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Peregrine Travel Centre

Best of Peru & Galapagos

Best of Peru & Galapagos

From $ 10,129 AUD

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Description

Combine Peru’s incredible landscapes, culture and cuisine with unforgettable wildlife encounters in the Galapagos on this awesome 18-day adventure. Start by eating your way around local markets in Cusco, retracing the steps of the Incas at Machu Picchu and visiting the Uros people who live on floating islands made of reeds on Lake Titicaca. Then, make your way to Quito – the capital of Ecuador – to explore its historic streets before heading to the Galapagos. With an action-packed week on land and underwater, you’ll hike up the rocky slopes of Sierra Negra Volcano, visit flamingo lagoons, snorkel in a bay home to a sea lion colony, and so much more.

Trip Name
Best of Peru & Galapagos
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
18
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Explore the mother of all Inca sites – Machu Picchu – on a guided tour of this 15th century citadel with an expert local guide.
  • Spend a few days in the UNESCO-recognised city of Cusco – the perfect place to sample Andean delicacies, wander through storied laneways or take in the mountain views over a Pisco sour.
  • Take a boat tour of Lake Titicaca – the world's highest navigable lake – and experience local life on the shores at a homestay with a Llachon family.
  • Get acquainted with the ornate churches, plazas and boulevards of Quito, Ecuador's lively capital, on a walking tour of the historic centre.
  • Observe giant tortoises at the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center on Santa Cruz – these nearly extinct creatures are one of the many incredible animals that call the Galapagos home.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk., DEMONSTRATIONS & STRIKES: Demonstrations and protests, often in response to local labour or social issues, occur regularly in Peru. National strikes can be called at short notice and can cause disruption to road networks leading to inevitable itinerary changes. We will do everything possible for these changes to be at little or no extra cost; however in such circumstances we find that travellers may need to use their contingency funds to cover the costs of itinerary changes.

Day 1 - Lima
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. Your adventure begins in the capital city of Lima with a welcome meeting at 2 pm. You’ll meet your fellow travellers and trip leader, then head out for a stroll of the streets of downtown to check out some of the main attractions on a walking tour. Enjoy some free time before an optional group dinner this evening. The unofficial food capital of South America, there’s no better place to sample Peru’s national dish (ceviche) than Lima. As there's little time spent in Lima on this trip, it’s recommended that you arrive a few days early to see the sights, like Miraflores, Central Park, Lovers' Park and the National Museum.
Day 2 - Cusco
This morning after breakfast, you’ll catch an early flight to Cusco. Spend a little time acclimatising to the high altitude (3450 m), then get acquainted with the blend of cultures here on a leader-led walking tour. Check out some of Cusco's main attractions, as well as its lesser-known sights, such as the Qoricancha temple, San Pedro market, the main square, the 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. Tonight is free to explore at your own pace or find the perfect dinner spot with your group and try some local Peruvian favourites.  
Day 3 - Aguas Calientes
Travel by private bus through the Sacred Valley on the outskirts of Cusco today. This lush valley, known as Wilcamayo to the Incas, has long been the main source of food for the high Andes. Maize crops can be seen surrounding the river and covering the terraces that are carved high into the valley walls. You’ll visit a community in the valley to learn about local lifestyles and activities. If your visit coincides with market day, you can browse the stalls in search of hand-painted beads or warm ponchos. Visit the AMA Restaurant in Urubamba – this cafe provides employment opportunities and job training for single mothers throughout the Sacred Valley. Have a snack and learn how this inclusive enterprise focuses on economic growth, gender equality and the support of vulnerable communities. Board a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu.
Day 4 - Cusco
This morning, you’ll take an early bus up the winding road to Machu Picchu. Welcome to one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World! This is your chance to decide for yourself whether Machu Picchu was built around 1440 as a country retreat for the Incan nobility or as an ancient astronomical observatory. Enjoy a guided visit of the incredible site, giving you ample time to take in the many temples, palaces and living quarters. After taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, one of the Seven Wonders of the World is checked off your bucket list! you’ll return to Cusco.
Day 5 - Cusco
Today after breakfast, you can enjoy free time to relax, shop and explore Cusco's many sights. Maybe rest your weary legs at a cafe on Plaza de Armas or head to the San Pedro Market, where you can find vegetables, meats, local cheeses, chocolates, herbal medicines and many local handicrafts. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs or ingredients for a picnic. The market is also where many locals (and daring travellers) go to eat ‘mystery soups.’ Some may be just chicken, however, the most popular among the locals usually contain frogs or offal. For those looking for something active, why not try mountain biking in the hills surrounding Cusco?  
Day 6 - Puno
This morning after breakfast, you’ll travel through the dramatic scenery of the high Altiplano to Puno – located on the shores of serene Lake Titicaca. At an altitude of 3800 m, Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake. Today includes a bit of a long drive in a local bus, but it’s worth the first glimpse of immense Lake Titicaca, whose seemingly endless waters stretch into the horizon. Puno is a melting pot of Indigenous Aymara and Quechuan culture and traditional Andean customs, and it wears its traditions on its sleeve. If you're lucky, your trip will coincide with one of the many cultural festivals here. Ask your leader where you can get the best grilled trout tonight – a true local specialty perfect for dinner.   
Day 7 - Puno
This morning, you’ll take a tour of the immense lake by motorboat, stopping at the floating Uros Islands that look like they could come from a Pixar or Studio Ghibli movie. Built by the Uros people to protect themselves from encroaching Inca forces hundreds of years ago, the islands are constructed from many layers of totora reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake. Get a closer look at contemporary life on the shores of the lake with a homestay in a local community. Help your host family with their daily activities, try out a few words in the Quechua language and maybe even join a local soccer game to make some friends on the makeshift pitch. Tonight, sit down and swap stories with your hosts, who will cook you a feast full of traditional Peruvian favourites.  
Day 8 - Lima
This morning after breakfast at your homestay, say goodbye to the local family & your new Peruvian friends and take a bus to Juliaca airport. Then, you’ll take an included flight back to Lima, where you’ll have a free night. Enjoy your last night of the trip with your fellow travellers, time allowing explore the beautiful neighborhood of Miraflores including Kennedy Park, (a cat haven!) and “Parque del amor” (Love Park), entirely dedicated to all lovers. Enjoy the last night of the trip with your fellow travellers and maybe head out to a final celebratory dinner.
Day 9 - Quito
Today you’ll fly to Quito, Ecuador – a city that sits at an altitude of 2850 m with a view of Pichincha Volcano on the horizon. If your flight arrives on time, head to your second welcome meeting at 2 pm where you’ll be briefed on the next stage of your South American adventure. After, join your local leader for a tour of Quito's historic centre. Catch the metro to the Parque de la Alameda and visit sites like the Basilica Voto Nacional – a famous neo-Gothic church known for its atypical gargoyles and grotesques depicting Galapagos tortoises, Andean condors and Amazon alligators. You’ll also visit La Compania de Jesus, a baroque church with an interior that's covered in gold leaf and etched with intricate carvings. Your tour of Quito finishes at San Francisco Square, where you’ll have free time to relax or head out for dinner in Quito’s Old Town – your leader will have plenty of recommendations!
Day 10 - Isla San Cristobal
Today, catch an early morning transfer and board a flight to the Galapagos Islands – an archipelago of volcanic islands and a province of Ecuador in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The flight includes a stop in Guayaquil to pick up additional passengers (you won’t disembark the plane here). When you arrive on San Cristobal, you'll meet your local naturalist guide at the airport, then transfer to your hotel to drop off your luggage. Maybe head out for an optional lunch to get to know your fellow travellers. Then, stop by a local shop to pick up snorkelling equipment, with the option to rent a wetsuit. Later, you'll travel by private minibus to La Loberia for the first Galapagos snorkelling experience of your trip. Swim alongside playful sea lions and maybe even sea turtles! Return to town for a free evening and maybe head out with the group for some fresh seafood.
Day 11 - Isla San Cristobal
Take a 45-minute boat ride to Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) this morning. On the way, you might be able to spot nesting frigates and blue-footed boobies. You might even get the chance to swim among the sea lions again. At Leon Dormido, you can snorkel and look for sea turtles, manta rays and the harmless Galapagos shark. Eat lunch on the boat, then head to the Interpretation Center. Learn about the history of the 'enchanted islands' and the conservation projects that seek to preserve them. Next, walk to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) for stunning views of the bay. You’ll return to town in the late afternoon for a free evening.
Day 12 - Isla Floreana
Rise bright and early today for a private speedboat trip to Isla Isabela – keep an eye out for dolphins and whales on the journey! On the way, you’ll stop at Isla Floreana where you’ll take a short walk to a black sand beach owned by the Witter family – descendants of some of the Galapagos’ earliest settlers. Here, you’ll learn about the island’s small community and unusual history. Then, put on your snorkelling gear and head into the water to spot colourful fish and sea turtles. For today’s lunch, you’ll sit down for a traditional meal at Leila – a small, family-run restaurant with a genuine community feel. Leila is part of the Floreana Community Tourism Association, meaning your visit directly supports local families and sustainable tourism on this little island. Later today, continue to Isla Isabela, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 13 - Isla Isabela
This morning, you’ll hop on a small motorboat and cruise to Las Tintoreras (Shark Alley), looking out for blue-footed boobies and the famous Galapagos penguin. Take a short walk through a marine iguana nesting site (watch your step as they camouflage into the surrounding rock!), then stop at ‘Shark Alley’ – a narrow channel where white-tipped reef sharks rest in the clear, shallow waters. Head back to the boat, then put on your snorkelling gear and jump in to look for sea turtles, playful sea lions, colourful fish, eagle rays and sea stars. Return to Isla Isabela for lunch and then visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center, where you'll observe giant tortoises in all stages of development, then visit a brackish lagoon to observe flamingos. Later today, kayak around the Bay of Puerto Villamil, maybe spotting pelicans, frigatebirds and the brightly coloured Sally Lightfoot crabs along the way. Spend your evening resting in the sand and soaking in an Isla Isabela sunset – arguably the most beautiful of all the islands!
Day 14 - Isla Floreana
After breakfast, travel by private minibus to the trailhead of Sierra Negra Volcano – one of the Galapagos’ most active volcanoes and home to the world's second largest crater! Weather permitting, you’ll take a challenging 17 km round trip hike up the rocky mountain. Starting amid lush highland vegetation, watch the landscape surrounding you transform into stark volcanic terrain as you walk. After your hike, make your way back to town for some free time to relax – maybe curl up with a book, soak your tired muscles or venture down to the water for a relaxing swim before dinner.
Day 15 - Isla Santa Cruz
Jump aboard a private speedboat this morning and head to Isla Santa Cruz. When you arrive, leave your bags at the hotel and head to the Santa Cruz Highlands. Your first stop is a family-run organic sugar cane farm for a tour of their trapiche (a sugar cane mill used in artisanal sugar production). Here, you'll learn how sugar cane, coffee and cacao are harvested and processed. Next, you’ll watch a cooking demonstration featuring the famed encebollado – a local tuna soup that’s widely considered one of the best in the world! Watch as slow-cooked albacore tuna is prepared in a savoury broth of onions, cilantro and spices. The dish is traditionally served with yuca (a starchy root vegetable) and garnished with lime and green onions. Settle in for a bowl of the soup for lunch, then take a leisurely walk around the grounds, where giant tortoises roam freely.
Day 16 - Isla Santa Cruz
Take a scenic morning walk in Tortuga Bay after breakfast. When you arrive, you’ll have some free time to relax on the beach, go for a swim and watch marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and other coastal wildlife. Later in the afternoon, you’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station – an international non-profit organisation that’s dedicated to the scientific research and conservation of the archipelago’s environment and biodiversity. After, head to the Galapagos Conservancy to learn how the Intrepid Foundation supports the Women in Sustainable Entrepreneurship (WISE) program. The program provides grants and training to women-owned, sustainability-focused businesses, creating lasting benefits for local communities and the Galapagos’ fragile ecosystems.
Day 17 - Quito
Say goodbye to these enchanting islands and your Galapagos leader, then take a flight back to Quito, making a stop in Guayaquil on the way. You'll arrive in Quito in the afternoon, where a representative from Intrepid will take you from the airport to your hotel. Enjoy a free evening in Quito and perhaps head out for a final dinner with your group.
Day 18 - Quito
There are no activities planned for today and your adventure comes to an end. We recommend staying a few extra days to see more of Ecuador. Not far from the capital there are volcanoes, hot springs, indigenous markets and much more to explore. If you'd like to extend your stay in Quito, just contact your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
13-03-202630-03-2026AUD $ 10,649-
03-04-202620-04-2026AUD $ 11,789-
10-04-202627-04-2026AUD $ 11,289-
17-04-202604-05-2026AUD $ 11,459-
24-04-202611-05-2026AUD $ 11,589-
05-06-202622-06-2026AUD $ 10,749-
12-06-202629-06-2026AUD $ 10,749-
19-06-202606-07-2026AUD $ 10,649-
26-06-202613-07-2026AUD $ 10,649-
03-07-202620-07-2026AUD $ 11,049-
17-07-202603-08-2026AUD $ 10,249-
24-07-202610-08-2026AUD $ 10,249-
31-07-202617-08-2026AUD $ 10,249-
07-08-202624-08-2026AUD $ 10,249-
14-08-202631-08-2026AUD $ 10,249-
21-08-202607-09-2026AUD $ 10,249-
28-08-202614-09-2026AUD $ 10,249-
04-09-202621-09-2026AUD $ 10,649-
11-09-202628-09-2026AUD $ 10,779-
18-09-202605-10-2026AUD $ 11,019-
25-09-202612-10-2026AUD $ 11,559-
02-10-202619-10-2026AUD $ 11,339-
09-10-202626-10-2026AUD $ 11,019-
11-10-202628-10-2026AUD $ 10,129-
16-10-202602-11-2026AUD $ 11,019-
23-10-202609-11-2026AUD $ 11,019-
06-11-202623-11-2026AUD $ 10,649-
13-11-202630-11-2026AUD $ 10,249-
20-11-202607-12-2026AUD $ 10,249-
04-12-202621-12-2026AUD $ 10,249-
18-12-202604-01-2027AUD $ 10,649-
25-12-202611-01-2027AUD $ 11,149-
01-01-202718-01-2027AUD $ 11,029-
15-01-202701-02-2027AUD $ 10,619-
05-02-202722-02-2027AUD $ 10,619-
26-02-202715-03-2027AUD $ 10,619-
05-03-202722-03-2027AUD $ 10,619-
12-03-202729-03-2027AUD $ 10,619-
26-03-202712-04-2027AUD $ 11,029-
02-04-202719-04-2027AUD $ 11,434-
09-04-202726-04-2027AUD $ 11,434-
16-04-202703-05-2027AUD $ 11,434-
23-04-202710-05-2027AUD $ 11,434-
07-05-202724-05-2027AUD $ 11,434-
21-05-202707-06-2027AUD $ 11,434-
04-06-202721-06-2027AUD $ 11,029-
25-06-202712-07-2027AUD $ 11,029-
02-07-202719-07-2027AUD $ 11,029-
16-07-202702-08-2027AUD $ 10,619-
30-07-202716-08-2027AUD $ 10,619-
06-08-202723-08-2027AUD $ 10,619-
13-08-202730-08-2027AUD $ 10,619-
27-08-202713-09-2027AUD $ 10,619-
03-09-202720-09-2027AUD $ 11,029-
10-09-202727-09-2027AUD $ 11,029-
17-09-202704-10-2027AUD $ 11,434-
24-09-202711-10-2027AUD $ 11,434-
01-10-202718-10-2027AUD $ 11,434-
08-10-202725-10-2027AUD $ 11,434-
15-10-202701-11-2027AUD $ 11,434-
22-10-202708-11-2027AUD $ 11,434-
05-11-202722-11-2027AUD $ 11,029-
12-11-202729-11-2027AUD $ 11,029-
19-11-202706-12-2027AUD $ 10,619-
03-12-202720-12-2027AUD $ 10,619-
17-12-202703-01-2028AUD $ 10,619-

Accommodation

Homestay, Hotel

Transport

Plane, Speed Boat, Canoe, Train, Private Vehicle, Public bus

Map

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