Amazon, Machu Picchu & Galapagos

Lima is a bustling, busy city and one of the most important in South America. Any trip to Peru will likely begin and end in the capital and visitors take advantage of the fact that Lima is widely regarded to be the culinary capital of the continent and home to many of the best restaurants in South America. Home of the ceviche and the Pisco Sour it is a city where the past and present mix beautifully, from the colonial center to modern Miraflores, through to the ancient Incan and pre-Incan culture which can be seen in Lima’s various museums.

A city of almost 11 million people, it is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes mountains. This unique location means it enjoys a microclimate of zero rainfall and is spread along the coast atop cliffs that offer beautiful sunset views and peaceful “malecóns”, even a short trip is guaranteed to be richly rewarding and a perfect introduction to Peru and its culture.

Upon your arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, our transportation service and a representative will take you to your selected hotel.

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As the culinary and historical heart of the continent, Lima offers a captivating blend of the ancient and the contemporary. Your journey into the “City of Kings” begins with a fascinating exploration of its contrasting worlds, starting in the Historical Center of Lima. Here, you will visit the Convent of Santo Domingo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This exquisite colonial landmark is steeped in history, serving as the final resting place for the city’s beloved patron saints, St. Rose of Lima and St. Martin of Porres.

The experience continues at the iconic Plaza de Armas. Surrounded by the grandeur of colonial architecture, you’ll have the opportunity to admire and photograph the Archbishop’s Palace, the Government Palace, and the majestic Cathedral of Lima—each a testament to the city’s storied past.

To complete your immersion into Peruvian heritage, you will visit the renowned Larco Museum. Housed in a stunning 18th-century mansion, it holds an extraordinary private collection of over 45,000 pieces. This visit offers a deep dive into 5,000 years of ancient treasures that continue to amaze visitors from around the world. Before concluding the day, you will enjoy an interactive Pisco Sour and Chilcano demonstration, followed by a tasting of these signature Peruvian spirits—the perfect toast to your introduction to Lima.

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AM: After breakfast, at the scheduled time, you will be picked up from your hotel and privately transferred to Lima airport, ready to board your departure flight to Iquitos!

PM: Our crew will be expecting your arrival at the airport, then transfer all together in our comfortable private vehicle. We will start you off with a lunchbox as we begin the journey to Nauta. Nauta is a small riverside town on the banks of the Marañon River and was the first city founded in the department of Loreto. Once we reach Nauta, you will enjoy a VIP greeting at our private port along the shores of the Marañon River where the vessel awaits you.

Around 15:00 we will board the beautiful vessel. Aboard Delfin, you will be served by our qualified staff who will introduce you to your exquisite and cozy suite, specially equipped with all the amenities for an experienced traveler like yourself. Orthopedic beds, pure cotton sheets, pillows of 100% pure natural latex, cotton bathrobes, air conditioning, and a private bathroom with Spanish-style hot water showers are all framed with a spacious private terrace we are sure you will enjoy to the fullest.

While the Delfin begins its initial navigation, you will enjoy the most fantastic panoramic views from the elegantly outfitted observation area located on our third deck. Your naturalist guide will give you an overview of your journey’s schedule, activities, route, highlights, wildlife, and vegetation to keep your eye out for, geographical and historical background, and other useful details.

We head down into the Marañon River to a location known as Pahuachiro. This lovely spot is an ideal place to spend some time in search of birds and playful monkeys. As your naturalist guide spots various creatures for you, The landscape adorned by the usual colors of the sun’s reflections is a great photo opportunity as you witness your first Amazon Rainforest Sunset. Nauta Caño Creek is known for squirrel and silver back tamarillo monkeys, birds, dolphins, and even sloths! We will skim the riverbanks for small caimans and spiders, as well as insects of all colors, shapes, and sizes.

Meals: (B, L, D)

AM: On your first morning with us, you’ll have the very unique opportunity, to get to the only Canopy Walkway in the Amazon Natural Park, an experience unequaled in the rainforest! At a height of over 25 meters (85 feet) and extending for 500 meters (one-third of a mile), the Canopy Walkway provides a view of the rainforest from the treetops, the best vantage point for observing Amazon wildlife and vegetation. The Canopy Walkway is accessible to all and requires no special skills or equipment. The suspended walkway is spread between 14 of the area’s largest rainforest trees and is one of the longest canopy walkways in the world.

PM: You will continue cruising through the Yanayacu and Pucate Rivers, peeking into different creeks and lagoons. This is one of the best-preserved and protected zones of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Your guide will use his expert eye to pinpoint all the biodiversity of this region. If you want to interact directly with the waters of the Amazon, go out on one of our kayaks or paddleboards. You will even have the opportunity to see the famous pink dolphins!

Meals: (B, L, D)

AM: You will start visiting Nauta Caño Creek, known for squirrel and silver-back tamarillo monkeys, birds, dolphins, and even sloths! You will skim the riverbanks for small caimans and spiders. As well as insects of all colors, shapes, and sizes.

PM: The walk at Fundo Casual jungle trail will take you deep into the rainforest on terra firma (non-flooded forest.) Your guide will point out the dynamic creatures and vegetation of the Amazon. Be sure to keep an attentive eye open for spotting surprises! It is almost unbelievable how you find something along the way with every step. Fundo Casual is one of the few places in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Amazon Rainforest where you will spot the elusive 2-toed sloth.

On board the skiffs, you will visit a community to meet local villagers who have called Amazonia their home for generations. You may step into a typical schoolhouse where the children will be happy to have visitors, and then stop by an area to see the women of this community who have a most amazing arts & crafts market. Better known as the “Unión de los Ríos” we will toast and witness the distinguished colors of the three rivers. It is common knowledge that the Ucayali River, which in turn confluences with the Marañón River upstream of Iquitos – Peru, forms what countries other than Brazil consider to be the main stem of the Amazon River.

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Your journey continues into the heart of the Sacred Valley, a region where the profound legacy of the Incas breathes through ancient stones and vibrant modern traditions. The day begins with a breathtaking stop at the Taray viewpoint, situated at 3,200 meters above sea level. From this vantage point, you will be treated to a stunning panoramic vista of the valley floor winding between the Andean peaks.

From there, you will ascend the Apu Inti Huatana hill to explore the archaeological complex of Pisac. This site is one of the valley’s most significant landmarks, renowned for its advanced urban planning and “neighborhoods” dedicated to religious ceremonies and noble residences. As you walk among its dazzling stone platforms and temples, you will enjoy a privileged view of the traditional town below. Descending into Pisac town, you will find quiet, charming streets and a world-famous market where millenary heritage is kept alive through exquisite textile art, hand-painted ceramics, and intricate jewelry.

After enjoying a delicious typical lunch at a local restaurant, the journey continues to Ollantaytambo. This ancient military, religious, and agricultural hub was strategically built into the mountainside, and its imposing fortress remains a powerful symbol of Inca engineering. You will visit the main temple, fountains, and steep terraces while taking in unbeatable views of the town below. Ollantaytambo is unique as the only living town that maintains its original Inca urban design; a stroll through its stone streets allows you to breathe in the authentic spirit of the Andes.

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Today’s journey is dedicated to uncovering three jewels of the Sacred Valley, each revealing the extraordinary ingenuity of the Incas as both architects and master farmers. Our exploration begins with a majestic view of the Maras salt mines. From the heights, you will look down upon nearly 3,000 salt pans—a shimmering mosaic of white pools that has been harvested since the time of the Inca Empire. Once a vital pillar of the imperial economy, these mines remain a valuable source of income for local families today, offering a spectacular setting for photography enthusiasts.

The journey continues to the archaeological wonder of Moray. Resembling a vast natural amphitheater, this site is believed to have functioned as a sophisticated agricultural research center during the Tahuantinsuyo. Its enormous concentric terraces created a variety of distinct microclimates, allowing the Incas to experiment with and adapt a diverse range of crops.

After enjoying a delicious lunch prepared with fresh, local ingredients, we will visit the Chinchero archaeological complex. This site served as a major agricultural and livestock hub, characterized by its impressive terraces and ancient aqueducts. Nearby, you will admire the exterior of the Church of Nuestra Señora de Monserrat. Built in 1607 atop the foundations of an Inca palace, the church stands as a beautiful example of the “Mestizo” style—the artistic confluence of Andean and Spanish cultures during the viceregal era.

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Today, you embark on a journey to one of the world’s most iconic landmarks: Machu Picchu. Your adventure begins with a scenic train ride toward Aguas Calientes, a picturesque town nestled at the foot of the citadel. As you travel, enjoy a visual feast of Andean scenery, from the rushing Vilcanota River to the majestic mountain peaks that frame the route.

Upon arrival, a short bus ascent brings you to the gates of this Wonder of the Modern World. Standing before the ancient citadel, you will explore its mystical ruins and uncover the history and secrets held within its stones. Surrounded by incomparable cloud forest landscapes, the site offers endless opportunities for spectacular photography and a chance to experience the unique energy of this sacred place.

After your guided exploration, return to Aguas Calientes for free time to enjoy a local lunch and wander its vibrant streets. Finally, you will board the return train to the station, where a private transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel.

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Experience the timeless grandeur of Cusco, the “Imperial City” and a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your exploration begins at the Koricancha Temple, once the most opulent Inca palace and the primary center for the worship of the Sun God. Today, the site offers a fascinating architectural dialogue, as the Dominican Convent of Santo Domingo stands directly atop the original Inca stonework, showcasing the layered history of the city.

The journey continues to the vibrant Plaza de Armas, the heart of Cusco’s social and cultural life. Here, you will visit the Cathedral, the city’s most significant religious monument, renowned for its incredible collection of Cusco School art and its majestic colonial design.

As you ascend above the city, you will encounter the awe-inspiring Fortress of Sacsayhuaman. This colossal structure is a masterpiece of Inca military engineering, featuring massive stones fitted together with breathtaking precision. The tour continues to Kenko, a sacred archaeological site where ancient rituals honored the Sun, Moon, and Stars, followed by a visit to Puca-Pucara. This “Red Fortress” is thought to have served as a tambo—a strategic resting place and lodging for the Inca’s retinue as they traveled through the empire. After a day of historical discovery, a private transfer will return you to your hotel.

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AM: After breakfast, at the scheduled time, you will be picked up from your hotel and privately transferred to Cusco airport, ready to board your departure flight to Quito! You will take two flights connected via Lima, re-boarding here for your flight to Ecuador.

PM: Arriving in Quito, you can take the evening to rejuvenate and re-charge.

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The perfect introduction to Ecuador begins in Colonial Quito, a city defined by narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed walls, and a skyline punctuated by the magnificent steeples and cupolas of its historic churches. Boasting one of the best-preserved colonial centers in South America, Quito’s architectural integrity was globally recognized in 1978 when it was designated as the first-ever UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

Your morning exploration leads you through the Main Plaza, the heart of the city’s civic and religious life. Here, you will admire the Government Palace and the gold-leafed brilliance of La Compañía. You will also visit the historic San Francisco Monastery, a monumental complex whose construction began just five days after the city’s founding in 1534. The journey continues along the famous La Ronda street, a traditional enclave where the spirit of old Quito lives on through the workshops of local artisans.

For a grand finale, you will ascend El Panecillo, the prominent hill that dominates the southern skyline. From this vantage point, you can stand beside the iconic winged statue of Our Lady of the Panecillo and enjoy spectacular, 360-degree views of the sprawling city nestled within the Andes.

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AM: After breakfast, at the scheduled time, you will be picked up from your hotel and privately transferred to Quito airport, ready to board your departure flight to the Galapagos Islands! arrive at San Cristobal airport, where our naturalist guide of the National Park will be waiting for you.

PM: In the afternoon, visit Lobos island, a small islet separated from San Cristobal by a narrow channel, forming a sheltered bay where sea lion pups play in tidal pools. Despite its small size, the island is surprisingly packed with wildlife, especially with “lobos marinos”, the Spanish name for sea lions. Groups of sea lions will welcome you at the landing spot, but as you walk a few steps inland, male frigatebirds displaying their inflated red balloons will be perched on the bushes and trees. A small colony of blue footed boobies, which often nest right on the trail, will give you the opportunity to observe their famous courtship dance.

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AM: Visit Gardner Beach, whi chis undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and interesting beaches to visit in the Galapagos. Its fine coral sand and turquoise water give it a totally tropical appearance, which contrasts with the presence of sea lions basking in the beach. You will have the opportunity to walk along the beach and learn about the biology of sea lions and other endemic species, such as the Española mockingbird, marine iguanas and Galapagos hawks.

PM: Suarez Point, this is a rocky trail and is one the most amazing nature walks you can do in the Galapagos islands.

From the moment you set foot on the island and all the way along the trail the amount and diversity of fauna is truly amazing. Sea lions and marine iguanas will be the first ones welcoming us, followed by large colonies of sea birds, including Nazca and Blue-footed boobies, gulls and tropicbirds. At the end of the trail we will visit a colony of waved albatross (April to January), the largest bird in the islands and one of the most interesting because of its powerful flight and elaborate courtship. Waved albatross only nest at Española, so this is the only place where you will see them at close range.

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AM: Floreana is famous for the tales of German settlers and the baroness during the late 1920’s and 30 ‘s. Assassinations, isappearances and other unsolved mysteries are the ingredients of this fascinating story.

Post office bay was often used by whalers to anchor their ships and go up to the highlands to get fresh water and tortoises. Most boats visiting the Galapagos had to come to this place sooner or later, so a system of mail was established more than 200 years ago: a barrel near the beach became the way to leave messages to other ships and also to the outside world. This mail system is still in use and will allow you to send postcards from the Galapagos to the outside world.

Aside from a small beautiful beach and a lava tunnel, the area is great for dinghy tours to look for sea lions, green sea turtles, shorebirds, small sharks and, with some luck, Galapagos penguins.

PM: After lunch, visit Punta Cormorant, which is is located in the north of Floreana and it is known for its large coastal lagoon with American flamingoes, white-cheeked pintails, black-necked stilts and other shorebirds. There is a beautiful white sand beach which is an important nesting ground for green sea turtles where we can also see rays and reef sharks. In the last years, a small groups of blue footed boobies have started to breed right by the trail. This is also a great trail to look at endemic plants.

Meals: (B, L, D)

AM: Giant Prickly-pear cactus and barren lava rocks surround the landing spot at Santa Fe, located inside one of the most beautiful bays in the Galapagos. Turquoise water and white sand beaches make this location a perfect home for a large colony of sea lions which you will see basking in the sand. Inland, look down for endemic Santa Fe land iguanas, but also look up for Galapagos hawks, which often perch at the top of the cactus looking for prey. Darwin finches, Galapagos doves, mockingbirds and lava lizards are also common along the trail.

PM: Of the two twin islands, only South Plazas is allowed to be visited, while North plazas is kept exclusively for scientific research. This is a small islet, but it packs an impressive amount of wildlife. Right after you land you will see Galapagos land iguanas waiting under prickly-pear cactus feed on their fruits. A large colony of sea lions will give you the opportunity to see playful pups enjoying the tide pools, but also large grumpy males defending their territories. The trail will take you to a cliff where you can observe many sea birds, such as frigatebirds, red-billed tropicbirds, boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and pelicans. A reddish succulent vegetation with scattered cactus covers most of the islands like a carpet, giving this island a unique personality.

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AM: The Charles Darwin Station is a nonprofit organization which has been working for decades together with the Galapagos National Park to preserve the biodiversity of these unique islands. During this visit you will learn about the projects that both institutions carry together to protect the native species and eradicate the invasive ones which are threatening the Galapagos environment. One of the most important and emblematic projects has been reproducing giant tortoises in captivity. The visit is mostly outdoors in a beautiful dry native forest with giant cactus and many other interesting native plants. It is also a fantastic place to find several endemic Darwin finches, as well as flycatchers and mockingbirds.

After this final visit, you will be transferred to Baltra airport in time for your flight back to the mainland and return home.

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