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Peregrine Travel Centre

Peru and Galápagos Escape Small Ship Cruise

Peru and Galápagos Escape Small Ship Cruise

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Description

Discover two iconic world wonders in action-filled days. Starting in Lima, fly to Cusco and journey to the Sacred Valley and fabled Machu Picchu. Then venture to Darwin’s Galápagos Islands to encounter unique wildlife and landscapes on shore and under the sea. Sail aboard the sleek and elegant National Geographic Islander ll through 2026, and new in 2027, sail aboard the new National Geographic Gemini. With just 26 staterooms and suites, this vessel feels like a private yacht.

Trip Name
Peru and Galápagos Escape Small Ship Cruise
Days
12
Overview
Vessel Type: Small Ship Passenger Capacity: 48 National Geographic Gemini is the newest addition to the Lindblad Expeditions Galápagos fleet, designed to offer an immersive and authentic small-ship experience. Built with a shallow draught and exceptional manoeuvrability, she is purpose-designed for navigating the remote shores and vibrant marine life of the Galápagos Islands. With space for only 48 guests in 28 well-appointed cabins—including balcony suites, doubles, triples, and solo options—Gemini blends intimacy with comfort, and benefits from decades of Lindblad’s deep connections with local conservationists and communities. Life on board Gemini is designed to maximise exploration and engagement. She carries a full complement of adventure gear, including fast-deploying Mark VI Zodiacs, kayaks, paddleboards, a glass-bottom boat, and snorkelling equipment with shortie wetsuits. Guests can unwind on the Upper Deck with a hot tub and a windowed fitness centre and spa, or enjoy dining in the outdoor café or Marina Deck restaurant, both featuring open seating. Presentations and Recaps take place in the panoramic lounge, which also houses a bar, reception area, and well-stocked library—providing the perfect setting to reflect on each day’s discoveries.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Lima, Peru
Arrive in Lima, Peru’s thriving capital, and transfer to the convenient Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol Lima Airport hotel, located at the airport. Most international flights arrive in the late evening. Opt to arrive early for a Lima pre-voyage extension staying at the iconic Country Club Lima Hotel. The extension adds just a day to the expedition and gives you a chance to rest, relax and see this UNESCO World Heritage designated city.Arrival Time: Anytime after 12:00 p.m.Arrival City: Lima, Peru
Day 2 - Day 2 Lima / Cusco / Sacred Valley
Fly to Cusco this morning and transfer down into the Sacred Valley to Pisac, known for its market and the archaeological site that rises above the town. After lunch, continue through the Sacred Valley and check-in at Tambo del Inka, your hotel for the next two nights.
Day 3 - Day 3 Machu Picchu
Drive to Ollantaytambo and admire the archaeological site, then board the scenic train traveling along the Urubamba River to Machu Picchu. Perched at nearly 8,000 feet in the “eyebrow of the jungle,” the sanctuary is surrounded by tropical mountain forest with diverse birds and orchids. Enjoy an afternoon tour of the ruins and return to Machu Picchu Pueblo for the train ride back to the Sacred Valley and Tambo del Inka. Dinner is served aboard the first-class train.  
Day 4 - Day 4 Sacred Valley / Cusco
Departing the hotel, drive through the Sacred Valley to Moray—a visually stunning Inca site with dramatic agricultural terraces in the heart of the fabled and fertile Urubamba Valley. Later, visit Chinchero, a typical Andean village, where National Geographic Grantee Nilda Callañaupa gives us a demonstration of Inca weaving traditions with the women in her cooperative. Here, you'll enjoy a family-style lunch. Continue to Cusco and Sacsayhuamán, the emblematic monolithic stone site standing over the city from the northern outskirts. Like Machu Picchu, the ceremonial center was built during the reign of Inka Pacachuti. Opt to return to Cusco downhill on foot, walking through the eclectic San Blas neighborhood. In Cusco, check into the JW Marriott El Convento Hotel (a former 16th-century Augustine convent), located in the historic center, for two nights. Dinner tonight will be at this truly unique hotel.
Day 5 - Day 5 Cusco
This morning, explore Cusco, the center of the Inca universe and UNESCO-designated World Heritage site. Tour the ornate 17th-century cathedral and Plaza de Armas, as well as the sacred Inca Temple of the Sun.  Visit nearby Sacsayhuamán, the emblematic monolithic stone site standing over the city from the northern outskirts. Like Machu Picchu, the ceremonial center was built during the reign of Inka Pacachuti. Opt to return to Cusco downhill on foot, walking through the eclectic San Blas neighborhood.After lunch, the afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at your own pace: relax, shop, wander or visit one of Cusco's many churches and museums. Dinner is on your own to delve into the culinary scene in this Andean cultural center.
Day 6 - Day 6 Cusco / Lima / Guayaquil, Ecuador
Bid farewell to Peru and continue to Ecuador for the second part of your expedition with flights from Cusco via Lima to Guayaquil.
Day 7 - Day 7-10 Quito / Baltra / Embark Ship
Fly on Day 7 to Galápagos. Each day here, you'll hike, swim, snorkel or explore by kayak or Zodiac—all the while witnessing incredible interactions between animals in their natural habitat. Start exploring on Isla Santa Cruz with a trip over the highlands of Santa Cruz upon arrival. Over these few days, walk in a cactus forest with endemic land iguanas on Santa Fé. Wander among sea lions and admire soaring sea birds on Plaza Sur. Search for penguins on stark black lava at Sullivan Bay on Santiago. Snorkel in crystal-clear water at Sombrero Chino. And sail across the Equator and into the flooded caldera at Genovesa, a seabird paradise where you'll bid farewell to Darwin's Islands. 
Day 8 - Day 11 Baltra / Disembark Ship / Quito
Disembark this morning for a return flight to the mainland. In Quito there are several hotel options. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. You may be able to take advantage of overnight flights home. Ask your expedition specialist about joining a culturally rich post-voyage extension to Quito and Otavalo, a celebrated market town.
Day 9 - Day 12 Quito
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board flights home, unless you have arranged for additional nights or an extension.  Departure Time: Anytime on day 12, or after 7:00 p.m. local time on day 11.  Departure City: Quito, Ecuador  
Day 10 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

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Inclusions

    • Soak in the scenery and culture of the Sacred Valley of the Inca
    • Journey between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu by Inca Rail
    • Remain into the late afternoon at fabled Machu Picchu
    • Voyage aboard the 48-guest National Geographic Islander with a team of naturalists
    • Maximize your time in Galápagos with options to hike, Zodiac cruise, and snorkel every day

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