvel of Inca military architecture crafted from enormous stones. Stroll along charming cobblestone streets, taking in panoramic views and passing the sacred Sapantiana "Huaca" and the Colonial Aqueduct. Following a stroll around the artisan district of San Blas and a gaze at the beautiful grand Cathedral, you can return to your hotel or let the magic of Cusco guide your own exploration. 

Days 9-15: The Galapagos

Day 9 - Welcome to Ecuador!

Meet a Wayfairer representative following a nourishing breakfast for your transfer to the airport, from where you will take a short flight to Lima. After a short break on the other side, another commercial flight will take you to your final destination: the largest city in Ecuador, Guayaquil. 

After your journey, Hotel del Parque, your luxury Ecuador hotel will be waiting with boutique interiors, a central location and incredible service. Settle into your deluxe room, perhaps after a dinner which spotlights local ingredients, and a tipple enjoyed on the scenic terrace. 

Day 10 - Boarding the Galapagos Sea Star

Today is a big day, as you begin your route to the Galapagos. Your adventure begins with a flight from Guayaquil Airport to Baltra and a transfer to the boarding spot accompanied by your own naturalist guide. Here, the Galapagos Sea Star lies waiting for you to join an extravagant voyage towards one of the world’s most unique natural settings. 

Your first stop on the voyage is the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island, the perfect introduction to the historic and scientific importance of the Galapagos. Learn about the role of the station in the preservation of biodiversity on the islands and observe the breeding of several species of tortoise. Wind down at the end of the day with a visit to the local town and souvenir shops, and perhaps a sundowner on the boat afterwards! 

Day 11 – White-Tipped Reef Shark Canal, Volcano Tour & Isabela Island

Your day begins with a boat ride, spotting blue-footed boobies, pelicans, herons, and Galapagos penguins. After a dry landing, you’ll explore a small islet, home to baby marine iguanas, lava lizards, sea lions, and yellow warblers. In the Tintoreras channel, you might spot white-tipped reef sharks resting on the canal floor. 

Next, visit Sierra Negra, the largest and shallowest caldera in the Galapagos, shaped by volcanic activity over time. A bus ride from Puerto Villamil will take you to its slopes for a hike, so don’t forget sturdy shoes and a light rain jacket. 

After landing at a jetty, a short bus ride takes you to the Jacinto Gordillo breeding centre, where you’ll see giant Galapagos tortoises at various stages of life. Walk along a trail through mangroves and wetlands, with chances to spot flamingos, herons, and marine iguanas. The trail ends at a beach where you can relax and explore a nearby village. 

Day 12 - Isabela Island Tour

After a wet landing, you'll embark on a walk across a lava field featuring stunning volcanic formations, perfect for photography. The trail showcases two types of lava: smooth, ropy Pahoehoe and rugged aa, torn apart by its own motion.  

Along the path, you’ll find lagoons where flamingos and wading birds may appear. A boat ride offers a chance to spot the largest marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, pelicans, and blue-footed boobies. Deep-water snorkelling off the zodiac adds an underwater adventure. 

This afternoon brings a whole new adventure. Located on the west side of Isabela, Elizabeth Bay is a peaceful area where outboard motors are banned. You’ll take a boat ride through red mangroves, quietly observing spotted eagle rays, golden rays, sea turtles, and flightless cormorants. This bay is a natural mating area for sea turtles, and you'll use paddles to minimise disturbance. Nearby, the Marielas Islets host the largest Galapagos penguin colony, as well as marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and brown pelicans. 

Day 13 – Fernandina Island & Isabela Island Adventure

Welcome to Fernandina, the youngest and best-preserved island in the Galapagos, which remains free of introduced species. Punta Espinoza, on the northeastern coast, showcases the island's volcanic activity, including a 90 cm uplift in 1975, exposing coral reefs and mangrove roots. 

This area is rich in wildlife, home to Galapagos hawks, snakes, lava lizards, sea lions, marine iguanas, and flightless cormorants. You’ll snorkel off the zodiac, your only chance to see marine iguanas and sea turtles feeding underwater, while observing flightless cormorants adapted for speedy diving. 

After lunch, Tagus Cove is at your fingertips, located on the northwest of Isabela. It features a wooden stairway leading to Darwin’s saltwater crater lake, with incredible views of lava fields and volcanic formations.  

A boat ride along the shore reveals abundant marine life, including blue-footed boobies, brown noddies, flightless cormorants, and the tiny Galapagos penguins. Snorkelling here offers an opportunity to spot sea turtles and flightless cormorants in their underwater habitat. 

Day 14 - Santiago Island Tour

Today, you’ll visit the serene Espumilla Beach at the northern end of James Bay, a key nesting spot for marine turtles, with ghost crabs hidden in the sand. As you hike inland, the trail may reveal flamingos and pintail ducks, winding through an arid zone where Galapagos hawks, mockingbirds, finches, and yellow warblers can be spotted. Optional snorkelling awaits for those eager to explore the waters. 

After a wet landing on black volcanic sand, you'll follow a trail past lounging sea lions. The path shifts from volcanic ash to rugged basalt, leading along a coastline alive with marine iguanas, sea lions, crabs, and birds. At the end, you'll find grottos home to Galapagos fur seals. 

The return trail, often patrolled by Galapagos hawks, brings you back to the beach, where snorkelling offers the chance to swim with sea lions, vibrant fish, and perhaps sea turtles or white-tipped reef sharks.

Day 15 – Explore San Cristobal & Departure Home

You’ll begin your day with an early visit to this small island near Port Baquerizo Moreno, where a large colony of Galapagos sea lions greets you with their distinctive barks. The trail winds through a semi-arid landscape, where blue-footed boobies nest on the ground and frigatebirds perch in the trees. The vegetation includes black mangroves, saltbush, and holly stick. 

After exploring, you'll be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Guayaquil or Quito. It is time to say goodbye to your incredible South America trip and the mind-blowing scenes you have encountered along the way. Whilst your departure is sad, there are always more life-changing trips with Wayfairer around the corner.